25 DIY Uses of Aloe Vera
lifestyle blogger!@lifestyleblogger8832
3 years ago
Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates. This is one plant that is commonly found in African homes. The plant produces two substances, Aloe vera gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the plant. Aloe latex comes from just under the plant's skin and is green in color. It also appears that aloe vera gel has properties that are harmful to certain types of bacteria and fungi, which is why it’s used in cosmetology and also for medications.
Aloe vera gel is safe for oral consumption and skin application. Aloe vera gel is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken appropriately. It has been used safely in a dose of 15 ml daily for up to 42 days. Aloe vera latex is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses. It can result in some side effects such as stomach pain. Long-term use of large amounts of aloe vera latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, and blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances.
PLEASE NOTE: It is important to note that anywhere mouth intake of aloe vera is mentioned, it is referring to the liquid aloe vera gel and NOT the outer layer. The latex (outer layer) should not be taken internally. If you must use the processed aloe vera gel for any of the steps, it should be for external use because it could contain the latex. It is advisable to see your doctor or specialist before you begin any of these. Especially is you are on medication/treatment of some kind.
What it can do
Stretch Marks
It can be used to reduce stretch marks by applying it twice daily especially during pregnancy. This improves the redness and itchy feeling.
Wound Healing
Aloe vera mixed with honey improves wound healing. Mix both, freeze them to small ice cubes and apply on the wound. It seems to be able to speed wound healing by improving blood circulation through the area and preventing cell death around a wound. Some research also shows that applying aloe vera gel reduces wound size compared to using antibiotics.
Burns
Extract aloe vera to liquid, freeze to ice cubes and apply on affected area of sunburn. Research has shown that applying aloe gel or cream to the skin can enhance healing for people with mild burns. Also, applying cream that contains aloe to the skin twice daily appears to improve itching.
Wrinkles
Yoghurt, honey, aloe vera and spirulina help wrinkles. Blend and use weekly to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Use as a face mask. Follow the line of the wrinkles if you’re using just aloe vera.
Eye Puffiness
Applying aloe vera removes under eye puffiness.
Better skin
Mixture of sugar, coconut oil, green tea and aloe vera on the face help remove dead skin. It is also a way of exfoliating, especially if your skin is experiencing some peeling. It also helps heal damaged skin, in the case of bleached skin.
Eyebrow and Eyelashes fill
Dear sisters! On days when you mistakenly shape your eyebrows too much or you just don’t seem to have much hair growing there, mix aloe vera gel and eye shadow in a bowl, then apply the mixture using a mascara wand to fill up eyebrow gaps. Aloe vera helps the growth of eyelashes and also makes them shinny. This can be done by mixing 2tsp of aloe vera and 1tsp of castor oil or olive oil, use a lash brush and apply on the lashes before going to bed.
Skin Pores
Mix aloe vera gel, rose water, sugar and lemon helps to fix open skin pores
Hair Care
If you are experiencing hair breakage/hair loss; blend yoghurt, aloe vera gel, vitamin E and banana. Apply the mixture to the scalp of the hair, then wash and dry. Aloe vera helps messy hair. It’s eco hairstyling gel. Olive oil, conditioner, aloe vera and coconut oil should be applied to scalp to remove dandruff.
Acne and Dark Spots
According to WebMD, research suggests that applying an aloe gel in the morning and evening, in addition to a prescription anti-acne medicine, improves acne by about 35% in both children and adults. Mixture of toothpaste (white colored), turmeric and aloe vera gel removes dark spots. Using aloe vera as face mask for 15 minutes daily helps treat acne and dark spots.
Constipation
Taking aloe gel by mouth can reduce constipation and cause you to use the toilet. It’s more like a detox. It helps with stomach pains.
Diabetes
Aloe vera gel intake reduces blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. It also regulates cholesterol levels especially in people with these conditions. When taking aloe vera by mouth and you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely. It is important to note that this doesn’t serve as a permanent way to eliminate diabetes, but serves as a regulator. The exact dosage for this hasn’t been medically determined.
Improves Dry skin
Previous research have shown that applying cream that contains some form of aloe vera extract to the skin increases the amount of moisture in the outer layer of the skin, but not on the inner layers. The mixture of aloe vera, rose flower or rose water and yoghurt helps for dry skin. Use as face mask. It helps moisturize the skin.
Face Glow
Rice flour and aloe vera stick on the face serves as face scrub for glowing skin. Honey and aloe vera sticks helps exfoliate and glow the skin. Aloe vera gel and toothpaste helps clear pimples in one day.
Nail Care
2 table spoon of Aloe vera gel and 2 tbsp of witch hazel applied on the nails with a cotton bud helps brittle nails get shinny and stronger over time. You might experience burn or hurt if you have cracked cuticles or some form of injury.
Heal Blisters/ Foot Odor
It also helps with heel blisters. Soak cotton wool in liquefied aloe gel and apply to blister, cover with a bandage and let it soak. This should be done two or three days for better results. 2 table spoon of aloe vera and ½ tea spoon of tea tree oil eliminates foot odor.
Energy Boost
Aloe vera, lemon and sparkling water helps give energy
Make up & Beauty
Aloe vera gel and foundation helps reduce shiny foundation and oily skin. Aloe vera gel on the lips for 5 minutes helps moisturize it. Aloe vera and food coloring is natural lip gloss. Olive oil, water and aloe vera serves as natural makeup remover. Apply aloe vera to eye patches in the morning to remove dark circles on the eye. Glycerol, aloe vera, coconut oil, honey serves as make up remover. Witch hazel, aloe vera gel, water, essential oil in a bottle spray serves as make up fixer (primer). Water, rose water and aloe vera serves as toner and face mist.
Mouth Care
Mint, baking soda, aloe vera helps bleeding gums. Daily use helps with harmful bacteria and inflammation of the gums
Running nose
Extract liquid from aloe vera, use to drops in your nose twice in a day.
Razor Cut
It helps with razor cut. It has high moisture content which is infused with anti-inflammatory properties.
Cellulite
Coconut oil and aloe vera removes cellulite. After making the mix, apply to affected areas after bathing.
Deodorant
It’s a natural deodorant. Olive oil, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera gel and baking soda. Mix, warm up, pour in a tin and freeze. It becomes solid like a balm and you apply to underarm. Aloe vera alone can also be used as shaving cream.
Moisturizing Soap
Aloe vera, basil and soap base serves as moisturizing soap. Blend basil and aloe vera together. Melt the soap base by putting it in a heat resistant bowl and heat it up. Then you add the basil mix to it and let it form solid soap. Its good to use a bowl that has a form.
Belly Fat
Cucumber, ginger, parsley, lemon and aloe vera juice reduces stomach fat. Drink before bedtime.
Source: cosmeto-nature.com
According to WebMD, a healthcare and wellbeing American website. It is important to note the following as precaution measures when using aloe vera. This is largely because it hasn’t been proven totally safe for people who belong to this category.
During Pregnancy or breast-feeding: Aloe vera is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. There is a report that aloe was associated with miscarriage. It might also increase the risk for birth defects. Do not take aloe vera by mouth if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For Children: Aloe vera gel is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin appropriately, while the aloe vera gel latex (outer layer) is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in children. Children younger than 12 years-old might have stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhea.
Surgery: Aloe might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
SOURCE:
Indian Journal of Dermatology (Aloe Vera: A Short Review). Retrieved from
#FF0000;" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
WebMD. Retrieved from
#FF0000;" href="https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-607/aloe" target="_blank">https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-607/aloe
5-Minute Craft. Retrieved from
#FF0000;" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC295-Dw_tDNtZXFeAPAW6Aw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC295-Dw_tDNtZXFeAPAW6Aw
