Aloe Vera is known as the “plant of immortality,” and for good reason. Its amazing effects on skin are well known, from soothing irritation to helping skin look young and radiant. But these days Aloe Vera can do a whole lot more than just help your skin.
Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
As more research into Aloe is being done, a seemingly endless list of potential uses is being discovered.
It can help reduce or eliminate dandruff. As a cream it is an extremely effective treatment for psoriasis. It may even have potential uses as a supplement for diabetics to help stabilize blood sugar levels, or to treat the common cold.
It is also being investigated as a possible compliment to chemotherapy. Working with chemo it may help slow the growth of tumors, and increase patient survival rates. It can also be used to limit the side-effects of chemo, especially hand-foot syndrome.
More generally, Aloe Vera has been shown to be good for your immune system, can help flush your body of toxins, and may even contribute to weight loss.
But that’s enough of the benefits. Sure, Aloe Vera is amazing for your entire body, but here’s the face mask recipe that’s great for your skin.
Aloe Vera Face Mask Recipe For Flawless Skin
You’ll need:
– ½ tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel
– 1 tablespoon of kelp powder
– ½ tablespoon of raw, organic honey
What You Do:
- Mix all the ingredients together in a container and leave it to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Before applying the mask, rinse off your face with some soap and water, and then pat dry with a towel.
- Apply the Aloe Vera mask all over your face, being careful to avoid getting any in your eyes.
- Sit still for 15 minutes, before washing it off with some lukewarm water.
You can use this mask a couple times a week to help keep your skin acne-free and flawless. And if you really like trying new masks, this turmeric one is also worth a try.
How to Get the Most Out of Aloe Vera
If you really want to unlock the potential benefits of Aloe Vera, however, you should consider drinking the juice. Most health food stores carry it these days, though you can make your own at home from the leaves.
All you really need to do is take a sharp knife to the outer layer of the leaf to reveal the gel inside. Then simply scrape it out. You can mix it with other fruit juice if you like and have it with your breakfast in the morning.
Drinking a few tablespoons a day can have a number of health benefits including:
Packed with vitamins and minerals – Aloe Vera is absolutely loaded with vitamin A, C, E, and plenty of B-vitamins. It also contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and selenium, making it great for promoting strong bones and fighting fatigue.
Helps Hair Health – a lot of those vitamins and minerals happen to also be very good for the health of your hair. Drinking Aloe Vera can help keep your hair strong and shiny.
Regulates Blood Sugar – there is some evidence to suggest that drinking Aloe Vera juice can benefit diabetics and help to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Promotes Healthy Digestion – its soothing qualities are particularly good for anyone struggling with the painful symptoms of IBS.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol – Aloe Vera can help the body lower bad cholesterol, benefiting heart health.
Boosts the Immune System – Aloe Vera is packed with little molecules called polysaccharides which help the immune system to function properly. In particular, they help relieve any inflammation in your body that may cause your immune system to go into overdrive. This can be helpful for preventing conditions like eczema, asthma, and Crohn’s disease.
Detoxes – filled with amino acids and other beneficial nutrients, Aloe Vera is great for cleansing your body of toxins and inflammation, and soothing any irritation.
Helps to Prevent – drinking Aloe Vera can help prevent a wide range of conditions including indigestion, kidney stones, ulcers, gingivitis, and even cancer. It should also be noted that it can help with constipation as well, so you should be careful not to drink too much of it at any one time.
Aloe Vera – The Plant of Immortality
Aloe Vera really is an amazing plant. As a face mask it’s delightful, helping skin look radiant. As a juice, it can help prevent disease and soothe inflammation, and is a great source of nutrients. If Aloe Vera isn’t yet one of your favorite plants, it really should be.
*Article originally appeared at Healthy Holistic Living.
