I always dreaded hair-washing day because I have so many tangles in my hair. But for the past two weeks I’ve been using aloe vera juice to detangle my hair and my hair has never looked better! But we’ll get into more of that later.
You may already be aware that many products contain aloe vera; you can use it on your skin, drink it and of course use it on your hair, as I do. Aloe vera is so versatile and here is why it should be your new best friend.
So what is aloe vera?
Aloe vera is a gel that is found in the aloe vera plant. It is known for helping with skin inflammation and acne, and is added to some health supplements.
It was used in ancient times by the Greeks, Egyptians, Indians, Chinese and Japanese for its medicinal purposes.
The benefits of aloe vera
- It has antibacterial properties – Aloe vera contains antioxidants called polyphenols. These polyphenols in conjunction with other compounds in the plant help inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria.
- Helps with healing of a scar faster – According to Healthline, “… experimental studies found that aloe vera could reduce the healing time of burns by about 9 days compared with conventional medication. It also helped prevent redness, itching, and infections. The evidence for aloe vera helping heal other types of wound is inconclusive, but the research is promising.”
- Reduces dental plaque – According to Heathline, Vitamin C and other natural ingredients found in the aloe vera plant can prevent plaque. It also helps with bleeding and swollen gums.
- Reduces constipation – Aloe vera can be good for constipation, but it should be used very sparingly. Be sure to consult with a doctor before trying this.
- May improve skin and lessen wrinkles – Aloe vera contains plant compounds called complex carbohydrates. This makes the gel so soothing when applied to the face and effective in the relief of pain.
- Lowers blood sugar levels – According to Medical News Today, “People sometimes use aloe vera as a remedy for diabetes. This is because it may enhance insulin sensitivity and help improve blood sugar management.” The research on this is fairly limited so scientists do not recommend taking aloe vera until further research is conducted.
Aloe vera products include:
- Aloe vera gel
- Aloe vera juice
- Aloe vera supplements
- Aloe vera oil
- Aloe vera powder
Can you use any type of aloe vera?
So don’t be thinking that you can just go walking in nature and picking any random aloe vera plant. Instead opt to buy it where you can because there are many species of aloe vera, but the most commonly used one is Aloe vera barbadensis Miller. It can be bought at certain plant stores and the prices vary.
My personal aloe vera experience
Before I got into more natural products I had no idea what aloe vera was used for. But now I can’t seem to stop relishing them all.
For instance, I use aloe vera juice, not to drink but, as I said earlier, on my hair. Am I crazy? Potentially, but maybe not. The reason I use it on my hair is because it’s been really difficult to actually find the aloe vera plant and so I opted for the next best thing which was the juice – already extracted and in a bottle.
For those with curly, frizzy or thick hair – like mine, aloe vera is perfect for detangling. It really makes the detangling process easy and pain free. I have to add that I use a specific aloe vera juice brand so I’m not sure if all aloe brands will have the same effect.
Final Thoughts
There are so many ways to use aloe vera, but if you want to make it part of your health routine, especially if you would like to consume it, which includes taking it as medication, then please consult your local doctor before you do so.
“Instead of roses, gift me Aloe Vera with multiple qualities of beauty,” – MK
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Read more here on the benefits of rooibos tea
Tell us: Have you ever used aloe vera before? If so, what did you use it for?