Take a look at the ingredients lists of some of your favorite bath, body and hair products. Chances are, many of them contain Aloe Vera. This powerful gel, that comes from the pulp inside the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant, contains over 200 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and more. It provides a creamy, softening base to products from hand lotions to shampoos, and everything in between. It’s no surprise that many people are starting to grow their own Aloe Vera plants just to reap in the benefits of this miracle gel. Below are some of the most useful and surprising uses for Aloe.
Moisturizer
While many commercial moisturizers contain Aloe vera, there is no better way to quench your skin’s thirst than to apply the fresh gel directly. Aloe acts as an incredible moisturizing agent for all skin types, and is especially helpful for use on oily skin. Using Aloe Vera for acne is a great way to naturally lessen breakouts.
Burn and Minor Cut Aid
One of the most common uses for Aloe Vera is applying it after suffering a minor burn or a long day in the sun. But Aloe is also beneficial to help in the healing of minor cuts. Simply apply the gel to the affected area and let it absorb into the skin. It will help heal the burn or cut as well as act as a disinfectant to the area and aid in inflammation.
Hair Gel
Aloe Vera has become a common ingredient in many shampoos, conditioners and hair products, and it’s no wonder why! Its smoothing and softening qualities are perfect for dry, damaged or frizzy hair. You can apply a small amount of gel to wet hair before styling or dry hair to smooth frizz throughout the day.
Shaving Gel
Have you ever taken a look at the ingredients in your can of shaving gel? Triethanolamine… Propylene glycol… No thanks! Aloe vera is safe and natural, and serves as the base ingredient in most commercial shaving gels. The truth is, it’s all you need. It will provide you with a smooth shave and moisturized skin afterwards.
Digestive Aid
While many people think Aloe Vera is only meant to be used topically, it has been ingested for years to help aid in many common digestive issues. Aloe works as a digestive aid, cleansing and detoxifying the digestive tract and tackling issues like diarrhea and stomach upsets along the way. Some people choose to take daily preventative Aloe juice shots, while others mix it into smoothies. If you’d like to try it as a juice, check out Lakewood Organic Pure Aloe Vera Gel.
(While Aloe Vera has many digestive advantages, it should be noted, however, that it is not meant to be consumed in large quantities. If you would like to begin adding Aloe to your daily diet and you don’t know where to begin, consult your physician for guidance.)
While it is always best to use the freshest source possible, if you are unable to obtain an Aloe plant, you can purchase Aloe Vera gel at your local retailer. Don’t be fooled by the shelves of Aloe products, however. Just take a look at the list of ingredients in one particular company’s commercial Aloe that includes in its title: “100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel!”
If you do choose to purchase Aloe Vera gel instead of obtaining it directly from a plant, it’s important to find a product that contains 100% pure organic Aloe Vera gel and as few other ingredients as possible, like Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera.
Photo credit: The Memoirs of Megan
