Aloe Vera – A Nutritious plant with short and fleshy leaves

Aloe Vera is a plant with a succulent or fleshy leaves. Since the beginning of first century AD, these plants are used in herbal medicines.

Cosmetics industry makes use of Aloe Vera for its rejuvenating, healing and soothing qualities. In Kerala it is called by the name ‘Kattarvazha‘. The presence of natural nutrients in aloe vera makes it a potential herbal medicine that can be used both internally and externally. Ancient Egyptians named this plant as the ‘Plant of immortality’. It is cultivated throughout the world. Besides there medicinal qualities these plants are also popular with gardeners.  Aloe Vera can store water in its leaves and hence it can exist in low rainfall or arid regions.

Aloe Vera is a short stemmed succulent plant with an average height of 60-90cm. Thick and fleshy leaves have a green to grey-green colour with a serrated margin.

The upper and lower surfaces of these leave have different varieties of white flecks. Flowers are seen in summer, on spike with a height of 85 cm. Each flower has pendulous characteristics with a yellow tubular corolla

Aids in digestion

Aloe Vera can be taken internally as it is effective for digestion and cleaning of the digestive system. Poor digestion of food materials is termed as one the main reasons for many diseases. The laxative qualities of this plant make it easier for the food particles to move through the intestinal tract. Thus this ayurvedic shrub can be an answer for severe constipation problems. It can also be a used for acidity, inflammation and intestinal ulcers. Taking of aloe vera juice may have a soothing effect on the digestive tract and can play a significant role in improving digestion

Good for skin

Aloe Vera is considered as one of the natural remedy for a variety of skin problems like dry skin, cosmetic ailments and scalp and hair problems. It can be used as one of the natural vulnerary and it is applied topically for burns, psoriasis, and also for bug bites. Various skin ailments like eczema, itchy skin can be reduced by the anti-allergic properties of aloe vera. They can be used to remove dead cells and to replenish it with new ones. Analgesic property of this plant can be used to relieve pains caused from wounds. It can also be used for its healing properties as it can heal sun burns at the epithelial level of the skin.

Effective against hair loss and dandruff

Since ancient times aloe vera was used for the treatment of hair loss. The presence of essential enzymes in this plant promotes hair growth and also eradicates dead skin cells on the scalp. The alkalizing property possessed by aloe vera balances the pH level of the hair and promotes hair growth. It also helps in retaining the moisture in the scalp.

Aloe Vera extracts can play a major role in eliminating the scalp dryness and thereby removing dandruff. This will moisturize the scalp and alleviates the dry and itchy feeling from dandruff. This natural medicine also brings a refreshing and cooling sensation to the scalp.

Helpful in weight loss

Improved digestion helps in detoxifying your body and helps to promote weight loss. Once the digestion improves, it reflects a positive effect on lightning your toxic load and results in more energy. It also stimulates the metabolism and burns the calories much faster.