What can you and the Czarina of beauty Cleopatra have in common? Yes, the humble, Aloe Vera. It has been known as a magical herb since ages. It is claimed that Cleopatra regarded the use of Aloe Vera as one of her greatest beauty secrets. The Egyptians even called it the plant of immortality. Aloe Vera belongs to the cactus family and there are about 250 species of Aloe Vera. The plant consists 95 per cent of water and flourishes in warm subtropical climates. Aloe Vera has innumerable benefits for humans. You can buy the juice, gel or even grow it in your own in your yard.

Aloe Vera is a humble plant with over 500 different uses. It is a multipurpose plant and is being embraced globally for its numerous uses.

Aloe Vera for skin

Aloe Vera is the ultimate ingredient in skin treatment. It has the ability to penetrate into the water retaining layer of skin and nourish the skin. It is even capable of refreshing and restoring skin texture, complexion and quality. It can reduce scars, blemishes, liver spots, age lines and other marks.

It is a good moisturiser that supplies oxygen to skin and treats dead skin. It heals pimples and inflammation. That is why Aloe Vera is used in cosmetics like collagen creams, face wash for acne prone skin, lotions and gel products.

Aloe Vera for hair

Aloe Vera has also moved into the hair care foray. Aloe Vera has a combination of keratin, Vitamin E and panthenol. It conditions hair and makes it shine. Aloe Vera strengthens the cells of your scalp and adds protein to hair. A good massage of Aloe Vera gel mixed with warm oil can be a treat for the scalp.

It stimulates hair growth and is a hair fall control medicine. It has properties that can fight hair fall and combat alopecia to a certain degree.

Aloe Vera as medicine for the body

Besides being helpful for skin and hair, Aloe Vera helps the body too. Eating Aloe Vera can cure indigestion. It keeps the immune system healthy and can take years off skin. It cures skin burns and rashes. If you do like eating the flesh directly, the aloe juice available in the market can be a good option.

For those who want to lose some weight or go on a detox diet, drinking Aloe Vera juice everyday can be helpful, since it kills bacteria and fungus. Applying Aloe Vera mixed with some massaging oil can provide relief in arthritis.

Grow your own Aloe Vera

The best way to get the most out of Aloe Vera is to grow your own. Simply buy a stem and plant it in a pot of mud. Water it daily and watch your very own Aloe Vera grow right in front of your eyes. Remember, the plant grows best in sub tropical climates.

How to use the Aloe Vera Plant?

Cut off a leaf first. Cut off the thorns on the edges. Now start peeling the green cover. You will see a transparent gel like substance inside. Scoop it out in a bowl and refrigerate it. Use it as a face pack, a hair pack, mix it in oil or eat it. It is Aloe Vera in its purest form.

Aloe Vera has become a common name in every home. There are a million products that boast of containing Aloe Vera extracts but they may not be. Before buying any products you have to ensure if it is genuine. It may be good to ask somebody who has bought Aloe Vera products earlier or consult your doctor. Aloe Vera is anatural healing agent that is a many-in-one solution. The best way to be sure would be to grow your own plant or find a trustworthy brand.

Before you go ahead and splurge on that expensive tube of creme that promises you the sky, give Aloe Vera a try and see if it makes your skin, wallet and life feel better.