Rare Uses Of Aloe Vera That You Might Not Have Heard Of
By molly atherton
4 months ago
1. Toothache Remedy
Image source WebMDI have tried this and IT WORKS! If you are unfortunate enough to have a nagging toothache and can't see a dentist straight away (I know many of you are nodding in agreement!), then rub some aloe vera gel around the tooth and surrounding gum. It acts as a mild anaesthetic and is completely safe for all age groups.Original content sourced from Femanin.com2. Alternative To Shaving Gel
Image source Gillette VeetMost shop bought shaving gels contain various chemicals so give aloe vera a go! Completely natural, it works every bit as well as your Gillette aerosol and leaves your skin soft and moisturized. It's also brilliant for sensitive skin as it's totally pure.3. Asthma Soother
Image source Daily MailAsthma sufferers face a constant struggle to keep their symptoms at bay, especially with poor air quality on a humid summer day. If this is you, to lower mucus production, inhale the steam from aloe vera gel mixed with boiling water and you will get almost immediate relief.4. Natural Mouthwash
Image source Daily MailRather than searching the shelves for an alcohol free mouthwash, save time by putting two teaspoons of aloe vera gel into a cup of water, swill around the mouth and spit out. It's pleasant tasting and will kill off the bacteria that causes bad breath. Can be used safely twice a day.5. Helps Prevent Wrinkles
Image source Dreamstime.comYou have definitely got to try this if you are a person of a certain age (or preparing to be one!) The natural sugars found in aloe vera help your skin retain moisture. They allow the skin to keep it's elasticity by producing collagen. Aloe Vera's rich amino acid content will help tighten pores and treat skin dryness. Your skin will look and feel amazing!
6. Sore Throat Soother
Image source Myder.comThere is so much choice when it comes to choosing a medicinal product to ease the pain of a sore throat. Each item is promoted as the best cure but ignore their advertising and try this home remedy instead. Mix a teaspoon of aloe vera gel with half a cup of warm water and gargle 3 times a day. You will be back to belting out a song in no time!7. Cleans Your Pet's Ears!
Image source TextVetsPetsYes, you read that correctly. You may not have the right tools to clean its ears or the animal might not be happy with you prodding around its lug holes. Don't stress - simply apply aloe vera gel to your pet's ears and use a soft, clean cloth to wipe it off, bringing the accumulated dirt and grime with it.8. Hand Sanitizer
Image source Medi.comWe've all learned the meaning of this over the last couple of years. If you are like me and find that the majority of sanitizers leave your hands dry and even strip your nail polish, then read on. A cup of aloe vera gel mixed with a few drops of your favourite essential oil and 6 drops of alcohol, will ensure you're 99.9% germ free and are left with the softest hands ever.9. Stops Bleeding
Image source Twenty20There's nothing more annoying after you've shaved your legs than the tiniest cut appearing - and bleeding as if its a massive gash! Dabbing it with a tissue or applying pressure in the hope it will stem the flow is either useless or time consuming. Reach for the aloe vera gel and apply directly to the cut. Right, the bleeding has stopped now!10. Prevents Blistering From Burns
Image source Med.comWhether you've caught your forearm on the iron when pressing a shirt or you've brushed your wrist on the inside of the oven when you were checking if your dinner was cooked, then the burn you will have sustained will be extremely painful. Dab some aloe vera gel on to the affected area and as well as preventing blistering, the enzymes in the gel will calm the redness and aid healing.11. Reduces Appearance Of Stretch Marks
Image source eMedi.comStretch marks can appear for a variety of reasons, the main two being after giving birth and after weight loss or weight gain. There are an abundance of products on the market and many of them do help reduce the appearance of the marks. However, they are branded and very expensive. For less than £2, use aloe vera gel twice a day, massaging into and around the area. It won't happen overnight but give it 6-8 weeks and you will notice a marked difference and feel more confident.12. Clears Up Dandruff
Image source FirstDermDandruff, in itself, is nothing to be ashamed of. It's only dry, flaky scalp which can appear for many reasons, either health related or over-use of strong hair products. The issue is when the small flakes lands on the shoulders of your dark sweater that it becomes embarrassing. Your confidence will be back up there if you mix aloe vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage into the scalp and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing off. Great results within 14 days!13. Zaps Cold Sores
Image source NHSWhy is it these always appear at the wort time possible, either before a big night out, a family occasion or a first date? You can always stick a bit of concealer on the cold sore in an attempt to hide it but it does, in fact, make it stand out even more and can end up looking like a giant rice crispy! Dab some aloe vera gel on to the cold sore every half hour and you will literally see it shrink in no time at all - phew, that's a relief.14 Heals Wounds Faster
Image source First Aid For LifeAccording to scientific studies, the enzymes and hormone content in aloe vera interacts with the collagen production of your skin. Simply put, this helps wounds close faster and helps the development of healthier scar tissue. A natural product for natural healing.15. Maintains Genital Skin Health
Image source Onemedical.comNot a subject you would want to discuss with anyone and even less so with the pharmacy assistant, be relieved that a natural cure is available. The properties and enzymes in aloe vera gel are gentle enough genital skin and there's even clinical evidence that it may help heal genital sores from the herpes simplex virus.16. Helps Fight Viruses
Image source Khak.comSince Aloe vera contains an organic compound called anthraquinones, research has shown it assists in fighting viruses. Its complex properties have the ability to inactivate viruses and even stave off flu. Rather than picking up such a virus or getting the flu, the person would likely suffer from very mild symptoms instead, such as a common cold.
17. A Natural Alternative To Antiseptic Cream
Image source InstructablesEither a tub or tube of aloe vera gel should be in every household's first aid box. Instead of antiseptic cream, which can cause a rash on very sensitive skin, the gel is on a par with any of the top brands, such as Germolene. Because it's all natural, it's kinder to the skin.18. Aloe Vera Helps Treat Constipation
Image source AustralianGut.comAnthraquinones, which are found in aloe vera , can come in latex form. Aloe latex is a type of laxative which helps increase the water content of the intestine. Anthraquinones also helps to increase mucous production in the gut and promote its movement. As a result, the sufferer can get relief from constipation.
19. Lowers Sugar Levels In The Blood
Image source EverydayHeallthThis is a very exciting fact that has been gathering momentum over the last few years. Aloe vera has been proved to affect glycemic control. Many studies on the effects of aloe vera on blood sugar have made it clear that it helps people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.20. Helps Arthritis Of The Fingers And Hands
Image source ClevelandRecent studies have shown that a chemical compound called C-glucosyl chromone, typically found in aloe vera gel, slows down the process of inflammation. It was particularly effective in trials involving arthritis of the fingers and hands. This particular form of arthritis affects 1 in 3 adults over the age of 45.
21. Good for Female Reproductive System
Image source MedicalNewsTodayIf you are unlucky enough to experience painful periods, you will probably be familiar with paracetamol and hot water bottles every month. Aloe vera tonic is wonderful for the female reproductive system as it helps rejuvenate the uterus. It is extremely beneficial to drink aloe vera juice if you suffer with a painful menstrual cycle.22. Keeps Produce Fresh
Image source RHSHere's an interesting fact to blow your mind. A study by Cambridge University looked at tomato plants coated with aloe vera gel and found that the coating blocked many types of harmful bacteria on them. The same result was found with apples. This means there could be an end to harmful chemicals being used to extend the life of fruit and vegetables. This is the news we want to hear.23. Treats Athlete's Foot
Image source FeetClinicAs a regular swimmer and gym goer and no matter how I dry my feet and keep them aired, I still occasionally get cursed with athlete's foot. As well as being ridiculously itchy, the pain from scratching is even worse. That's all in the past, now that I mix aloe vera gel with a little tea tree oil and use this to alleviate the symptoms and aid recovery.24. Removes Stubborn Make Up
Image source BuzzFeed NewsMany products available to us will remove make up but few of them will get that waterproof mascara and eye liner off without a lot of rubbing (which we shouldn't be doing around the eyes). Squeezing a dollop of pure aloe gel on to a make up pad or cotton wool ball will wipe it clean with no effort.25. It's A Natural Conditioner
Image source HeadcurveAloe vera acts as a natural conditioning agent that restores shine and softness to your locks. More importantly, it enhances strength and suppleness for those who use hair straighteners regularly. Not stopping there, it's great at dealing with frizz without leaving the hair with any greasy build up.26. Perfect Lip Balm
Image source StylecrazeDon't spend your hard earned cash on expensive lip balms like 'Burt's Bees' etc. Make you own in second by heating a heaped teaspoon of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and then adding half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel and 2 drops of Vitamin E oil. Blend well and pour into a small container. Keep in the fridge after each use.27. Exfoliates Skin
Image source BeBeautifulIt’s not the most pleasant part of grooming, but exfoliation is important if you want glowing, fresh skin. Aloe vera gel is a great base for a homemade scrub because it helps soften your skin and supply oxygen to your cells. Mix half a cup of the gel with just enough brown sugar to get a slightly gritty texture. Rub it on your elbows, kneels and heels when you're in the shower. Cheap and effective!28. Fades Pigmentation
Image source Women StuffIf you have an uneven pigmentation on your face due to being in the sun or through taking certain medications, apply aloe vera gel mixed with a few drops of rose water and leave on the skin for 10 minutes. Repeat twice a day for 28 days and you will notice the pigmentation has noticeably faded.29. Treats Hair Loss
Image source Medical NewsThe Egyptians used aloe vera as a hair loss treatment. The proteolytic enzymes found in aloe vera help to shed dead skin cells on the scalp and its alkalizing properties balance the the pH level. This results in the hair follicles being stimulated and new hair growth slowly appears.30. Rectifies Fake Tan Disasters!
Pink BoutiqueIf only I knew about this when I was 13 and used a white coloured gradual tanning product. Mixing 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with the juice of half a lemon and applying it to the 'disaster area', leaving it on for 15 minutes, fades the fake tan and allows you to be seen in public again.31. Add Flavour To Ice Cubes
Image source DNA IndiaThis is probably not something you've ever thought to do. But we all know the benefits of consuming aloe vera in a diluted form. So, when you get drinkable aloe vera pour a little bit into a tray of ice cues. Not only will you have a refreshing drink with a hint of Aloe but it's also really healthy too.32. Help Close Foot Ulcers
Image source Health TodayFoot ulcers are often at risk of getting infected because they are difficult to heal due to taking a long time to heal and close. But layering aloe vera on them will keep out dirt by forming a barrier as well as at the same time helping them heal quicker due to its healing properties.33. Help Improve Memory
Image source iBelieveDid you know that drinking aloe vera can actually help improve your memory? Not many people do. While it is not of course an overnight cure or a guarantee, there are properties within it that can contribute to a healthy mind as well as a better memory.34. Relieve IBS Symptoms
Image source goodhousekeepingIBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome is something that millions of people suffer with. It is actually super common - many people don't even realise that they have it. It can cause a lot of problems but drinking aloe vera over time might just help relieve these symptoms slightly.35. Soothe Bug Bites
Image source medicalhealthIf you need a remedy to soothe those itchy infuriating bug bites then try putting a little bit of aloe vera gel on your bite. As we know, it has healing properties and it will take away the itch with its soothing effect as well as healing you at the same time.36. Make A Moisturising Hair Mask
Image source BeBeautifulYou don't need to spend a lot of money on a hair mask to moisturise your hair. Just try aloe vera. Take some in your hands and wipe it evenly over your hair and let it sit for a few hours if possible. It will moisturise and strengthen your hair at the same time.37. Firm Your Skin
Image source First cry parentingMassage a bit of aloe vera gel into your skin in circles every day/night as part of your routine. And, over some time the skin should start to become more and more firm. Again, results differ for everybody but it will definitely benefit your skin in some way.38. Relieve Heartburn
Image source Cleveland ClinicAloe vera drinks are more popular than ever and its no wonder why with this miracle plant. If you are a regular sufferer of heart burn try introducing aloe vera into your daily routine. It should not only soothe the effects but it should start to prevent it in the first place.39. Reduce Eye Puffiness
Image source All About VisionWe'd al love a solution from eye puffiness when we wake up on those difficult mornings after a terrible night sleep. Cut a little bit of an aloe leaf and stick it in your freezer. Then in the morning massage under the eyes with your frozen aloe leaf. Then you've got the ice and the aloe effect - double whammy.40. Stop Itching Skin
Image source Cleveland ClinicItching skin is one of the most irritating things if you just cannot satisfy it. If that's the case it needs something to soothe it. A perfect and natural way to do that is rubbing some aloe vera over the afflicted area and it will almost instantly soothe it for you.41. Use It In A Smoothie To Hydrate
Image source JessicaInTheKitchenAloe vera is very good for hydration, as well as having numerous health benefits. But you don't have to drink it as juice on its own - add some to your smoothie and it will make it not only more healthy but also more delicious - the perfect secret ingredient.42. Use It As A Refreshing Water Face Mist
Image source Product NationYou can pay a lot of money for refreshing face mists. Yet, you can make your own a lot more easily, a lot more cheaply and also it's better for your skin because it's got nothing weird added into it. Take some aloe vera, get a bottle spray and dilute it with water. Job's done.43. Put It In A Room Spray
Image source Hello GlowLikewise, this is not just a beneficial idea for spraying on your face to refresh and reduce bacteria. It is also a great idea for a room. Because of course it will make things smell much more fresh but it will also clean things with its disinfectant properties.44. Use It As A Bath Soap
Image source Good HousekeepingDid you know that you can add a little bit of aloe vera to your bath water, this will act as a soap so there's no need for anything else. It's a completely natural way to cleanse your body without having to use anything with added agents or chemicals.45. Use It To Stick Glitter
Image source BustleThis one i'm sure you've never thought of before. As we know you can use vaseline to do the same as an alternative to glue. But another way is aloe vera, make sure its tacky enough and it will hold face or body glitter in place and be beneficial for your skin.46. Remove Dead Skin
Image source Harvard HealthWant to remove some dead skin with a very gentle exfoliant? Try scrubbing with a little bit of aloe vera, no harsh scrubs or ingredients just some aloe.The dead skin will come away and you'll be left cleaner and fresher without feeling like your skin has been peeled.47. Use It After Waxing/ Plucking
Image source ElleSkin of course, is a little bit red raw after shaving or waxing or plucking your hair. The best thing you can do is use some aloe vera gel to soothe it. It will take effect very quickly and it will also prevent you from getting shaving rash or spots in those areas.48. Freshen Your Car
Image source GarageWireIs your car smelling a little bit musty? Or is it just time for a little bit of a cleanse? If so, then take a bottle of water and add a good amount of aloe vera in and give your car a thorough spray to disinfect and make it smell fresh and clean again.49. Soothe A Rash
Image source Adobe StockWhether you have a rash on your face or your body...a perfect way to help it go down and soothe it whilst fighting bacteria is to apply a little bit of aloe vera gel to the area in need. Then, watch the redness go down as well as the bumpy rash itself.50. Steam Your Face
Image source skinphSometimes it's nice to steam your face and unclog your pores. A good way to do this is by adding a little bit of aloe vera to cleanse and disinfect your face whilst removing any bacteria from your pores. It's a perfect way to cleanse rather than just plain water.51. Maintain Gum Health
Image source dentalclinic.comGum health is so important for us; not only for the health of our mouth but for the health of our body in general. So, before or after brushing using some aloe vera can really help protect your gums. Just rub a little bit into them to reap the benefits.52. Turn Into An Oil
Image source onegoothingbyjillie.comOne way to turn your aloe vera into something luxurious is by taking the extract and making into an oil. The oil might be for a variety of purposes for example it could be an oil for your face. After all- we know how good and beneficial it is for the skin.53. Candle Scent
Image source iStockLet's say you have your own aloe vera plant or some extra aloe vera gel around the house waiting to be used. Why not put it into a candle scent? If you make your own candle you can use the aloe extract and make your very own aloe scented candle - it makes the perfect gift too.54. Soothe Eczema
Image source everydayhealth.comIt comes as no surprise now that aloe vera is super beneficial for the skin. And, it can even help sufferers of the skin condition eczema. Rub in a little bit of aloe vera every night along with he usual moisturising routine and you should notice a difference.55. Feed Your Plants
image source: sagaNot only is aloe vera beneficial to us...it's also very helpful in helping other plants grow due to its numerous useful properties as well as the abundance of minerals it contains. So if you have some spare, spread it around the soil of your other plants or add it tot he watering regime.56. Get Rid Of Plant Diseases
Image source firstcryparenting.comThis point is along similar lines. But, not only will it help your plants grow it will actually prevent or even get rid of plant diseases that your plant may have (whether obvious or unknowingly). Again, the disinfectant properties kills the things that help the diseases thrive.57. Texture Thickener
Image source goodshephard.comIf you have a mixture, be it for your face or even a smoothie or some kind of cooking...you may find that it is a runny consistency and you may need it thickening. Aloe vera is a perfect way to do this because it is naturally thicker so works perfectly.58. Kids Slime
Image source BBC.comFor some reason kids are obsessed with slime and goo. For them, anything gross and messy is a win. For us, not so much. But, you can actually make your own version using aloe extract. It has similar texture and there's nothing yucky in the ingredients.59. Extra Highlight
Image source homehacks.comGlowing faces...it's the makeup (or no makeup makeup) look that everyone wants to achieve. In fact some people started putting vaseline under their highlighter to make it pop even more...while this is not exactly a bad idea replacing it with aloe vera is a little less intense and greasy.60. Lubricant
Image source Yahoo.comThe texture of aloe vera lends itself very well to being used as a lubricant - it's natural, harm free and it is the perfect gel like consistency. So instead of using something with potential chemicals this could be the perfect option for some people.61. Massage Gel
Image source elementalmedium.comHere is a great free alternative to spice up any old massage...use aloe vera gel. Get the luxury spa treatment at home. It's the perfect consistency and it's also great for the skin. So instead of using oil which never dries and it gets everywhere just use aloe.62. Grill it
Image source meayaka.comYes you heard that correctly. You can actually grill aloe vera.In fact aloe vera stir fry is a thing that does actually exist. And, apparently it's very yummy. Plus, it's a very healthy dish to cook and definitely something new and interesting to try.63. Eat It Raw
Image source wikihow.comNow don't just be cutting the leaf into chunks and popping it straight into your mouth and chewing. Because there are things you have to do like removing the outside and part of the latex cover. So, while it's safe and beneficial to eat there are precautions to take first.