Aloe vera: discover its numerous benefits to women’s health and beauty

You’ve probably heard about aloe vera (also known as Aloe vera) at some point. It is present in shampoos, conditioners, after-sun lotions, moisturizers, etc. However, the truth is that most people do not know the correct way to use aloe or what benefits it actually offers. Below you will clear all your doubts on the subject:

What is aloe vera and what are its benefits?

Karina Altieri, nutritionist at Onodera Estética, highlights that aloe vera is a medicinal plant, also known as Aloe vera, which grows spontaneously in the northeast region of Brazil and can reach 1 meter in height. “It is cultivated for medicinal, cosmetic and ornamental purposes”, highlights the professional.

Hairstylist Ana Paula Nesi, from Sonia Nesi Beauty Studio, comments that aloe is known as “the plant of beauty”, as it is very complete: “it has eighteen essential amino acids for protein formation. In addition, it is rich in vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and B13. It has moisturizing properties, with a regenerating, detoxifying and invigorating action,” she says.

Nutritionist Karina Altieri also highlights the healing and antimicrobial properties of aloe. “It is well known for its aesthetic benefits. The gel found in the inner part of the leaves has accelerating and regenerative power of skin cells. Therefore, the plant is widely used in creams, lotions and ointments, as its assets enhance hydration and healing, acting against premature skin aging,” she explains.

Also according to nutritionist Karina, the nutrients present in aloe vera gel have great nutritional value and, in their composition, present: manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamins (complex B, C and E) – with antioxidant properties.

“In addition to these benefits, when consumed as a juice, aloe contributes to the digestive processes, due to its healing action, it works to benefit the mucosa”, adds Karina Altieri.

Homemade aloe recipes

Aloe for hair

Ana Paula Nesi points out that, in order to enjoy the benefits that aloe can offer to the hair, the pulp is used, because it contains the nutrients (both in cosmetics and in homemade recipes).

Below, the hairstylist teaches you how to make a homemade recipe with aloe to moisturize your hair:

1. Blend the pulp of an aloe leaf with 100 ml of water in a blender;
2. After washing your hair as usual, apply the mixture to the strands as a moisturizer;
3. Let it act for about 20 minutes;
4. After the time, wash your hair normally removing all the aloe from the strands.

“This hydration can be done every 15 days. You will certainly notice the moisturizing and reconstructive benefits that aloe vera guarantees to the hair, in addition to shine and vitality”, comments Ana Paula Nesi.

Aloe Vera for skin care

Aloe is widely used in creams, lotions and ointments, as its assets enhance hydration and healing, acting against premature skin aging. But there are also some homemade recipe options for those who want to enjoy the benefits of the plant. Below you can see two well-known ones:

1. Aloe Milk Face Mask

1. Remove the aloe vera gel;
2. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with milk and juice of 1/2 lemon;
3. At night, apply to the face, taking care not to get in the eyes;
4. Leave it on all night;
5. The next day, rinse very well with cold water, and dry with a soft towel;
6. Finish with your favorite moisturizer and a good sunscreen.

2. Honey Aloe Face Mask

1. Remove the aloe vera gel;
2. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 3 teaspoons of honey and juice of half a lemon;
3. At night, apply the mask all over the face;
4. Leave to act for 15 minutes;
5. Rinse well.

Aloe vera juice consumption

In addition to being used in topical creams and lotions, as well as being present in shampoo and conditioner formulas, aloe vera gel can be used as a juice, offering even great health benefits. Check out:

Helps in weight loss: with the consumption of aloe juice, there is better absorption of nutrients and greater elimination of toxins, in addition to the anti-inflammatory effect – which makes the body deflate.

Improvement in the immune system: aloe vera gives the body the necessary reserves for it to use according to its needs. That is, consuming aloe vera juice on a regular basis strengthens the immune system.

Contributes to oral health: the consumption of aloe juice can contribute in an excellent way to the health of teeth and gums.

Aids digestion: aloe vera juice supports a healthy digestive tract, ensuring that nutrients from food are absorbed by cells. Aloe vera also has detoxifying properties, helps keep the intestinal flora in balance and its consumption helps relieve indigestion and other digestive problems.

Combating premature aging: the consumption of aloe juice also contributes to the maintenance of healthier and more beautiful skin, since, using the nutrients of aloe, the skin combats the effects of premature aging more efficiently.

Contributes to the beauty of women: as aloe juice provides a good functioning of the body, not only the skin, but hair and nails are also more beautiful and healthy.

Helps keep your heart healthy: Some recent studies point out that aloe vera juice can help increase circulation, reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood fat lipid levels. It can also offer relief from tension, helping to lower blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.

How should aloe juice be consumed?

Nutritionist Karina Altieri explains that the consumption of aloe juice can be daily, however, the intake of more than 100 ml per day is not recommended. “This is because it contains substances that alter the functioning of the digestive system. In addition, the juice must be purchased from specialized stores and trusted manufacturers,” she highlights.

“It is worth mentioning that homemade recipes are not recommended for the consumption of aloe, because the outer shell of the aloe has toxic substances that can trigger serious problems of stomach intoxication”, adds the professional.

11 surprising uses of aloe vera

Below you can find surprising uses of Aloe vera and more good reasons to love it:

1. Treatment of light burns and sunburn: as the gel has a cooling, moisturizing and healing effect, you only need to open a sheet and rub the inside over your skin to find immediate relief. It really is a great after-sun lotion!

2. Relief from Insect Bites: The anti-inflammatory and cooling effects of aloe vera go a long way in relieving the itchiness of insect bites.

3. Relaxing massage: treat yourself to a relaxing body massage. Just pass the inner part of the aloe leaf over the body before bathing.

4. Foot scrub: Mix half a cup of oatmeal, half a cup of cornmeal, four tablespoons of aloe vera gel and half a cup of unscented body lotion. Massage your feet with the mixture and then rinse.

5. Blister Relief: Apply a little aloe vera gel to blisters that form on your feet, for example, for faster relief and healing.

6. Skin hydration: aloe vera gel can be an excellent natural moisturizer option for those with dry skin.

7. Prevention of scars and stretch marks: just use aloe vera gel on areas of the body most prone to it, such as legs, belly, buttocks.

8. Wart Treatment: In some cases, applying aloe verruca can help shrink a wart.

9. Helps in hair growth: just massage the aloe vera gel on the scalp, let it act for 30 minutes and then rinse.

10. Makeup removal: apply a little of the gel on the face, taking care with the eyes and then rinse.

11. Relief of Asthma Symptoms: Boil some water with aloe vera gel in a pan and breathe in the steam to relieve asthma symptoms.

Did you like the tips? Now you know the numerous benefits that aloe vera can offer. But remember: if you choose to consume it, Aloe vera juice must be purchased in specialized stores and reputable manufacturers. Homemade recipes in this sense are totally contraindicated since the outer shell of the aloe vera contains toxic substances.