Known as the “plant of immortality,” the aloe vera cactus plant can be found in desert regions of Africa and India, and you can even find them in my backyard here in Southern California. How did it get its fancy moniker? Thanks to the high levels of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins it contains [source].
Aloe vera is packed with vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that benefit the skin, hair, health, and body [source]. The next time you pass a bottle of this juice or gel in the market, or a plant at your local nursery, remember this list of ways to incorporate it into your beauty and health routines.
Sanskrit, the sacred language of Hinduism, has a name for aloe vera, ghrita kumari, which means “beautiful young girl.” Not surprisingly, aloe vera has been known for centuries as an important ingredient for maintaining beauty and a healthy glow.
Aloe is great for all skin types, whether you are lacking hydration, battling acne, or need to treat a skin condition like eczema. Aloe is versatile enough to treat them all!
Aloe’s skin benefits:
-moisturizing
-antiaging
-reduces inflammation and eczema
-treats acne
-alleviates sunburn and insect bites
-can be used as makeup remover
Healthy Scalp & Hair Mask with Aloe
The soothing benefits of aloe are fantastic for a dry or itchy scalp. If you dye your hair, this is also a great mask to alleviate some of the irritation caused by harsh chemicals.
This aloe hair mask is a pre-shampoo treatment and can be applied to dry hair. If you are treating your scalp, you’ll want to concentrate it on your scalp area, massage for several minutes, and leave it on for 10 minutes.
If you are focusing on dry or damaged ends, apply the mask to the bottom half of your strands, and leave it on for 20–25 minutes.
To make the mask:
Mix ½ cup of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of coconut milk.
Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair.
If you want added hydration, put on a shower cap to let the mask heat up. You’ll want to shower and rinse the mask off and then follow with shampoo and conditioner.
This mask can be used once a week for shiny hair and a healthy scalp.
Aloe Health & Body Benefits
Aloe doesn’t stop skin deep with its blessings. Taken internally or incorporated into a smoothie, juice, or food, aloe can ease a whole host of undesirable ailments [source].
Reducing cholesterol, promoting digestive health with its anti-inflammatory properties, and even fighting bad breath are reasons to give this plant a try [source]. Health experts recommend drinking 1 to 3 ounces of aloe vera juice daily.
The healing pulp of the aloe plant:
-promotes digestive health and reduces constipation
-helps fight bad breath
-treats dandruff
-reduces cholesterol
-maintains oral health
-detoxifies
-increases hair growth
Hydrating Aloe Water Recipe
3 Hydrating Aloe Water Recipes
Equipment
- Blender
- Mesh strainer or cheese cloth
Ingredients
Coconut Cucumber Aloe Water
- 2 aloe vera leaves or 2 tablespoons store-bought aloe vera gel
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
- 1/2 small cucumber roughly chopped
Spicy Aloe Water Paloma
- 1 grapefruit peeled and chopped
- 1 lime peeled and halved
- 1 inch piece of ginger peeled
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
- 2 aloe vera leaves or 2 tablespoons store-bought aloe vera gel
Iced Aloe + Peach Green Tea
- 1 green tea bag
- 8 ounces cool water
- 1 ripe peach or 1/2 cup peach juice
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
- 2 aloe vera leaves or 2 tablespoons store-bought aloe vera gel
Instructions
- Cut the aloe vera leaves into halves lengthwise and use a paring knife to remove the skin from the top as best you can. Use a spoon to scoop out the translucent gel.
- Combine the aloe gel with all of the other ingredients (except for the sparkling water, if called for) in the base of a blender. Puree on low until smooth.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to eliminate the pulp. Pour into a glass, top off with sparkling water (if called for) and drink the liquid straight away.
Notes
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
255
This does sound delicious however I’ve been researching the risks associated with ingesting aloe I’m not sure if it’s long term or in general
I am hesitant to follow this recipe as I understand you are to put raw aloe gel in water and allow to set and the toxins will be washed into the water. Then it is safe to ingest.
Good nature ideas
I actually drink a mixer of mixed organic powderd greens with coconut water , pure aloe vera juice in a tall glass of purified water
How long are the leaves for the drink? Thanks!
I love aloe water. The taste is so unique and refreshing!
This looks perfect!