Here are 32 Fascinating Things Everyone with an Aloe Plant Needs to Know! From soothing burns to glowing skin – it has all!
If you have an aloe plant at home or garden, you might not be aware of the ways you can use it! This list will give you more than thirty methods!
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Fascinating Things Everyone with an Aloe Plant Needs to Know
1. Soothing Sunburn Relief
Aloe vera gel contains cooling properties that provide instant relief to sunburned skin. It helps reduce inflammation and pain while promoting healing.
If you want to use it at home, just apply a little bit of pure aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas and massage it gently. Do this 2-3 times a day until the sunburn fades.
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2. Nourishing and Hydrating the Skin
Did you know that aloe vera gel is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish the skin and help retain moisture? These aloe properties can help you improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Make it a habit to cleanse your face and apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel as a moisturizer. Let it sit and absorb into the skin and see the magic happen.
3. Healing Wounds Faster
Aloe vera gel also stimulates cell regeneration and has antimicrobial properties that aid in faster wound healing.
Using it on wounds can be tricky, so here’s what you need to do.
- Clean the wound with mild soap and water and then pat it dry using a clean, sterile cloth or towel.
- Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel directly onto the wound and make sure it covers the entire wound.
- Place a sterile bandage or dressing over the wound to protect it from external contaminants.
That’s pretty much it. Do this 2-3 times every day and change the bandage each time. Just clean the wound once again before reapplying the gel.
4. Create a Face Mask
Aloe vera gel comes as a key ingredient in many rejuvenating face masks as it revitalizes and brightens the skin. Aloe is great for removing impurities, improving skin texture, and restoring a healthy glow.
What you can do is make an aloe gel face mask by mixing it with other natural ingredients, such as honey or yogurt, to form a smooth paste. Just apply this to cleansed skin, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Doing it once a week is enough.
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5. Hair and Scalp Care
Aloe vera gel can also do wonders for your hair and scalp. It’s a natural conditioner that leaves the hair smooth, shiny, and well-hydrated.
All you need to do is mix a little bit of aloe vera gel with the conditioner you use. You can also apply it directly to your scalp and hair.
6. Acne Treatment
It possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in reducing acne breakouts. With Aloe, you can soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and promote healing.
Just cleanse your face by applying a thin aloe layer on the affected areas. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse your face with lukewarm water. Doing this 2-3 times a week will result in clearer skin.
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7. Remove Makeup
Why use chemicals or creams when aloe gets the job done? Aloe vera gel is a gentle and effective makeup remover – even for waterproof products. It will dissolve your makeup but won’t strip your skin’s natural oils or cause any irritation.
So, how do you use it? Just apply some gel to a cotton pad and use it to wipe off your makeup. After that, rinse off your face with water.
8. Get Rid of Itchy Scalp
Need relief from itchiness caused by dryness, dandruff, or scalp conditions like psoriasis? Don’t worry. Aloe’s moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties will help you out.
Take some aloe vera gel, rub it a bit in your hands and fingers then use them to massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and then rinse it off with a shampoo. The best thing? You can do it as often as you want, and it won’t have any side effects.
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9. Improve Digestion
The juice taken from the plant’s latex is full of enzymes that support digestion and promote regular bowel movements. These are also great for gastrointestinal discomfort and help maintain a healthy digestive system.
You should consume a small amount of aloe vera juice mixed with water. You can also mix it with other drinks. Here’s how to make the juice.
- Take a piece of aloe vera leaf. (You will only need 1, as it has enough gel to make a quart of juice.)
- Peel the leaf with a sharp knife and remove all of the skin carefully, revealing the gel below. You need to remove all of the latex, as it contains aloin – a natural laxative.
- Rinse the aloe gel to reduce some of its bitterness and remove any residual latex.
- Now add it to water and mix these in a blender. You need to blend it until it becomes completely smooth or pulse it for a textured juice with chewy bits.
10. Minor Burn Treatment
We all know aloe is known for its soothing properties, but it can also heal minor burns by providing an immediate cooling relief. It also reduces inflammation and helps healing.
If your skin got burned from the kitchen stove or any other way, take a bit of aloe vera gel and spread it over the wound. Once done, cover it with a bandage and let the wound rest. Do this 3-4 daily, and in a couple of days, the wound will be way better.
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11. Soothe Bug Bites
If you have bug bites on your skin, you should apply a bit of aloe to it. The anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe plants will reduce the itching and swelling around the bite or sting.
12. Oral Health
Aloe vera is also a natural mouthwash. If added to toothpaste, aloe gel can help promote healthy gums and relieve mouth ulcers. Its antibacterial properties will help you reduce plaque and prevent gum disease.
You can add a pea-sized aloe vera gel bit to your toothpaste while brushing your teeth. You can also mix it with water and create a homemade mouthwash.
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13. After-Shave Balm
Do you always get razor burns after you shave? If yes, aloe vera gel can help you. It will soothe and moisturize your skin after shaving. It won’t burn your skin and has a cooling/healing effect.
Take a piece of aloe, slice it open, and massage it on your skin. You can also take a bit of gel in your hands and rub it gently on your face.
14. Take Care of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks won’t entirely disappear, but aloe gel can make them lighter and help them heal. Aloe vera gel is hydrating and has collagen-stimulating abilities. If you use it regularly, it will reduce the redness of stretch marks and keep your skin supple and elastic.
You can massage aloe vera gel onto your abdomen, thighs, breasts, and sides. Make sure you use it consistently throughout pregnancy or during periods of weight gain/loss.
15. Anti-Aging Treatment
You know that aloe is rich in antioxidants, but did you know that it can help you keep your skin younger? The antioxidants in aloe combat free radicals and protect your skin from premature aging.
Just apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the face and neck area. Leave it on for some time so that it can penetrate your skin. Once or twice a week will keep your skin glowing and young.
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16. As a Lip Balm
You can also ditch those expensive lip balms and create one with aloe gel. It will nourish and hydrate chapped lips, take care of dryness, reduce flakiness, and keep your lips soft and supple. Follow this recipe to make an aloe gel lip balm.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
- 1 tablespoon shea butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
- Optional: a few drops of essential oil for fragrance (such as peppermint or lavender)
Steps
- Take the beeswax pellets, shea butter, and coconut oil and melt them in a heatproof container or a double boiler. Mix these gently.
- Allow the mixture to cool for a minute or two, and then add the aloe vera gel to it. Keep stirring so it mixes well.
- Once done, pour the lip balm mixture into small containers or tubes and leave it so it can cool and solidify completely.
Once it does, you can start using it.
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17. Eye Makeup Primer
Aloe vera gel can also be used as a natural primer for eye makeup – surprising but true. The stickiness of aloe helps the eyeshadow adhere better, extends its longevity, and also prevents creasing.
So the next time you’re applying an eyeshadow, take some aloe gel and rub it on your eyelids. Don’t start right away, though; let it dry.
18. Fix Cracked Heels
Everyone gets cracked heels now and then, but instead of spending bucks on a moisturizer, use aloe. Aloe gel has hydrating properties and will fix dry, cracked heels and then some.
Take a bit of aloe vera gel and use your fingers to rub it on your heels. Do it once every day. If you don’t like the feeling, you should add it to your bedtime routine, and it’ll work its magic overnight.
19. After-Sun Hair Treatment
Aloe can help take care of your hair if they’re sun damaged too. The aloe gel will provide relief from dryness and help boost hair health, turning brittle hair better. Actually, aloe gel forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft and stops further damage.
If you keep applying it, it will heal your scalp naturally. When you’re fresh out of the shower with damp hair, take a bit of aloe vera gel and apply it to the lengths and ends of your hair.
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20. Make your Makeup Last Longer
If you don’t have a makeup setting spray, go with aloe gel. Aloe has a hydrating and refreshing effect that keeps makeup in place. But don’t use the gel directly. Instead, create this homemade setting spray.
Take equal parts of aloe vera gel and distilled water and mix them well. Transfer them to a spray bottle and use them whenever you want. Just shake it a bit before using it. It’ll create the perfect dewy look.
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21. Cuticle Softener
Aloe vera gel can also help take care of dry cuticles, making them softer. Aloe’s nourishing properties promote healthy cuticle growth – just use a small amount of aloe gel and massage it gently on the cuticles.
22. Use Aloe to Repel Insects
We always tell you to use natural insect repellants, and there’s none better than aloe vera. It can help you ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. The scent of aloe is bitter and repels insects, making it a chemical-free (and effective) solution.
All you need to do is mix aloe vera gel with a few drops of essential oils like citronella, lavender, or lemongrass. Then use this spray to get rid of bugs. Here’s the DIY to get you started.
23. As a Hand Sanitizer
Apart from an insect repellent, aloe vera gel can be used as a base for a homemade hand sanitizer. It will kill germs and bacteria and keep the hands soft – talk about two birds with one stone.
For an aloe gel sanitizer, mix aloe vera gel with isopropyl alcohol and add a few drops of essential oils to it. Lemon and lavender will do.
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24. Aloe Vera Yogurt
Never tried aloe with yogurt? You ought to! The Japanese are a huge fan of aloe vera yogurts and consume them as a healthy snack. You don’t need to visit Japan to relish this delight – follow these steps to make it yourself.
Recipe
Rinse and remove the outer skin of aloe leaves and then take its gel out and add it to cold water. Add a bit of lemon juice and salt to reduce its bitterness, then take it out and chop it into cubes.
Next, heat up some plain yogurt in a saucepan on low heat until it is lukewarm (Don’t let it boil). Take the aloe cubes and add them to the yogurt. Take the mixture and keep it in a glass jar. Just microwave this aloe yogurt for 5 minutes in a warm microwave (around 70°C) and let it cool down for 7-8 hours. Keep it in the refrigerator so that it sets, and voila! It’s ready. If you want the detailed recipe, you can check it out here.
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25. Regulating Blood Pressure
Consuming aloe vera can help manage blood pressure due to its potential hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effects. It has many bioactive compounds, like lectins and polysaccharides, that can help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Why not try it in yogurt? ;)
Important: You should consult with a healthcare professional before using aloe as a supplement for blood pressure management. Don’t make the mistake of leaving your medicine entirely and switching over to aloe.
26. Remedy for Diabetes
Aloe can also keep your blood sugar levels in check if you have diabetes. Certain compounds found in aloe vera – glucomannan and phytosterols can improve insulin sensitivity and promote better glucose utilization by your body.
Aloe has been used in traditional medicine for diabetes mellitus (DM) in Arabian and Latin American countries for a long time. You can read the study here to know more about how aloe vera regulates blood sugar.
Note: Aloe vera should not replace prescribed medications or insulin therapy for diabetes management. You should use it by taking a complementary approach in consultation with your doctor.
27. Reduce Dark Circles
Do you love browsing your phone when going to sleep but hate those dark circles? Well, Aloe vera can help. With its moisturizing and cooling properties, aloe gel helps reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes by hydrating the delicate skin and improving blood circulation. It will also take care of the puffiness.
Just rub a small bit of aloe gel under your eyes and let it do its work for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off afterward. Do this daily, and you’ll see the dark circles fading soon.
28. Scar Treatment
The healing properties of Aloe gel can treat burns but also reduce the appearance of scars over time. Aloe helps regenerate skin cells and also promotes collagen production – so no more scars.
Use aloe gel twice a day and massage over the scar. It’ll take some time, but your scars will fade.
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29. Fights Cancer
Aloe also helps with cancer! Don’t believe us? Aloe vera has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties and its ability to boost immunity in cancer patients. Aloe has many compounds; one is emodin – which can inhibit the spread of certain cancer cells.
Of course, more research is required before we start using aloe for cancer treatment, but its immunity-boosting and anti-cancer effects make it an interesting plant.
30. Provides Relief From Heartburn
Is there truly nothing that Aloe can’t do? What if we told you that aloe vera juice can provide relief from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? It’s true. Consuming 1-3 ounces of aloe vera juice after a meal can help reduce the discomfort associated with heartburn. You can find the detailed study here.
If your problem persists, you should definitely consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
31. Helpful in Stomach Cancer
The anti-carcinogenic properties of aloe vera make it a potential treatment option for gastric cancer, too. The extracts of aloe vera mixed with ziziphora, ginger, and saffron have shown promise against gastric cancer in many studies.
Note: Aloe vera alone is not a substitute for medical treatment, and consultation with a healthcare professional is needed for the proper diagnosis and management of gastric cancer.
32. Boosts Immune System
After reading so many aloe vera benefits, we don’t think this will come as a surprise – but aloe vera can boost your immune system by enhancing nutrient absorption and improving blood circulation. Aloe has many detoxifying agents that eliminate toxins from the body.
A preliminary trial study done on HIV patients also showed positive results in boosting immune function if the patients consumed aloe vera gruel. More research is definitely needed on this, though.
Note: While aloe vera has many uses and health benefits, it is essential to exercise caution as many of these are results of studies. You should conduct thorough research and consult healthcare professionals before adding aloe vera to your health regimen for safe use.
