JOIN USAmong the many plant ingredients in use today, aloe vera is one of the most versatile.
Aloe vera, a plant that looks like cactus but belongs to the Liliaceae family, is blessed with many healing properties. It contains around 75 known active ingredients and is very high on vitamins and minerals.
The plant’s usage for various cosmetic and medicinal purposes dates back 3000 years. Owing to its healing qualities, aloe vera is now being used widely as a cosmetic product for prevention and cure. Now a medically recognised plant, aloe vera plant grows very easily in pots and can be consumed and applied directly.
“Aloe vera has been known for its healing properties since the ancient times. Among the many plant ingredients that are in use today, aloe vera is one of the most versatile. It is a powerful natural moisturiser, which seals off loss of moisture.
It was used to heal cuts and wounds as it helps formation of scar tissue,” says beauty expert Shahnaz Husain.
The plant has anti-oxidant properties which boost the skin’s cell renewal process. This means, usage of aloe vera helps delay signs of ageing. “It softens dead skin cells and helps in their removal, leaving skin smoother and brighter. In fact, it helps the normal functions of the skin by improving its capacity to retain moisture. If used regularly, aloe vera helps preserve skin’s youthfulness,” she adds.
Aloe vera is very high in water content, therefore it is beneficial in curing and preventing not just one but all types of diseases. It can be applied even on deep wound and third degree burns.
“Aloe vera has been studied world over and tops the list of medicinal herbs followed by garlic. It is medically proven now that since aloe vera is ultra high in water content, it is beneficial for liver and in curing illnesses like cancer and arthritis. Besides, it is excellent for sunburn, fire burn, pigmentation, cuts, scars and dry skin,” says consultant Ayurveda physician Manish Joshi.
Aloe vera can be consumed as it is after peeling off its skin but without churning the pulp too much else it loses its nutrient value. While dieticians say that aloe vera is good in the form of juice, doctors advise it to consume it as is. “It is good to have aloe vera in the form of juice. It cures stomach disorders and helps in building immunity,” says nutritionist Manisha Bansal.
High on nutrition, aloe vera plant tastes bitter and has a smell pungent, so it can be consumed by adding honey or putting it in shakes and juices without churning it much. “It is better to start with a small dose and then increase the intake gradually.
After sometime, even a very good amount of the plant can be digested easily because of maximum water content in it,” says Dr Manish.