Hello and Happy Wednesday!
A couple of weeks ago I asked my mom about this huge plant in my son’s bedroom and that I have no clue what it was. My mom gave me the side-eye and told me that it is one of her Aloe Vera plants. “Aloe Vera”, I thought. Yes, I have heard about the health benefits of this plant but I don’t know too much about it actually. So I read a bunch about it and how good this plant actually is for us. Aloe Vera is known as the “plant of immortality” and can be found in India, Africa or even Southern California. Aloe Vera has a plethora of great skin benefits as well. Wednesday I plan a post on two new face creams I made with real aloe vera in it so stay tuned for that.
First things first however. Aloe Vera has a very high level of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The plant has so many benefits for the body, health, hair and skin. I bought an Aloe Vera drink the other day and it was delicious and refreshing. Then again, making my own is so much better because no preservatives are added and I know 100% what is in my smoothie.
Some health benefits of the Aloe Vera Plant: Simply cut the leaves and squeeze out the aloe gel. When I had problems with acne or pimples I put some of this gel on my face and the pimples were a lot better the next day. Sunburn or minor burns? I had lots of sunburns as a child and my mom used to say that Aloe Vera helps when putting it on the burned skin. It did help and it was also a huge pain relief. The gel has a moisturizing consistency while being anti- inflammatory. Insect bites? Same thing! I read that Aloe Gel is also good for damaged hair or split ends but I have not tried any recipes yet. Do you have any recipes or ideas? Please do share!
I did make my own Aloe/Cucumber Smoothie the other day and it was yummy.
How to: (serves 2)
2 cups Coconut water
1 medium size Cucumber
1/2 lemon
2 medium aloe vera leaves
a bit of honey
1 avocado (for a creamier texture)
You need to cut the aloe leaves lengthwise into halves. Then scoop out the gel with a spoon and add with all the other ingredients to the blender. Enjoy!
Have you ever used Aloe Vera straight from the plant? Do you have any recipes you want to share? I would love to hear from you.
