Pin it for Later
Every day, when we switch on the television, we come across advertisements for various skincare and hair care products. On noticing these advertisements properly, one will notice that the cosmetics companies have changed their strategies in promoting their products with time. The companies are fastly switching over to natural ingredients as the raw materials for their products. They are keen to prove that the ingredients being used in their products are extracts from nature.
Now the question is why these companies changed their once chemicalized products to herbal products overnight? The answer is to meet the demand of the market. According to a survey, the consumers who were once using synthetic cosmetic products are now once again inclined to natural ingredients and products made from them. Once again, people have started to believe that chemical products and treatments are not always beneficial.
There are plenty of complementary and natural remedies that work in harmony with our body as they provide more synergetic attributes that ensure proper response by the body. With the natural ingredients now making a strong comeback into the market, a plant that has secured strong and undisputed importance is aloe vera. The business concerning aloe vera is booming. A survey conducted says that in 2004, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical products containing aloe vera were a $110 billion-a-year business.
Aloe Vera – Plant of Immortality
People have used aloe vera for centuries to address a multitude of health problems. It is a green, short-stemmed plant that was first used by the Chinese and the Egyptians to treat burns, wounds, different types of skin problems and also to reduce fever. Aloe vera gets its name from the Arabic word ‘aloe’ which means bitter. This name was given because the taste of aloe vera juice is bitter. It is also said that Cleopatra used aloe vera regularly.
Aloe Vera For Hair
Aloe vera contains proteolytic enzymes that repair dead skin on the scalp. The pH level of aloe vera is similar to that of human hair. It promotes hair growth, prevents itching on the scalp, reduces dandruff and helps in conditioning the hair. In Diane Gage’s words, author of ‘Aloe Vera: Natures soothing Healer’ says, “Aloe vera has a chemical makeup similar to keratin and it rejuvenates the hair with its own nutrients, giving it more elasticity and preventing breakage.”
Most of us consider aloe vera for its hair nourishing properties. But we must know that aloe vera can be used as a conditioner. So, hair care companies are recently tapping into aloe vera as their main ingredient.
Aloe Vera Gel for Hair
The best form of aloe vera to use on hair is the raw gel, extracted directly from the plants. Rubbing aloe vera on the scalp and hair strands and allowing it to enter into the hair follicles, repairs, and hydrates dry and damaged hair. Before rinsing the hair with shampoo, applying aloe vera gel on the scalp makes hair smooth and healthy-looking.
Benefits of applying aloe vera on hair
- Relieves an itchy scalp
- Deep cleans oily hair
- Strengthens and repairs hair strands
- Promotes hair growth
Does Aloe Vera Help Hair Growth?
Aloe vera is among the best products to apply on the hair for growth stimulation and also acts as a thickening agent. It contains proteolytic enzymes, which repairs damaged cells on the scalp and thus improves the health of the hair follicles passively and so helps hair growth.
How to apply aloe vera on hair?
Rich in more than 75 hair nutrients, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins, aloe vera boosts up the beauty of hair. Freshly extracted aloe vera gel can be mixed with shampoos and hair masks and used immediately. Follow the below-mentioned points to apply aloe vera on your hair.
- Cut a leaf from an aloe vera plant
- Collect the gel with a spoon
- Blend with coconut oil or olive oil. It can also be mixed with the white portion of an egg.
- Rub the mixture directly into the scalp and let it sit for an hour on the scalp and on your hair.
- Wash it with a mild shampoo.
- Repeat the process two to three times a week.
For hair masks:
- Mix two tablespoons each of aloe vera gel and honey, and a tablespoon of yogurt to make a hair mask. Apply from hair roots to tip and massage gently for ten minutes. Let it sit for thirty minutes and rinse off with water or shampoo and experience soft and shiny hair.
- To get rid of dandruff, use aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar remedy. Take a cup of aloe vera gel and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix well, apply on scalp and rinse with water or shampoo after thirty minutes. Next, we will discuss some frequently asked questions.
Can Aloe Vera be used directly on Hair?
Yes, Aloe vera can be used directly on hair.
Can Aloe Vera be used on Hair every day?
As long as one has no reactions to aloe vera, he/she can use it every day.
When should one apply Aloe Vera on Hair?
To get the best results, apply aloe vera gel before washing hair. Massage the gel on your scalp, let it sit for thirty minutes and wash it off. You can apply on the hair and let it rest overnight as well. If you have dry and freezy hair, dry scalp and dandruff, keep it overnight. But this must be done only once or twice a week. If it is done more than that, one might be affected by the cold.
Aloe Vera Juice
Daily consumption of aloe vera juice can cure digestive disorder. It flashes out toxins from our bodies. It is beneficial in boosting our appetite and in keeping a check on weight gain. The other benefits are:
- treating constipation
- providing vitamin C
- staying hydrated
- reducing gum inflammation
- controlling blood sugar levels
- preventing stomach ulcer
Other Benefits of Aloe Vera
- It contains various helpful compounds.
- It has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Accelerates healing.
- Reduces dental plaque.
- It helps improve skin
- It also helps lower blood sugar levels.
Summing it up
As a staunch user of aloe vera, I must say that this plant has miraculous qualities to make you look good. What is surprising is the fact that how little we know about the uses of aloe vera. Peter Carl Simons has the words, “Six thousand years of medicinal history can’t be wrong. What the pharmaceutical industry doesn’t want you to know, yet was common knowledge during Cleopatra’s time” mentioned on the title page of his book ‘Aloe Vera’. He further mentions in his book:
“Aloe Vera is one of the best immune system boosters ever–and it’s nature’s gift to mankind! This miracle plant has underwritten the health and beauty regimens of men and women for thousands of years. Author Peter Carl Simons shares all this and more in his new book, ALOE VERA–an incredible goldmine of life-transforming knowledge based on painstaking research and experience. It’s clear Aloe Vera is the wonder plant of the millennia!”
This leaves no room for any doubts that the aloe vera is immensely beneficial to humankind. And if you think your friends have to learn this please share it on your social networks.
Recommended Readings: