Ways Aloe Vera Can Be Used For Beauty

The Aloe plant is part of the genus, succulent plants, which comprises of over 500 different types of species. It has been cultivated for many years because of its pharmaceutical uses.

Dating back 5,000 years, to ancient Egyptian times, aloe was known as a powerful herbal medicine. The plant produces both gel and latex, which are both used for medicines.

The gel is the clear gooey substance that is found when you break the plant, and the (yellow) latex comes from right under its skin.

 Many beauty experts and other health care professionals list aloe as an important plant curing many skin ailments. Here are a few of its suggested uses:

Burns

Applying aloe cream to the skin might help to heal certain burns. A 2009 study found that 30 patients with second-degree burns, who applied aloe cream, healed in areas with minor wounds in less than 16 days, The New York Times reported.

High cholesterol and Hyperlipidemia

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), preliminary evidence suggests that taking 10 to 20 milliliters of aloe orally daily for 12 weeks can reduce total cholesterol by about 15 percent, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 18 percent, and triglycerides by about 25 to 30 percent in people with hyperlipidemia.

Cold Sores

Research suggest that aloe gel speeds up canker sores and helps to alleviate some of the pain, as reported by Mayo Clinic.

Acne

Some research has shown that aloe helps to heal present acne and acne scars because of its antimicrobial properties. It’s also moisturizing without being greasy.

Follow Us

Dry Hair

The inside of the plant makes a great hair conditioner because of the its hydrating properties, according to CBS News. Use the plant's "juice" and gel in your hair, then rinse and apply your normal conditioner.

Diabetes

The NIH says that, while it's inconclusive aloe may reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. “Two studies indicate that taking aloe gel by mouth can reduce blood sugar in women with type 2 diabetes. But another study did not show the same benefit."

Sunburns 

Due to the cooling effect aloe has on the skin, it’s often an over-the-counter recommendation by physicians and pharmacists for minor sunburns.

Weight Loss

Aloe Vera juice made its way last year as a health drink. According to the Daily Mail, aloe contains a number vitamins “including A, C, E, folic acid, B1, B2, B3, B6, and it is one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12, which helps with brain and nervous system function.” As a super food it helps with digestion and clears your skin from the inside.