Aloe Vera: What It Does To Your Body And Why Egyptians Prefer It

Written by Anjala Farahath  • 

Do you have an aloe vera plant at home? Guess what, you can make a fortune out of this medicinal plant! Often dubbed as the plant of immortality, aloe vera has a market value of about $13 billion. Yes, you have been sitting on a fortune all this while. Money matters aside, aloe vera finds its name in the Arabic word alloehthat translates to “the bitter shiny substance,” while “vera” stands for “true.” The existence of aloe vera can be traced back to the Egyptian civilization that existed 6000 years ago. In fact, Egyptians had a tradition of giving this plant to the deceased pharaohs as a burial gift. This plant has a history of usage in the treatment of about 50 medical conditions. Scrapes, skin blemishes, burns, asthma, diabetes, etc. can be treated with aloe vera if rightly used (1).

Intrigued? Well, we give you more than one reason to get your hands on the aloe vera plant. Here’s what you need to know!

1. Loaded With Antioxidant Properties

1. Loaded With Antioxidant Properties
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This short wonder plant finds its use in food, cosmetics, food supplements, and herbal remedies. Studies have time and again supported that aloe vera contains powerful antioxidants (2). Its antioxidant properties are therapeutic and work brilliantly for the skin and body. Additionally, aloe vera has antimicrobial properties that curb the growth of bacteria. Additionally, aloe vera provides an impressive number of vitamins and minerals — vitamin A, C, and E; each of which contributes in reducing inflammation and maintaining healthy vision, neurological function, and a healthy skin (3).

2. Ability To Heal Burns

2. Ability To Heal Burns
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Did you know that in 1959, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of aloe vera as a safe medication available at the counters to heal burns on the skin? Keeping the military in mind, the U.S. government had conducted a research on the plant’s ability to treat UV-induced and thermal radiation burns (4). It turns out that this plant never disappoints. It has the ability to suppress wounds and second-degree burns at a faster rate (5). But, if you’re a victim of third-degree burns, please run to the doctor.

3. A Fix For Oral Issues

3. A Fix For Oral Issues
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Do you often find yourself in an awkward spot because of bad breath? Or do you see your gums bleeding without notice? Furthermore, have you taken a good look at your teeth? If you have any of these concerns, consider getting your hands on this magical plant called the aloe vera. Aloe vera is a great natural oral hygiene booster (6). The antioxidants in aloe vera prevent dental plaques, while its antimicrobial properties make it a suitable herbal remedy to be used in dental surgery. It can treat a wide range of oral inflammatory diseases like canker sores (ulcers in the mouth), cold sores, gingivitis, yeast infection, etc. (7).

4. A Moisturizer For Hair And Scalp

4. A Moisturizer For Hair And Scalp
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We are beginning to wonder if aloe vera is an omniscient shrub. It knows how to moisturize your hair too (8)! The antifungal and antibacterial properties of aloe vera strive to keep your scalp clean and help to drive away dandruff. Additionally, the tons of vitamins and minerals present in aloe vera join hands to lock moisture in one’s hair, making it look shiny and silky. It doesn’t end there! Aloe vera also helps in regression of skin around the hair follicles (9). We should all learn to be like the aloe vera plant — so grounded (it’s a shrub y’all), yet so effective.

5. A Crown Jewel For The Skin

5. A Crown Jewel For The Skin
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In 1820, the U.S. pharmacopeia listed aloe vera as a purgative and a skin protectant for the treatment of burns caused by radiotherapy (to the skin and mucous membranes). Cut to the present day, and we see saps of aloe being used by cosmetic companies. Some use aloe derivatives in makeup, sunscreen, soaps, incense, moisturizers, shampoos, and even face tissues. Our dear friend aloe is quite popular, isn’t it? If you don’t agree yet, you will now — because aloe vera can turn back the clock for you and put you back by a few wrinkles and fine lines (10). It stimulates the natural healing power of the body and regenerates your skin for a fresher and more hydrated you. If you are a lazy lad and aren’t too sure about using aloe right from the source, the market shelves await your arrival.

Bonus: How To Fillet An Aloe Vera Leaf

Bonus How To Fillet An Aloe Vera Leaf
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If you have this wonderful plant in your backyard, we’ll help you fillet it!

  • Take a nice aloe vera leaf from the plant. Chop off any extra parts on its leaf and trim the prickly sides with a knife. Just slice them all.
  • Now, use a potato peeler to peel the skin off the leaf. Remember to use the convex side.
  • When you see a slimy, gel-like substance, take a knife and scoop this out into a bowl.
  • You can even store it as it is in the refrigerator.

We’re kicked about the uses of aloe vera and we’re definitely investing in a planter ourselves. Do you use aloe vera too? In the comments below, tell us why you love this miracle plant so much.

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