Aloe vera has been used as a medicinal plant for at least six thousand years. You probably have used its gel to treat a nasty sunburn before or have drunk an aloe vera juice to help with digestion. Did you know there are several other health benefits that come with this plant? There are two parts of this plant that we use the most to reap the benefits. The gel inside its leaves can be applied topically or transformed into a liquid or capsule, helping us with various skin conditions. The yellow pulp on the underside of its leaves – known as aloe latex – is taken orally, and helps us with things like constipation. There are so many amazing benefits of the aloe vera plant, but we narrowed it down to the eight you never even knew you needed.
Aloe vera contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which is why we have been using this powerhouse plant as a natural medicine for so long. When converted to toothpaste or gel, or mouthwash, aloe vera is an excellent natural option for improving your oral health and reducing dental plaque. Your dentist will be so impressed (and may not harp on you for your lack of flossing!) It can also help reduce gingivitis and candida.
There is a reason why there are so many aloe-infused skincare and beauty products out there! Aloe vera’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help prevent and kill off acne-causing bacteria on your skin. There are 75 active ingredients in pure aloe vera gel that do wonders for your skin, including salicylic acid.
I know you’ve all heard of aloe vera’s incredible impact in soothing sunburned skin, but that’s not where it’s healing properties end! Aloe vera does incredibly well in healing minor wounds and burns that are not just of the sun variety! While you may be tempted by aloe cream, gel is the real winner here.
If you’re having some tummy troubles, brew some aloe vera in a tea. Aloe vera is actually well-known to help with your digestion. Don’t drink too much though, or you may find yourself spending more time in the bathroom than you want to!
Aloe vera really is a one-in-all plant. The plant’s gel is soothing and is known to rejuvenate aging skin. Starting to see some wrinkles? Worry not – aloe vera gel is here to save the day!
If you’re having joint pain in your hands or feet, aloe vera gel could be another alternative for you! As we already know, aloe vera has incredible anti-inflammatory agents that help with wounds and minor burns. So it should come as no surprise that this powerhouse plant is an anti-arthritic. It can alleviate your painful symptoms in a pinch!
If you don’t have any hydrogen peroxide on hand, don’t worry! Aloe vera has 6 different antiseptic agents that work round the clock to prevent the growth of bad bacteria in cuts and stops gross fungus in its tracks. If you are suffering from a nasty case of athletes foot, you’re in luck!
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