8 Surprising Uses Of of aloe Vera :

Considering how this plant has become "trendy" this decade, I am sure you have already heard of it ... But do you really know what it is? And above all, what it can bring to your body as a benefit? Aloe vera or aloe is a thorny plant that comes from East Africa. They are also found on the shores of the Mediterranean and in hot zones. Belonging to the lily family, aloe vera is a perennial plant without a stem. In its green parts there is a clear pulp resembling a viscous gel of pale green color. It is the latter that we use in cosmetics.

 

The use of this plant dates back over 6,000 years. The Egyptians nicknamed it the "plant of immortality" and it was not only the Egyptians who used it. Good for immortality on the other hand, we will come back ...

 

Top 8 Surprising Uses / benefits of aloe Vera (  How to Recover aloe vera gel + Warnings )

The Incas, Chinese and Greeks also used it to treat the skin, hair, gums and internal organs. Today, those in the world of cosmetics use it a lot, but other sectors like dermatology and phytotherapy also use it. Many studies have already proven the benefits and virtues of aloe vera. So I told myself that I was going to tell my dear bearded people about its benefits and uses!

 

Because yes gentlemen, aloe vera can also be useful for your facial hair. I’ll talk about that a little below.

What does aloe vera actually contain?

When we talk about aloe vera, we often refer to aloe vera gel. However, note that this perennial plant produces two substances such as latex and aloe vera gel. We don't often talk about latex. This bitter yellow sap is found in the small canals of the bark and contains anthranoid. The latter is a molecule with laxative effects and it is for this reason that it is not used much. Latex can also cause irritation on the skin and mucous membranes, some people are even allergic to latex. The aloe vera gel found in the heart of large aloe leaves is made up primarily of water, but it also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. These elements make the moisturizing, emollient, purifying, repairing, healing, repairing and anti-inflammatory effects of aloe vera. You can take this gel orally and in some cases apply it to the skin.

1- Aloe vera: a natural exfoliating scrub :

This first benefit should strongly interest you since it will be very useful for the skin of your face, and therefore to better protect your beard too. Indeed, in most cosmetic products for the body and the face, there is aloe vera. This contains exfoliating active ingredients. This will allow you to prepare a "homemade" exfoliating scrub for the face or body with aloe.

 
To do this, you need an aloe vera leaf. Cut it lengthwise and take the inner part. Use it as an exfoliating sponge in the shower. You can also use it for your feet. For optimal exfoliation for the feet, you will need to prepare a mask with 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 150 g of oat flakes, 10 cl of body milk and 90 g of cornmeal. Leave this exfoliating mask on for a few minutes before rinsing: your feet will regain their softness.

2- Aloe vera to treat burns, sunburns and insect bites :

If you are the clumsy type in the kitchen or you are often bitten by insects or mosquitoes, aloe vera will quickly become your friend! Whether the burn is mild or serious, you can use aloe vera to treat and calm it. Collect the aloe gel and mix it with vitamin E oil. Apply the mixture to your skin. If you do not have vitamin E oil, you can simply put the aloe vera gel on the area where there is the burn.

Also, after the bite of an insect, itching or pimples may be present. Aloe vera can also work by reducing or even eliminating the itchiness and pimples. To do this, all you have to do is apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Prepare your stock without further delay ...

3- Aloe vera makes hematomas disappear :

Well, aloe vera is perfect for your bruises. Aloe gel contains agents that help eliminate hematomas. Understand that these agents do not work miracles and will not make the bruises disappear in a few minutes either, eh! For quick relief, apply aloe vera gel to the bruises. Let the gel work before rinsing it off. Repeat this twice a day for a few days: you will eventually get rid of these hematomas.

4- Aloe vera, an ideal treatment for sunburn :

Even if you used sunscreen when you tanned, you can still get sunburned. The feeling of these sunburns is not at all comfortable. Worse than that, it can even form a burn on your skin, and there you will taste! To soothe a sunburn, take aloe vera. Applying the gel will directly relieve you. You can apply aloe vera gel on your shoulders, on your face or on the affected part. It is even possible to leave the gel to act overnight. This application must be renewed the next day, the day after, until the sunburns are perfectly treated. Okay, take it easy on your body's exposure to the sun anyway, huh ... In addition, exposing your beard to the sun too much can harm it and damage it in the long run. How? 'Or' What ? By drying your hairs, but also by being able to discolor them…

5- Use aloe vera to treat skin infections and allergic skin reactions :

Again, aloe vera is going to be very helpful for your facial skin and beard. Indeed, certain skin infections can appear under your beard, such as itching, allergies to certain products, or even eczema. So if you want to have perfect skin (even on the rest of the body) and you have aloe gel at home, do not deprive yourself. This gel can have its effect on skin infections, eczema, yeast infections, allergic skin reactions, psoriasis and even rosacea. The latter is an incurable skin condition, but you can use aloe vera to treat acne symptomatic of this condition. The gel of this plant with multiple virtues will also have an effect on cold sore rashes, herpes, blisters, warts, acne pimples, scars and stretch marks. Suffice to say that it is a hyper-efficient all-in-one with great benefits. Good for stretch marks, on the other hand, you understand that it will be for your wife eh ... After childbirth, ideal therefore!

6- Make a moisturizer and an anti-aging treatment with aloe vera :

If you've always used a moisturizer from the big brands, it's time to switch to a homemade moisturizer that will cost you almost nothing and will do the same thing as the cosmetic. And above all, much more natural. Aloe gel is recommended for the treatment of dry skin. The result will be seen very quickly. Again, this is great for softening your facial skin and beard.
Also, if the first signs of aging appear on your skin, take aloe vera gel to treat them. Even if having wrinkles is not our main concern as men, why not protect yourself naturally from your youth? If you use aloe vera when you are young, your skin is more likely to age more slowly, and especially better.

Remember that Cleopatra used this aloe vera trick to keep her skin looking young. If you have a few pigment spots on your face, you can apply aloe vera gel there as well. Well, if you have a big beard, it will hardly be seen, but I'll tell you anyway just in case.

7- Aloe vera gel, a complete care for the hair :

If you're the kind of person who wants to let your hair grow a little, aloe vera gel can replace several products for your hair and aloe vera itself contains elements that will accelerate hair growth. To ensure this effect, apply aloe vera gel to the scalp while gently massaging it. The exposure time must be at least 30 minutes.

If you are one of those who actively fight against dandruff, don't waste your time testing all the so-called “miracle” products of the big brands. Just take aloe vera gel to make your product at home.
Mix coconut milk and wheat germ oil with this aloe gel. These ingredients must be of the same amount. Massage your scalp with this mixture before going to rinse. If your conditioner is exhausted and you have nothing left, don't panic. You can find shiny, silky, smooth and disentangled hair using aloe vera gel.

8- Aloe vera toothpaste :

The problem with industrial toothpaste is that it is industrial. As a result, you don't really know what you are putting on your teeth, and this can end up weakening them. If you run out of toothpaste at home and have aloe vera gel in a small box, take it. Brushing your teeth with this gel will strengthen the gums and promote healthy teeth. To complete the action of the gel, also take aloe juice. To keep your teeth looking white and healthy, you can also use (very moderately) vegetable charcoal or an arak stick (also called siwak).

Recover aloe vera gel :

For most of these tips, you need aloe vera gel. You can find in organic stores aloe vera gel which is already canned, but the ideal is to recover this gel yourself obviously. To do this, you will need to get aloe vera leaves that need to be cleaned well. Get rid of the top of the leaf and the thorns on each side. Using a knife, remove the green layer on the surface on both sides. You will then have transparent gel blocks. As for storage, the gel should be put in a glass or in a clean bowl. If you can't recover, watch this video which will be of great help to you.

 

How to extract fresh aloe vera gel

Warnings :

Aloe vera: separate the non-consumable parts well :

The medicinal and cosmetic properties of aloe vera are a hit on the Internet. Creams, ointments and other preparations based on this plant exist. But in the trade you can also find its fresh leaves, which you cook yourself at home. It is this last case that worries the French authorities, because the dangerousness or not of these sheets depends on the way they will be prepared by the customer.
 
In an aloe vera leaf cut crosswise, only the gel in the center of the leaf is consumable after cooking. This gel is surrounded on all sides by a thin layer of latex, a yellow liquid which is highly dangerous. When the leaves are sold whole, it is up to the customer to separate the gel, the only consumable part of this plant.

 
Aloe vera has some dangers :

 
Various studies on the properties of aloe vera have been conducted in the past. Researchers point out that this herb can cause stomach cramps, even diarrhea and constipation. In addition, aloe vera can disrupt the electrolyte balance and the functioning of the liver. It can also cause arrhythmia. In a notice published in January 2018, the European Food Safety Agency (EASA) indicates that the latex compounds in aloe vera are capable of damaging DNA and of being carcinogenic.
 
The DGCCRF therefore recommends exercising caution if you choose to buy the fresh leaves of this plant, and does not recommend their consumption to children, pregnant and lactating women .

14 Surprising Beauty Uses of Coconut Oil

Much appreciated for its nourishing and protective properties, coconut oil is a must have beauty, which is more natural.

It has been used in beauty rituals for a long time. Even the stars have succumbed: Angelina Jolie would start each day with a teaspoon of coconut oil, Miranda Kerr put in her coffee, Blake Lively on her skin, and according to Jessica Alba, apply coconut oil on her body during pregnancy would prevent stretch marks. Tempting no?

 

14 Surprising Beauty Uses of Coconut Oil

1- Nourish your skin :

Very rich, coconut oil nourishes the skin and soothes irritation. Antioxidant, it fights the aging of the skin, tones it and gives it back its radiance. You can even use it as a makeup remover, gently massaging your face with the oil. Then wipe with a soft washcloth. And not to spoil anything, it leaves on our skin a pleasant summer smell.

 

However, it is avoided to apply on the face if you have oily skin or problem skin.

1.) Apply a small amount of coconut oil on after bathing or showering to your body. Smaller amounts of coconut oil can be better absorbed by the skin when the skin is still warm.

2.) Use a tablespoon of coconut oil to moisturize your arms. Put a tablespoon of oil on your arm. Rub it with the other hand until the coconut oil is melted on your skin. Spread it evenly and rub until it's gone. Repeating with the other arm.

3.) Use it as a moisturizer for your legs. Spread two tablespoons of thigh, knee, lower leg and foot. Grater, until the oil is absorbed into the skin. Repeat with the other leg.

4.) Use another tablespoon for the upper body. Rub it on the back, buttocks, stomach, chest and anywhere else where moisture is needed. You can use as a normal lotion coconut oil.

5.) Let the coconut oil feeding. It may take 15 minutes, until the oil is completely absorbed by the skin. Stay in the meantime, in the bathroom or put on a bathrobe, so that the oil does not get onto your beautiful furniture or clothing.

2 - Moisturize and strengthen your hair :

Rich in vitamin E, vitamin K and iron, coconut oil nourishes our hair, makes it more dense and shinier. A plus for dry and damaged hair. Unraveling the finger, with a few drops of coconut oil, could also make it more smooth and silky. But not to grease our scalp, it is best not to touch our roots, and focus on the lengths and ends.

3 -For your face (Moisture Treatment): 

1.) Clean your face as usual. Whether you splash water on your face you something, peelst with a brush or cleanse with oil, you should wash your face before anyway. Dab it with a soft towel and prefer not present on the skin - facial skin is sensitive, and pull and tug much they can damage.

2.) Rub some coconut oil to your eyes. Coconut oil is a wonderful cream for upper eyelid and the area under the eyes. It gives these paper-thin skin moisture, improves dark circles and wrinkles. Rub a very small amount around your eyes around, concentrate on areas with wrinkles.

• You probably only need a pea-sized amount for each eye. Do not use too much. 
• Avoid to put coconut oil in your eyes. Otherwise, it covers your eye, and obscures your view!

3.) Apply the coconut oil sparingly on to other places. If you have a dry spot between the eyebrows, on the temples or any other place, carry a small amount of coconut oil on there. Rub it with a gentle, circular movements.

4.) Rub coconut oil on your lips. Unrefined coconut oil makes the lips soft and moisturizes. It is perfectly edible, so it's not bad if you swallow a little of it. Coconut oil is actually very healthy.

5.) Rub the coconut oil not on your whole face. In no points, it is useful, but if you rub it on your whole skin, it can clog the pores and lead to breakouts. This is a powerful oil that you should only use in small amounts in places that need it. 

• When you cleanse with oil, don't use coconut. It can clog the pores. It is better to take a mixture of canola oil and argan oil or other light oil to clean your face.

4 - You can also use Coconut Oil As:

1.) ...as a massage oil. You can add flavor and use as a sensual massage oil homemade coconut oil with a few drops of essential oil such as lavender or rose.

2.) ...to tame hair flying. Rub a pea-sized piece of coconut oil between your hands and smear it on your hair to tame annoying flying hair.

3.) ...to make scars less noticeable. Rub a generous amount of coconut oil on your skin. Repeat this twice a day. By the time you see how reduced the scar and blends with your skin.

4.) ... to treat eczema. Rubbing coconut oil on dry, inflamed skin to relieve the itching and to supply the body with moisture.

5.) ...to make the hair silky. Give a little coconut oil in a bowl. Heat it until it is warm, then it allow to cool.

• Take a small amount in your hand. 
• 
  
• Wear it on the scalp. Rub it on and smear it through your hair. 
• 
  
• Do this at night, and wash your hair in the morning. Your hair is silky and strong. 

Tips: 

• If you color your hair at home, then you coconut oil can to use the damage to the hair by aggressive coloring to reduce. Give Just before coloring a few drops of oil in the colorant. 
• 
  
• A small amount of coconut oil is sufficient. Be careful not to use too much. 
• 
  
• Leave the oil is not more than a day in hair, wash without it. Otherwise, the hair starts to smell bad and is greasy. 
• 
  
• Coconut oil makes hair healthier and helps it to grow better if you use it often. 
• 
  
• Add Alma / Indian Honeysuckle powder added to keep the melanin in the hair roots. It is intended to prevent gray hair. 
• 
  
• Coconut oil prevents 90% of the infestation with cooties when it is applied to the scalp.

Read More : 14 Surprising Uses Of Baking Soda 

12 Surprising Benefits Of Drinking Warm Water :

We all know that you need to drink at least 2 liters of water a day to keep the body running smoothly. What few of us would suspect is that drinking hot water is even more beneficial to our health. A healthy gesture to relearn!

12 Surprising Benefits Of Drinking Warm Water :

It is an undeniable fact that we even observe in our household chores: water cleans more effectively when it is hot. It is the same for its effects on our cells. Ever used by many civilizations to heal,  warm water is good for us through many processes, including:

Here are 12 surprising benefits of warm water on your health:

1. Facilitates weight loss:

Warm water is a great way to optimize your basic metabolism. A healthy metabolism is essential if you want to lose weight. Here is the best way to speed up your basal metabolism, in the morning: drink a glass of warm lemon water. As a bonus, hot water also helps break down the body's fat tissue. It is precisely this tissue that contains the fat cells.

2. Relieves irritation of the nose and throat:

Drinking warm water is an effective remedy for colds, coughs and sore throats. Hot water dissolves mucus, these mucous substances characteristic of irritations of the nose and throat. Hot water also helps to eliminate mucus from the airways. That's why hot water relieves sore throats and decongests the nasal cavity.

3. Relieves painful menstrual cramps :

Warm water can also ease the pain associated with menstrual cramps . Indeed, the heat of the water has a calming effect on the muscles of the abdomen, which can relieve the pain and contractions associated with the cramps.

4. Purifies the body:

Warm water is especially effective for purifying your body. After drinking hot water, body temperature increases. Therefore, we sweat. Sweating is highly beneficial because it is a way of removing toxins and purifying the body. For best results, consider adding some lemon juice to your hot water before drinking.

5. Acts against early aging:

As you just learned, drinking warm water helps eliminate toxins from your body. Here is another good reason to eliminate toxins: they participate in early aging. Drinking warm water helps your skin regenerate. Therefore, it increases the elasticity of epidermal cells attacked by harmful free radicals. The result ? Your weakened skin becomes sharper and smoother.

6. Avoid acne and pimples:

Drinking warm water has another benefit for your skin. Thanks to the purifying effect of warm water on your body, acne infections are stopped at the root - before they appear.

7. Revitalizes the hair:

Drinking warm water is also beneficial to the health of your hair. It revitalizes and stimulates the nerve endings of the hair roots. It's very effective in restoring vitality to your hair - and maintaining its suppleness and radiance.

8. Promotes hair growth :

Stimulating the roots of hair is another advantage: it makes them grow! Drinking warm water stimulates the activity of the roots. Therefore, it accelerates hair growth.

9. Fights dandruff:

Drinking warm water ensures a well-hydrated scalp. It helps your body fight and even avoid dandruff.

10. Improves blood circulation and the nervous system:

Drinking warm water is also beneficial for blood circulation. By improving blood circulation, you contribute to the proper functioning of the muscles and the nervous system. In addition, drinking warm water dissolves fat deposits around your nervous system.

11. Promotes digestion:

Warm water is especially beneficial for digestion. On the other hand, several studies indicate that drinking fresh water during or after a meal hardens the fat of food consumed. This creates fat deposits on the surface of the intestinal wall - which can lead to bowel cancer. This risk can be easily avoided by replacing fresh water with warm  water.

12. Against constipation:

Drinking warm water stimulates intestinal transit. Stool evacuation is easier and painless. Dehydration is one of the main causes of chronic constipation. As the stool builds up in your gut, it slows down your intestinal transit. This is why it is strongly recommended to drink a glass of hot water from the morning - on an empty stomach. Hot water will help break down food residues in your digestive system. As a result, the transit of the food particles takes place smoothly and without pain.