Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller, family Xanthorrhoeaceae) is a perennial green herb with bright yellow tubular flowers whose gel has been extensively used with pharmacological and cosmetic applications.

Traditionally, this medicinal plant has been employed to treat skin problems (burns, wounds, and anti-inflammatory processes). 

Moreover, Aloe vera has shown other therapeutic properties including anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic.

But what makes Aloe Vera – a go to herb this summer?

4 benefits of using aloe vera during Summer – 

• Digestion issues 

Constipation, acidity and reflux are some of the common problems associated with summer. 

It was reported that Aloe vera syrup (10 mL/day) for 4 weeks reduced the frequency of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux diseases including heartburn, food regurgitation, dysphagia, flatulence, belching, nausea, and acid regurgitation without causing adverse effects. Always take any herb under the supervision of a medical professional.

1. For skin health 

Aloe vera due to its high antioxidant properties, protects our skin from harmful radiation of the sun and also blocks pollutants from the environment. It also helps to heal cracked skin or sunburn with regenerating new cells.

In its pure form, aloe vera gel is 100 percent natural, so it’s a great go-to product for many people who struggle with using chemicals on their skin

• Fights Acne

Aloe Vera is antimicrobial in nature and helps to prevent acne. Acne is aggravated during summer due to sweat and bacteria getting logged in the pores of skin causing a breakout. Aloe vera prevents breakout and helps in quick healing of acne.

• Keeps the skin hydrated and young

Aloe vera helps in reducing wrinkles by stimulating hyaluronic acid and collagen production thereby improving the elasticity of the skin. Aloe vera is non-greasy, making it a perfect product for people both with dry and oily skin. It hydrates the skin and makes it look young and fresh.

How To Make Aloe Vera Gel At Home?

• Take a leaf and cut off the ragged edges first. 
• Wash the leaves well with plain water. 
• Then slide the knife right under the skin along the length of the leaf. 
• Now, carefully with the help of a spoon, scoop out all the transparent gooey gel and collect it in a bowl.
• Mix the gel with other natural ingredients or use it as such on the skin, let it stay on for sometime and then wash it off with cold water.
• To preserve the gel for a longer period, add a few drops of grape seed extract or some essential oil and refrigerate it. It will stay good for a week or two.