When I was a child, I remember my grandmother always had an aloe plant around. I thought it was a bit strange, not so pretty like most plants my mum had at home. I never understood why she felt it necessary to have not just one, but several of these spiny looking plants around without blooms or pretty leaves, until I became interested in health, natural medicine and natural lifestyle. However, like most plants, aloe is one that has many benefits and has been used for thousands of years to help heal a variety of health issues.Its leaves are full of a gel-like substance that contains numerous beneficial compounds.It is filled with vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties. You can apply Aloe Vera externally and internally. 

1. A Skin Healing Mask

Aloe Vera is wonderful for not only healing acne scars but also for moisturising the skin and keeping it youthful. It’s easy to make a healing face mask with nothing more than the gel. Mix this with some essential oil if you like for a nice scent (mint and lavender are nice) or simply use it plain. Apply for 30 minutes and let it sit. It’s mild in scent on its own and has a particularly wonderful cooling feel.

2. A Sunburn Healing Gel

As many people know, aloe Vera is wonderful for helping with sunburn. You’ve likely seen those sunburn gels at drugstores with aloe Vera, but the better option that will provide many less chemicals is to just use real aloe gel. It can help reduce redness and pain associated with sunburn fairly quickly and can be applied liberally as much as needed. You can apply the gel plain or can mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp, for extra moisturising and healing benefits.

5. Itching or Skin Irritation

Psoriasis and skin irritation can both be a pain to deal with and can also be hard to manage. Many prescription creams and over the counter creams don’t work, and those that do often contain excess chemicals that are not best for our skins to absorb. Aloe is one of the best to relieve itching and irritation because it contains and help to reduce inflammation upon contact.

What About Aloe for Internal Use?

1. Nutritious boost

Aloe Vera juice is jam-packed with nutrients. Drinking it is an excellent way to make sure you don’t become deficient. It contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamins B, C, E and folic acid.

2. Digestive benefits

Aloe Vera contains several enzymes known to help in the breakdown of sugars and fats and to keep your digestion running smoothly. If your digestive system isn’t operating properly, you won’t absorb all of the nutrients from the food you’re eating. You’ve got to keep your internal engine healthy in order to reap the benefits from your diet. Aloe Vera may help decrease irritation in the stomach and intestines.

For a health boost, drink up to 1 glass of aloe Vera juice per day. You can pour it over ice, mix it in with your smoothie or favourite juice, or just drink it from the bottle.