Rumor has it that Cleopatra applied aloe vera cream to her skin. We can thank the Egyptians for having discovered the miraculous qualities of the aloe vera plant and for having bred aloe into most cultivars we see today. Now, you can find aloe vera everywhere—in beverages, skin care products, and more. In its raw state, aloe vera has the power to improve your immune and nervous system and even your looks! Slather on some raw aloe vera to treat sunburns or to fix yourself one powerful cleanser!
When using aloe vera, remember to keep an eye out for the following:
- Buy organic aloe vera
- Select fresh leaves versus bottled aloe vera.
- Select aloe leaves that are thick with gel and free of white speckles.
Twinkling Pink Aloe Cleanser from Superfoods by David Wolfe
2-3 tbsp. flax oil
1 whole grapefruit (peeled)
inside gel from 1/2 an aloe vera leaf (not skin)
2 tbsp. sweeter of choice (Manuka honey, agave syrup, or a few drops of stevia–sweeten to taste)
Blend all ingredients together in high-speed blender, pour into glass, chill if desired, and serve!
Aloe Facial Cleanser from Green Smoothie Revolution by Victoria Boutenko
1/2 cucumber
1/2 avocado
1 large leaf aloe vera, with skin
Apply on skin as sunscreen, or after sunburn, or to improve overall skin health. Keep on skin 10-30 minutes, then rinse off.
Image by tjmwatson on Flickr Courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing
I always see Aloe Vera juice at Trader Joe’s and at health food stores, but it’s honestly never sounded that appealing to me as a beverage. That said, I’m REALLY interested to try this facial…could we have an office test kitchen day and do facials?