ALOE VERA THE MAGICAL HERB

By Arunangshu Maitra

Aloe Vera is a green cactus looking plant that happens now a day to be in the garden not because of its unusual looks but for various other positive reasons as such. Its importance is now a million dollar industry that extends from beauty creams to healthy juices and diet supplements. Today Aloe Vera is being inducted into everything we use. What’s the secret within Aloe Vera?

It’s a plant having a height of one or two feet tall with prickly and bitter leaves. This is the defence mechanism of it to keep away animals and insects from it. The leaves hold a sticky semi-transparent gel, also extremely bitter, and known all over the world for its unbelievable healing properties. This semi-transparent gel is made up of approximately 96% water with some organic and inorganic compounds, a type of protein which contains 18 of the 20 amino acids found in the body and lastly, Vitamin A, B, C and E. Another part of the Aloe Vera plant which is used is the ‘sap’, a yellow-colored liquid stuck to the skin of the plant from the inside. When dried and purified, the minced Aloe is often used as a laxative. One of the most vital elements found in Aloe Vera gel is a complex carbohydrate known as acemannan. It allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and at the same time relieve them of toxins. Ayurveda, Chinese herbal medicine and British herbal medicine have all supported Aloe Vera as a healer when applied or consumed orally. If we see through the herb we move past the slimy texture of natural Aloe Vera gel and apply it to our skin, we can notice how soothing and cool it is. And it’s for these exact reasons that Ayurveda refers to Aloe Vera as the miracle herb that can be used to treat wounds, minor cuts, dry skin and severe burns. One of the specialities is that Aloe Vera can be used irrespective of seasons and skin types. Aloe Vera treats the cells on the epithelial level of the skin can be treated by Aloe Vera. Thus is prescribed by dermatologists for removing tan, sunburn and stretch marks etc. There are two ways to use Aloe Vera. One is by applying the gel directly and the other way is by using it as an Aloe Vera pack by putting it with other natural ingredients.

1. Aloe Vera for Dry Skin – Aloe Vera can be mixed with a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of milk and a few drops of rose water. It can be blended to a paste and applied to the dry skin for 20 minutes. This can be continued to 7 days to get the desired results.
2. Aloe Vera Scrub – Aloe Vera gel can be mixed with a cup of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. The sugar helps in exfoliating and scrubs off dead skin. Alongside the Aloe Vera will deep clean the skin. Parallely the lemon will help fade out scars and tan. All the ingredients should be scrubbed and applied in both face and body.
3. Aloe Vera for Acne – Take some Aloe Vera gel, blended walnuts with flour like consistency and honey. Aloe Vera’s healing properties coupled with the antioxidants from honey will leave you with smooth and clear skin.
4. Aloe Vera for Sensitive Skin – Grab some Aloe Vera gel, cucumber juice, yoghurt and rose oil and blend them to a paste. Apply and leave for around 20 minutes, then rinse it off.
5. Aloe Vera for liver – Aloe Vera is beneficial for Liver if its gel can be consumed 2-4 teaspoons daily.
6. Aloe Vera for Itching – The Aloe Vera is also beneficial to provide relief in itching and eczema.