Aloe vera For Skin Health
Also known as wonder plant, aloe vera is an evergreen plant belonging to succulent species. Its thick, pointed, fleshy leaves contain this slime type tissue. This allows the leaves to store a great amount of water along with a chock full of health benefits. Also known as aloe vera gel, this water has remained useful to heal and offer relief from a variety of health conditions. Aloe vera grows abundantly across tropical as well as arid regions of the world. Besides, this thick, short stemmed shrub is actively cultivated to obtain the gel and use it commercially.
What Makes Aloe Vera so Important?
The Aloe vera gel is used in a variety of domains, including food, beauty as well as healthcare. In fact, owing to its incredible healing prowess, various traditional systems of healthcare have long since touted aloe vera as a plant of immense medicinal value. As per Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of health and well being, aloe vera is one of the ultimate healing herbs found in nature. People have used it for thousands of years as the “go to” herb for treating various skin conditions such as wounds, sores, burns and infections, etc.
Healing Profile of Aloe Vera
The aloe vera gel contains a variety of healthy plant compounds such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. In fact, the presence of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, allows it to prevent certain bacteria from causing infection. A wide range of therapeutic properties anti bacterial, anti septic and anti viral make this extract all the more sought after. These allow it to speed up the wound healing process and treat other skin conditions.
Use of Aloe vera for Skin Issues
The topical application of aloe vera gel is perhaps the most effective way to use this wonder herb. It not only speeds up the wound healing process, but also reduces the pain associated with the wound. The soothing and cooling effects of this rather inexpensive herb go a long way in treating the swelling, itching and redness on and around the wound. Let us zoom in and read about some of those –
Other Benefits of Aloe Vera
- It is used to treat the problem of constipation, and offer great relief in case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Although being a strong laxative, it could cause diarrhoea or cramps, therefore make sure you seek your doctor’s advice before consuming it orally.
- Topical application of aloe vera products can treat those painful and discomforting anal fissures
- Mouth rinses containing aloe vera gel prevent and treat oral issues such as plaque and cavities.
- Those extremely painful and discomforting canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are also treatable by regularly using aloe vera based mouthwash.
- It can regulate and control diabetes by managing sugar levels in our blood and improving sensitivity towards insulin.
- Slathering some aloe vera gel on the skin protects it from the harmful UV radiations, and helps treat sunburns.
- Wounds and skin damage from second degree burns can largely be contained and cured by regular application of aloe vera gel.
- It has the ability to offer clean and unblemished skin by fighting the acne and eczema causing bacteria
- There is a good possibility that regular application of aloe vera gel could slow down the ageing process and prevent the growth of wrinkles and fine lines on your face. On the other hand, it helps nourish and moisturise the skin, and maintain skin integrity. It also increases the collagen production, thus improving skin elasticity and making us look much younger.
How to Use Aloe Vera
Aloe vera extract is available in the markets in the form of creams, powder, oil and ointments. These are apt for regular topical usage, and for few times a day if you happen to have a wound. You could also avail the benefits of this all natural skin protecting agent, by extracting the gel directly off the leaves. This is inexpensive and perhaps just as effective as the commercial option. In fact, this freshly procured gel can also be added to your regular shakes and smoothies to promote general health and well being. Owing to its increasing popularity, you can even find Aloe vera juice and supplements thronging the market shelves.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
Related Posts:
Why Aloe vera Is A Wonder Plant?
Aloe vera – Healing Herb With Medicinal Benefits