Aloe vera is a skin care, health and hair veteran. It is also an active ingredient in almost every skin care product.  Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. An evergreen perennial, it originates from the Arabian Peninsula but grows wild in tropical climates around the world and is cultivated for agricultural, beauty and medicinal uses. The species is also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant. Aloe vera drinks and organic aloe vera juice exists because this precious plant is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns. With regards to aloe vera side effects, there is little or no scientific evidence of the effectiveness or safety of Aloe vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes. Aloe vera cream is not new to the market as it has many benefits for the skin and aloe vera does have its benefits for hair. You can also find aloe vera plants for sale in most large markets in West Africa. 

Here are some health, skin and hair benefits of aloe vera.

Health

Heartburn relief: Aloe vera has a low toxicity which makes it good for relieving heart burns. Aloe vera is a proven, natural acid reflux remedy that is effective in reducing GERD symptoms with no adverse events requiring withdrawal.

Natural laxative:  Aloe vera is considered a natural laxative. It has the ability to ease constipation and improve digestion as opposed to consuming drugs with adverse side effects. However, the dosage of aloe vera should be prescribed.

Lowers your blood sugar: Taking two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day can cause blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2 diabetes. This is important as it will help them regulate their blood sugar level. However, diabetics who take glucose-lowering medications should consume aloe vera with caution. The juice along with diabetes medications could possibly lower your glucose count to dangerous levels.

Reduces dental plaque: Today, there are many dental products which contain aloe vera extracts. Aloe vera is an active ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste to prevent tooth decay, and this is done by evading dental plaque. Aloe vera reduces dental plaque by killing the plaque-producing bacterium Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, as well as the yeast Candida albicans.

Treats canker sores: Canker sores or mouth ulcers are very common among individuals. They occur under the lip and usually last a week to 10 days. Studies have shown that aloe vera gel can speed up the healing process of such sores and mouth ulcers, giving it an added health benefit.

Skin Care

Anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties: Aloe vera contains anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties which are essential to overall skin health. These anti-oxidants and anti-bacteria fight insistently against free radicals that can cause harm to the skin and the body. This makes aloe vera ideal for soothing skin complications and preventing skin diseases such as acne and eczema.

Heals burns faster: Aloe vera mostly used as a topical medication, rubbed onto the skin rather than eaten. It has always been known as a treatment for sores and burns. Studies have shown that aloe vera can reduce the healing time for burns by about 9 days compared to other medications.

Improves skin and prevents wrinkles:  Aloe vera gel can slow ageing of the skin. This gel is capable of increasing collagen production and improving skin elasticity. This is essential in preventing wrinkles and slowing down the rate at which the skin ages as a whole.

Moisturizer: Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer. It sinks deep into the skin and keeps it hydrates and fresh. It softens the skin without clogging pores. Aloe vera gel can also be used as an aftershave treatment as it will both hydrate the skin and help heal razor burn and small nicks. Keeping the skin fresh and never dry.

Hair

Speeds up hair growth: Aloe vera is great for your hair growth. It is an active agent that improves follicle health and indirectly boosts healthy and faster hair growth. Not only does the proteolytic enzyme help heal the scalp, but it also helps stimulate dormant hair follicles, promoting hair growth and regrowth. Aloe vera has the incredible ability to increase blood circulation to the area, further promoting hair growth.

Natural hair conditioner: Aloe vera can substitute the regular conditioners we buy every other weekend. Its ability to moisturise, deep cleanse and nourish the hair and scalp makes it a very good conditioner. After shampooing it is ideal to let it sit in your hair for a minute or two before rinsing like you do your conditioner. You can also make a leave-in conditioner out of it.

Repairs damaged cells in the scalp: Aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E, vitamins which actively contribute to cell turnover, promoting healthy cell growth and shiny hair. Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are also contained in aloe vera gel. Both components can keep your hair from falling out. This agent also goes a long way in repairing damaged cells in the scalp.

Nourishes hair follicles: Aloe vera sinks deep into the scalp nourishing the hair follicles with essential vitamins like vitamins A, C, and E. The nourishment stimulates dormant follicles which leads to productivity and cell regeneration and repair. This promotes hair growth and strengthens strands in healthy follicles.

Deep cleans oily hair: Aloe vera is very capable of cleansing your hair follicles efficiently, stripping off extra sebum which is oil, and residue from other hair products. The best part is that aloe vera doesn’t hurt your hair strands while it cleans, unlike harsh chemicals. It maintains the natural lustre of your hair, giving it a healthier and shinier appearance.

Anti-inflammatory: The anti-inflammatory property of aloe vera soothes the skin, reduces redness, scaling, itching and inflammation of the scalp. This helps to increase the scalp health and to promote hair growth. It also helps to control dandruff, which could be very embarrassing and difficult to tackle. The fact that aloe vera moisturises the hair and scalp deeply help this purpose.