Aloe Vera is Not Just a Beautiful House Plant

•updated March 22, 2020

The spiky succulent aloe plant grows naturally in dry, tropical climates in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the southern and western parts of the United States. While there are more than 300 known species,  there is ONLY ONE that is scientifically referred to as Aloe Barbadensis, aka aloe Vera. Revered in the health and beauty worlds for its therapeutic properties, aloe goes a long way in terms of merits. The surprising benefits of aloe vera have been known for its healing properties for at least 6,000 years when people realized they could use the gel and sap found in aloe Vera as a remedy to help treat everything from skin issues such as sunburn to digestive problems.

More than ever, it is imperative that we wash our hands properly and often. We should also use gloves when going out in public and when shopping, and only touching what we buy. When you get home, throw those gloves in the wash!

We are also in a time where we often need hand sanitizers. If it is all sold out online or in the store, I have included a DIY recipe in this article using aloe vera and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) that you can make at home.

Also known as “burn plant,” “Lily of the desert,” and “Elephant’s gall,” Indians, Chinese, Mexicans, North Americans, including Africans have used aloe Vera, not only to alleviate digestive issues but also to treat wounds, hair loss, hemorrhoids, etc.

Today, aloe Vera is a household name that has an entire industry built behind it. Its extract is used in the production of cosmetics and personal-care products such as moisturizers, soap, shaving cream, and suntan lotion. Of course, the multifaceted plant’s gel can be bought at drugstores and used to soothe sunburn plus aloe Vera is also available in supplement form, which is said to offer potential benefits to the skin, immune, and digestive system.

So, we all may be aware of the uses mentioned above. Still, there are some surprising benefits of aloe Vera that not many know about aside from using it to soothe burns, clear your complexion, remove makeup, and a slew of other things. Keep reading and discover some surprising benefits of aloe Vera!

5 Unusual & Surprising Benefits of Aloe Vera

DIY Hand Sanitizers with Aloe Gel

1. To protect ourselves from viruses we need something effective. You should be able to find these ingrediant below online or in a pharmacy. DIY Recipe: combine 1/4 cup of aloe gel, 3/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol (99% is best) and 20 drops of either orange or lavender essential oil. Here are a couple of recipes from the WHO (World Health Organization).
   

   Scientific Evidence of Aloe Vera Benefits

2. There is a plethora of evidence to support that aloe Vera gel outperformed some OTC medications when it came to reducing inflammation as far as combating the symptoms of genital herpes, including conditions such as psoriasis and acne. Note that aloe Vera is an excellent remedy in reducing stretch marks, including preventing premature signs of aging by increasing the elasticity of the skin.

   

   Let’s Take it up a Notch

3. When you need to get things moving FAST in your digestive system, the juice of the aloe explicitly extracted from the skin of the plant, rather than the gel, can be used as a laxative.  Its surprising benefits of aloe vera that should be used with precaution.Taking too much of a laxative can make symptoms worse.

   

   A Good Aloe Vera Massage Goes a Long Way

4. Massaging aloe Vera on nails makes them healthy and lustrous, and when combined with castor oil, the mixture can boost hair growth. Conditioning plus its anti-microbial properties also help prevent dandruff and itchy scalp.

   

   Aloe Vera may Alleviate Discomfort

5. Other surprising benefits of aloe Vera is that thanks to the incredible anti-inflammatory properties, it helps relieve muscle and joint pain, precisely the discomfort that is associated with arthritis. Perhaps from time to time, try adding a little TLC to your life with THC. Check out every strain we’ve sampled.

   

As with any natural medicine, aloe vera is safe for most people, but you may want to check with your doctor if you have any underlying health issues before using it.

Are you crazy about bananas? Embrace the little monkey in you, find out the unusual benefits of bananas. If you are planning a trip, be sure to check out my essential travel apothecary guide.