Did you know that you can use aloe vera gel for more than just sunburn? The aloe plant is a versatile succulent that has topical, cosmetic, and possible medicinal uses. You can also eat it and drink it in several supplements and beverages. If you want clear skin or even want to try your hand at making natural cosmetics, you should consider learning more about this wonderful plant.
What Is Aloe Vera?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant found in tropical and drought-prone areas. It is the most common variety of aloe, native to Eastern Africa, the Mediterranean region, India, China, and the Arabian Peninsula. It is also a common plant found in nurseries in the United States. You can identify aloe vera by its greyish green leaves coated in sharp edges. These leaves come together to form a rosette in the center of the plant. It is common to find aloe in both grocery stores and health food stores around the world.
8 Ways Aloe Vera Can Be Used
Now that we’ve touched a little bit on what aloe vera is, let’s discuss 8 unique ways aloe vera can be used.
1. Aloe Vera Gel Promotes Healthy Skin
Aloe vera offers many benefits for the skin. According to Kim Chang at Baylor College of Medicine, aloe vera contains antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins A and C. The vitamins and enzymes within aloe also help prevent some signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. The enzymes act as an exfoliant, which means that they help remove dead skin cells to cleanse the skin. In addition, aloe vera gel contains complex carbohydrates and water, which acts as a moisturizer.
2. Say Goodbye To Pimples
Aloe has some anti-inflammatory properties. Using it on mild acne can alleviate inflammation and help unclog pores. In addition, Aloe gel contains salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that dissolves dead skin cells and removes the sebum that builds up inside pimples. After about six weeks of use, you may notice less acne and clearer skin.
3. Aloe Can Be Used In Cosmetics
Aloe vera is a popular ingredient in skincare products such as lotions, soap, shampoo, and toner. You might choose aloe to include in homemade cosmetics. It is a natural product that soothes and helps heal skin.
When used in face cleansers, the vitamin C and antioxidants help brighten and clean your skin. Over time, it can even help correct uneven complexion due to its high vitamin C content. Aloe vera lotion offers extra moisture to dry, irritated skin. When added to shampoo and conditioner, aloe helps clear up dandruff while moisturizing a dry scalp.
4. Aloe Vera Soothes Sunburn and Minor Abrasions
You can treat sunburn with aloe vera gel to ease the burning and help lessen the inflammation due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactive components support carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which accelerates the regeneration of the damaged skin.
5. Aloe May Even Help Relieve Heartburn
Having an aloe drink or supplement can affect how often you experience heartburn. According to a 2015 study, aloe ingested via pill form reduced the frequency of the eight main symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
6. Aloe Vera Juice Can Help Lower Blood Sugar
In a 1996 and a 2004 study confirming the research, people who took aloe twice a day showed lower blood sugar than a control group. The study shows promise for future uses of aloe for pre-diabetic individuals.
Those with diabetes who take insulin should not consume aloe, however, because it can excessively lower blood sugar.
7. Substitute Your Favorite Mouthwash for Aloe
Aloe gel is non-toxic. You can eat it and put it in smoothies, but did you know that you can also use it as mouthwash? The antioxidants and vitamin C in it can cleanse the mouth and fight plaque. If your gums are sore or bleeding, aloe’s anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties can help them heal.
8. Aloe Keeps Produce Fresher Longer Naturally
The antioxidants within aloe vera can help keep produce fresh when applied to the outside of the fruit or vegetable. Produce becomes rancid when organisms and bacteria start to break it down. Aloe stops this process by forming a barrier that avoids further damage to the produce. It also prevents the lipids from oxidizing and giving fruit and vegetables a rancid smell and taste. Many consumers prefer using natural antioxidants to preserve food over synthetic ones, and aloe is a great choice for this application.
How To Get The Best Aloe Vera Gel
The best way to ensure that you're getting the highest quality aloe gel possible is to choose a company with complete control over the manufacturing process, from growing to harvesting and processing.
At Aloe Laboratories, we maintain our own aloe vera farm and production site, allowing us to craft the most satisfactory products possible while keeping bulk and wholesale prices low. We pride ourselves on producing aloe vera gel, juice, and powder specific to each customer's needs.
If you'd like to learn more about how aloe vera gel can enhance your products, or if you have some ideas of your own, reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you make your product a reality.