MEDICINE CABINET IN A POT - ALOE VERA
Aloe vera - the healing powers of aloe vera
The green miracle plant, aloe vera, has been used for centuries for both beauty and health purposes. It is not only extremely useful in everyday life, but also easy to grow. As aloe vera is a folk medicine loved and cherished for generations, chances are that you have an aloe vera plant in your grandmother's, grandfather's, friends' or relatives' house.
And no - that doesn't mean you have to pinch the last of your grandmother's aloe vera plant. Aloe vera plants usually give birth in winter and this is a great opportunity to transplant and grow these "babies" in your home.
Just be aware - don't water too much at the start, so the seedling doesn't get wet. Note that aloe vera is a cactus, so it will appreciate it if you keep the soil dry rather than wet. Place the young aloe in a bright, sunny place, but not in direct sunlight, and soon it will be delighting you with its valuable 'fruit', useful for food, medicine and beauty.
Medicinal uses of aloe vera
Aloe vera is popular in folk medicine due to its wide variety of uses. The plant is not only pleasing to the eye, but also practical - for example, aloe has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is also widely used to treat skin ailments - aloe vera can heal wounds and treat skin problems.
Aloe vera juice also contains vitamins A, E, C and B. In addition, it even contains the rare vitamin B12, which vegetarians and vegans are especially encouraged to take extra of. The list of benefits could go on and on - aloe vera also helps the digestive system, improves the body's defences, and boosts sleep quality and energy.
But everything in moderation. Like any medicine, aloe vera should be used with caution. Sources suggest that it is not recommended for oncology and kidney patients, or for pregnant women. And even if you want to use aloe vera on a daily basis, doctors recommend, for example, taking a break every week, during which time you can assess your body's reaction.
How to make an aloe vera infusion for oral use? Muddle or strain the aloe vera pulp in a bowl and add an equal amount of lemon juice and sweetener (e.g. maple syrup). And note - aloe vera is not the same as peppermint or chamomile. If you want to take it orally, you should consult your GP beforehand.
Take a tablespoon half an hour before meals, three times a day:
- For coughs, bronchitis or angina;
- To relieve symptoms of stomach ulcers or gastritis;
- To strengthen the body's immune system.
5 ways to use aloe vera in beauty and everyday life
Aloe vera is also a miracle remedy for beauty care. Not only is it used to treat skin wounds and relieve the discomfort caused by burns, but it can also be used to maintain beautiful, glowing skin in everyday life and in a variety of everyday situations.
Make a note and keep it handy - here are 5 ways aloe vera can make your everyday life easier:
- Make anti-dandruff serum. Mix aloe vera pulp with olive oil, coconut oil and massage into the scalp. Wash off after 5 minutes. When used regularly, aloe vera will reduce itching and dandruff.
- For minor burns of the skin. Pulp the aloe vera pulp and pack in ice cube trays. When the aloe vera is frozen, take one cube at a time and massage gently into the skin.
- Use as a face mask. It thickens the aloe vera pulp. Soak a pre-prepared napkin with holes for the eyes, mouth and nose. Apply to the face and enjoy a refreshing and nourishing face mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes.
- Use as a scrub. Pour into a bowl, for example rice flour or coffee. Place a piece of aloe vera cut crosswise in the bowl and massage it into your complexion. This facial scrub will not only gently cleanse, but also moisturise and refresh your skin.
- A mask for chapped hands or feet. Add concentrated aloe vera pulp to the hand or foot cream - together they will nourish and soften the skin.
To care for your complexion, we have enriched our Moisturising and Nourishing Face Cream, Cleansing Facial Foam for Dry Skin, Eye Cream and Moisturising Hand Cream with nourishing aloe extract.
We have also added valuable aloe extract to several body care products, including the Nourishing Foot Cream and all our body creams. And if you want to indulge in the fresh aloe fragrance and pamper your skin, choose the Toning Aloe Body Oil.
Treat yourself!
In love,
Maija Rieksta-Riekstiņa,
Vegan Fox creator and manager