5 reasons why you need an aloe vera plant at home

Ever since learning about green beauty products in 2004 as a way to protect and manage my sensitive skin, the role of plants and herbs in my daily life whether through cosmetics or through the consumption of food has been a big part of my daily lifestyle. A plant very close to my heart is the aloe vera plant because of my mom, being an avid gardener and born with a super magical green thumb, grew aloe vera to help soothe my eczema and her dandruff. Over the past 12 years, I’ve learned more about aloe vera’s many healing and beautifying qualities and I’m excited to share with you five reasons why you need to have an aloe vera plant in your home.

Legendary skin-healing and sun-protective qualities. Known as the Plant of Immortality by the ancient Egyptians, aloe vera is a highly nutritive plant full of several vitamins and minerals needed to help the body function at its most optimal. In terms of skin healing and maintenance, it contains vitamin A, C, and E which are all necessary for the skin cells to reproduce, repair itself and have a healthy turnover rate. It can also be applied topically as a natural SPF (say goodbye to ashiness!), a great treatment before and after sun exposure to avoid or treat sunburn, to aid with acne, wound-healing, and dandruff.

Digestive/Laxative Aid. Consuming aloe vera has many benefits such as increasing iron absorption, creating regular bowel movements which help keep the intestinal lining clear to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients available and whatever food you’re consuming. On top of that, it is also is a carminative which helps keep bloating at bay. In the herbalism world, the appearance of its limbs being long green and spiky on the edges lends itself to being a plant that can benefit and detoxify the liver. It is also true of the weed dandelion that is often looked down upon but also has many beneficial detoxifying qualities. And, the flavor of aloe vera being somewhat bitter also encourages bile production from the liver to continue to help break down toxins that are taken into the body.

Immune-Boosting. As an adaptogenic plant, it helps our bodies recover from stress on any level more quickly, protecting and enhancing our immune systems. It has also been observed as being able to send signals DNA to reset and follow its natural functional instructions and offset the detrimental effects of free radicals, sun damage, and many other effects of oxidation and wear-and-tear on the body by various factors. All of these features make it an optimal plant to have nearby if you or someone you know is going through cancer.

Anti-Aging. Jumping off the previous point, aloe vera was also often used in mummification processes in ancient Africa. On top of all of the amazing and wide variety of healthy qualities, its ability to preserve the body just adds to its many gifts to keep us vibrant and for longer!

Spiritual Upliftment, Protection & Good Luck. In Africa and other ancient cultures, this plant was often kept in and around the home for protection and good luck. It is even said that its presence on a spiritual and energetic level cleanses whatever space it’s in from evil spirits. A good plant to have around Halloween!

To use this plant, all you have to do is remove the skin, blend the gel in a blender, and keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to use or consume it. Here are some more great ideas on how to use aloe vera at home for DIY beauty and health products and recipes!

Have I convinced you to get an aloe vera plant for your home yet? (If you don’t already have one or more, that is. *wink*)

How do you like to use aloe vera at home? Please comment below with your favorite recipes and uses!