All about Aloe Vera

From Nature’s beauty parlour comes the magical Aloe Vera! Skin and hair care, anti-ageing, healing powers and more are the services that this unique plant dishes out. A type of cacti, it is widely found in India and has been used for medicinal purposes and skin conditions since years.

Aloe Vera, when applied increases the water content in your skin leaving it hydrated. It especially works wonders on oily and acne prone skin. Full of anti-oxidants it also helps heal scratches, wounds and sunburns. Rich in vitamins C and E, it lends to anti-ageing. It may also promote hair growth and reduce dandruff.

Health-wise Aloe Vera reduces inflammation, builds immunity and maintains oral health. However its always best to try using a little initially, just to make sure that it suits your skin. It is really simple to grow aloe vera at home instead of purchasing readymade packed gels since these may also contain harmful preservatives.

Take an aloe vera leaf and peel the outer layer of the leaf and scoop out the gel and store in the container. Refrigerate it for a longer shelf life. Use directly on the skin for moisturising or treating any wounds. While there is no replacement for a good diet for glowing skin, read on tips on how to use Aloe Vera…

Aloe Vera for Dry Skin
Blend fresh aloe vera with a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of date paste, a teaspoon of almond milk and a few drops of rose water into a paste. Apply and leave for 20 minutes.

Aloe Vera for Sensitive Skin
Blend fresh aloe vera gel with cucumber juice, almond or peanut yoghurt and rose oil into a paste. Apply and remove after 20 minutes

How to drink aloe vera juice
The natural taste is very bitter, so best is to mix it. Take the gel, dice it into small pieces, wash well and add into your smoothies.

Aloe Vera for Acne
Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice and massage on your face. Best is to leave overnight.

Aloe Vera for Hair Growth
Take 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and mix with 1 tablespoon of castor oil and gently massage on your scalp and leave overnight.

Aloe Vera for Hair Conditioning
Simply apply aloe vera gel after shampoo as a natural conditioner. You can even leave it in if you are comfortable with it.