Aloe vera, often described as Wonder Plant is a short stemmed succulent with over 500 species and belongs to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family. It is mainly found in dry regions like Africa, Asia, Europe and America. The word Aloe is derived from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning shining bitter substance while the word Vera is derived from Latin meaning “true.” The plant was also known as the “plant of immortality” named so by the Egyptians and till date it is used for pharmaceutical purposes.
Aloe Vera contains active components like vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, B12, folic acid, and choline, enzymes, minerals, sugars, hormones, anthraquinones and more. No wonder it is popular among all the cultures of the world for millennia like Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China.
As a rule, Aloe Vera is an indoor plant, that should only be occasionally kept outdoors. There are various uses of Aloe vera. Here we list 5 proven reasons why you should have Aloe vera at home.
- It is A Beauty Wand
According to a study where 30 women of 45 years and above participated to decipher the effects with the topical application, it was found that the plant improved the elasticity of the skin over a span of 90 days. The plant has mucopolysaccharides that helps bind the skin where as amino acids has a cohesive effect on dry and hardened skin cells.
- It Solves Dental Issues
One of the most common health issues is plaque and tooth decay. An Aloe vera mouth rinse helps reduce the buildup of plaque just as a chlorhexidine as the elements of the plant are known to kill plaque producing bacteria called Streptococcus mutans.
- Treats Canker Sores
They usually develop inside the mouth underneath the lips, lasting upto 7-10 days. Aloe vera patch is known to reduce the size of the ulcers, accelerating the healing process and reducing the associated pain. Particularly, fresh aloe vera juice, or aloe vera sap from the leaf brings more relief.
- It Is An Antiseptic
Aloe Vera is a topical plant used to heal burns and sores. In 1959, FDA approved Aloe vera as over the counter medication for skin burns. The plant has salicylic acid, Lupeol,, urea nitrogen, phenols, cinnamic acid and sulfur that acts on fungi, viruses and bacteria. It is one of the most proven magical medicinal plants according to published Indian journal of Dermatology and National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source.
- Cures Heartburn
Aloe vera juice is a boon for recurring heartburn as the compounds fight the gastric ulcers and control the secretion of stomach acid. According to a 2015 study, the Aloe vera juice was more effective on acid reflux as opposed to the traditional medication.
The use of Aloe vera, both topically and orally has been recorded since the Egyptian times. So, make sure you bring one at home and add it to your regular and medicinal uses.
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