Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is a succulent plant, remarkable for its multipurpose uses. Widely grown in arid climatic conditions, it is also known as medicinal aloe, giving due importance to its therapeutic benefits. The leaves of this plant are filled with a gel like sap. Extracts of aloe vera are added in foods, beverages as well as in formulation of cosmetic products and some medications. Apart from commercial applications, fresh aloe vera gel is used in a number of ways. Scroll down to find more information on aloe vera gel extraction and benefits.

Making Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is a common item in beauty stores and health food stores. However, not all the brands are reliable in terms of purity and concentration. Thus, a better alternative is to make aloe vera gel on your own. For this, you just need freshly harvested, matured aloe vera leaves (organic if available). If grown at home, cut the leaves from the bottom of the plant with a sharp knife. Wash your hands and the leaves thoroughly. Then, using a sharp knife, remove the rough edges and peel the leaves.

Take a spoon and scoop out the slimy mucilage and transparent gel from the aloe leaf. Make sure that the yellow sap exuded from the green part of the leaf is discarded properly. This is called aloin that causes irritation reactions. Add the gel that you have scooped out in a dark-colored bottle having airtight lids. You can preserve it in the refrigerator for everyday usage. This is how you can prepare homemade organic aloe vera gel. Make it in your spare time and get maximum benefits with negligible side effects.

Aloe Vera Gel Benefits

As more and more people become aware of the many benefits of aloe vera gel and other products, today this succulent plant is cultivated all over the world. The therapeutic value of aloe vera in herbal medicine is attributed to the presence of some active ingredients, namely anthraquinone, mannan, lectin and polysaccharides. Some of the notable benefits of aloe vera gel are listed below.

For Skin: Apply aloe vera gel directly over face and hands as a part of general skin care routine. Those who are very conscious about their skin appreciate the benefits of aloe vera gel for face. It will rejuvenate the skin cells, leaving a soft and hydrated skin. Pampering your face with aloe vera gel on a regular basis helps reduce acne, wrinkles and dark spots.

For Hair: Aloe vera gel benefits for hair is worth mentioning. Applying it in the scalp reduces dandruff, psoriasis and more importantly, loss of hair, which is the common symptom of scalp problems. Whenever possible, you can replace your regular hair gel with aloe vera gel to give a cooling effect to the scalp. Apply it as you normally do and style your hair. .

For Wounds: Aloe vera extracts including its gel form are applied in skin cuts, injuries abrasions, rashes and sunburns to promote quick recovery. Its antimicrobial action aids in fighting infections. Thus, aloe vera is also known by the name, first aid plant. You can use the gel 2-3 times daily over the injured areas to soothe pain and inflammation symptoms.

For Gums: Another most common aloe vera use is in periodontal care. It soothes gum inflammation, swelling and other infection symptoms; while reducing the healing period. Using aloe vera gel in the regular dental care regimen, will help maintain good dental health and also, reduce plaque formation and tooth decays.

In addition to the above aloe vera gel benefits, the gel form is effective for treating internal health problems such as stomach discomfort, headaches, muscle pain and kidney disorders. Reap the benefits of aloe vera gel by growing this hardy plant at home. As you have already know how to make aloe vera gel, you can harvest your own gel at any time. Keep it in the refrigerator and ensure a continuous supply for your skin care and hair care routines.