Aloe vera is the god of herbal remedies as it can cure almost anything and everything (note, mild health and skin problems). Aloe vera essential oil is used for a number of health problems and this article is focused on its benefits and uses. Aloe vera essential oil though is not a pure oil extract, instead the gel extracts is mixed with a carrier oil to make essential oil. If you cannot find this oil anywhere in the stores or online, you can make one at home:
HEAT METHOD: To make aloe vera oil, you need ½ cup fresh aloe vera gel and ½ cup coconut oil. Put aloe vera gel in a vessel and mash it properly using a fork or spoon until you see no lumps. Now add coconut oil to it and mix properly. Put the vessel on a double boiler and heat it on a medium flame for 10-15 minutes with occasional stirring. Pour the aloe vera oil in a dark bottle and refrigerate it. Add 2 or 3 drops of your favorite essential oil to the above ingredients and mix well.
NO-HEAT METHOD: To make this Aloe Vera oil, take a fresh Aloe Vera leaf and wipe it clean. Cut the thorns on both sides of the leaf and make it into very small pieces and blend the gel. Take aloe vera gel and store it in a dark bottle and top it with coconut oil or any other carrier oil till it is full immersed. Add few drops of essential oils. Keep it in a cool, dark place for 2 months. Strain and your homemade Aloe Vera oil is ready!
Aloe vera oil has a strong smell so add in few drops of essentials oils like rose, jasmine or peppermint for added benefits.
BENEFITS:
CLEAR SKIN
Aloe vera essential oil soothes the skin, hydrates it, nourishes it and accelerates the regeneration of new skin tissue. This oil is beneficial for sunburnt skin, blisters, insect bites, allergic reactions, minor burns, inflammations and more. People who have sensitive skin too can use aloe vera without any problems or worries.
ANTI AGING
Aloe vera essential oil is said to anti aging since it is a rich source of nutrients like vitamins A, B, C and E, that nourishes your skin. Also, the oil contains polysaccharides that stimulate skin regeneration.
HEALTHY HAIR
Aloe vera essential oil has great hair benefits. It can prevent and treat dandruff, itchy scalp, make hair shiny and also promote hair growth. Plus, aloe vera oil can help maintain the pH of your scalp which is needed for healthier hair.
USES:
SOFTER LIPS
Mix 1 tablespoon of coarsely powdered rice with enough aloe vera oil to make a paste. Rub this homemade scrub on your lips gently for 5 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. Use this lip scrub once a week.
HAIR GROWTH
Gently massage the aloe vera oil onto your scalp and leave it on overnight. Add few drops of essential oil like lavender oil to your aloe vera oil and use it for hair growth. The next morning, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo. This can be done twice a week for better results.
ANTI-AGING
To make this anti-aging mask, you need aloe vera oil and 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal. Take the oatmeal powder in a bowl, add ½ teaspoon water to it and mix with powder. You will get a thick paste which is not easy to spread. Now add aloe vera oil little by little until you get a spreadable consistency. Apply this on your face and neck and wash off after 30 minutes.
Caution – Patch test before use.