Aloe vera, the spiky green plant that has graced kitchen windowsills for generations, is having a moment. Recent studies showed more exciting potential benefits, like reducing dental plaque, slowing the growth of breast cancer cells, and keeping fruits and vegetables fresh longer.1
With its easy care requirements and ability to thrive indoors, there’s never been a better time to add an aloe vera plant to your home.
Here are four reasons why you should consider adding an aloe vera plant to your home right now – and the science behind its benefits.
1. Soothes Burns & Wounds
Aloe vera has long been hailed as a natural remedy for burns and wounds, and for good reason. The clear gel inside the plant’s leaves has been used for centuries to treat everything from sunburns to minor cuts and scrapes.
Aloe vera gel contains compounds called polysaccharides, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. (ref)
When applied topically, the gel can help reduce pain, swelling, and redness while promoting healing.
Keep an aloe vera plant on hand for those unexpected kitchen mishaps or summer sunburns.
2. Improves Air Quality
Did you know that aloe vera can also help purify the air in your home? Studies have shown that this humble plant can absorb harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, commonly found in household products and furniture. (ref)
Aloe vera can remove toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment.
Place an aloe vera plant in your bedroom or home office to enjoy its air-purifying benefits while you work or sleep.
3. Boosts Digestive Health
Aloe vera isn’t just good for your skin; it can also benefit your digestive system. The plant contains anthraquinones, which have laxative effects and can help relieve constipation. (ref)
Drinking aloe vera juice or adding the gel to smoothies can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion.
However, it’s important to use caution when consuming aloe vera internally, as it can cause side effects like cramping and diarrhea in some people.
4. Enhances Mental Well-being
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s all too common to neglect our own needs and well-being.
But did you know that something as simple as tending to a plant can work wonders for your mental health?
Numerous studies have found that nurturing plants can be a powerful stress-buster, helping lower cortisol levels and promote calm and relaxation. (ref)
Having an aloe vera plant in your home can provide a sense of connection to nature and remind you to take a moment for self-care. Plus, watching your aloe vera plant grow and thrive can be a rewarding experience in itself.
From its healing properties to its air-purifying abilities, this versatile succulent offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health.
So, why head to your local garden center and pick up an aloe vera plant today?
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.