1-2 cups water (room temp or hot water are both fine based on preference)
1 lemon, juiced and sliced
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. aloe vera
1 tsp. honey is optional for sweetener and antibacterial properties (omit on sugar-free detox)
optional – toss in some herbs like mint or basil for digestion or inflammation support
What Makes this Drink So Special
1. Lemon
Lemons have astringent qualities and are alkalizing, even though before you consume them they’re acidic. Consuming lemons and other Vitamin C rich foods assist with iron absorption which means more sustainable energy, because if your iron stores are low, you’re sure to feel fatigued. Lemons can also stimulate the liver, promoting detox and a clearer complexion. Unless you suffer from heartburn or another GI issue, drinking lemon water daily can be extremely rewarding and give you a bit of a glow!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an age old remedy for literally dozens of health issues. Just check out this post 35 Awesome Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for more ideas. “ACV” is often used to combat acid reflux caused by an underproduction of stomach acid, but that’s not all.
It’s commonly consumed because it’s rich in enzymes and helps to balance the bacteria in the gut, which of course leads to healthier, more beautiful looking skin. Some people consume apple cider vinegar in their morning drinks daily and have the most gorgeous skin ever. Diabetics may turn to this potent elixir to help lower their blood sugar and augment their insulin response.
3. Aloe Vera
Most of us know aloe vera for its healing properties when applied to the skin, usually to treat a cut or a burn. However, aloe vera can also be consumed internally and while its flavor alone isn’t the main attraction, it’s palatable and easily disguised among other flavors. Aloe vera is often used to treat gut issues, and some research has been done to discover whether or not aloe vera can be used to treat concerns like colitis and diabetes. This is another plant that does wonders for the look and feel of the skin and many report that taking aloe vera regularly results in clearer, brighter looking skin.
4. Honey
Honey has been a sacred food for as far back as we can go. It’s been used as food and medicine for thousands of years, and today is still touted for its antibacterial, anti fungal properties – and is the most common reference and rebuttal to Michael Pollan’s Quote “Don’t Eat Anything that Doesn’t Rot”. Why? Because honey doesn’t rot, and almost everyone will agree that it’s a naturally perfect medicine. While honey is high in sugar and should be consumed very mindfully, medicinally it’s really quite good for fighting infection and can even be applied to the skin to help treat acne and scarring.
5. Mint & Basil
Fresh wild and culinary herbs are a wonderful addition to any diet! Mint is a well-known remedy for digestive issues and easing nausea, though it doesn’t hurt knowing mint also contains minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds as well. Basil is also anti-inflammatory and flavorful added to food and beverages with a healthy twist. http://www.youngandraw.com/drink-daily-alkaline-balance-inflammation-clear-skin/
Beauty treatments and skin care routine have been associated with women since ages. One such ingredient which is common yet magical for healthy and glowing skin is Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera is a commonly used ingredient in herbal concoctions, medicines and cosmetics. It dates back to history BC where an Egyptian document reports the use of aloe Vera gel with other agents to cure various skin and other internal disorders.
The secret of Aloe Vera lies in its long, succulent leaves – it is the gel that makes aloe vera a magical plant. It contains beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, lectins and mannans etc. The main constituent is water but it also packs inside a bulk of minerals, vitamins and many active compounds. The beauty of the plant lies in the fact that this ingredient can be used in almost any form – cream or gel based which makes it ideal to be marketed as a product in cosmetic and medical fields.
Benefits of Aloe Vera Face Pack:
It is an excellent moisturizer for skin. Aloe Vera gel rejuvenates the skin, hydrates it and keeps your skin looking fresh all the times.
Aloe Vera gel has anti-microbial properties making it ideal to treat acne and pimples.
It is a great naturally occurring anti-oxidant.
It is known to retain your skin’s firmness – making it a good anti-aging cream.
Aloe Vera is known to reduce pain and inflammation – both internally and externally. It is medicinally also used to treat sun burns, insect bites, eczema, cuts and wounds.
Below are some of the best Aloe vera face mask recipes that can be done at home at one comfort.If your making the Aloe vera gel at home and want to use it regularly, then store the extracted gel in a air tight container in the fridge.This way the gel will be in a good condition to use it later.
How to extract Aloe Vera gel at home:
Choose the leaves of the plant carefully, the leaves in the middle of the plant contains most of the gel as they leaf are juicer, soft and widest there.
Cut the leaves at an angle from the base of the plant.
Now, stand the leaves upright for 15 minutes to allow the sap to drain out. The sap is a yellow colored fluid which will ooze out the moment you cut the leaf. Allow it to drain out completely.
Later on wash the leaves to remove the remaining sap from the leaves.
Lay the leaves flat on cutting board and carefully cut the sides of the leaves which will contain thorns from both the sides of the leaves. Once that is done, you need to peel off the green layer of the leaf and dice the transparent gel into cubes.
Alternatively, you can also slice the leaves into two halves lengthwise from top of bottom and scrape off the transparent gel with the help of the spoon.
How To Make Aloe Vera Face Pack At Home:
1. Aloe Vera Face Pack for Glowing skin:
Ingredients: Aloe vera,Turmeric, Honey, Milk, Rose water.
Method:
Make a paste with a pinch of turmeric,1 teaspoon of Honey, 1 teaspoon of milk and few drops of rose water.
Add the aloe vera gel to the paste and mix it well.If you have cut the gel into cubes, you will need to blend the whole mixture to form the paste.
Apply the paste on to the face and neck evenly for about 20 minutes.
Then wash if off with Luke warm or cold water and pat dry with a clean towel to get glowing skin.
2. Aloe Vera Face Mask for Tan removal:
Ingredients: Aloe vera, Lemon Juice.
Skin tanning is a common problem in India and it is also very difficult to get rid of the tan easily.Try this simple and effective pack for tan removal.
Method:
Apply a paste of aloe vera gel and lemon juice on the affected area.Leave it on for 10 mins and wash it off.
Alternatively, you can also make a mixture of the same and apply the mix with help of a cotton ball on the affected areas to treat them.
3. Aloe Vera Face Pack to treat Pigmentation marks:
Ingredients: Aloe vera, Rose water.
Method:
Age spots, pimple marks, pigmentation marks, burn or injury marks can be treated using aloe vera gel.
Just make a paste of aloe vera extract and rose water and apply it on face for 20 minutes. Rinse off using cold water.
This pack acts as a fairness pack also. The paste must be massaged for 2-3 mins onto the face before rinsing it off to cleanse the pores of the face.
4. Aloe Vera Detox – Pack:
Ingredients: Aloe vera, Mango fruit, Lime juice.
Method:
Blend the aloe gel extract along with cut pieces of mango fruit.
Add lime juice to the paste and apply it on your face for 20 mins before rinsing it with cold water.
This pack will detoxify your skin and freshens it.
5. Aloe Vera Face Mask for oily skin and Acne Prone Skin:
Ingredients: Aloe vera leaf, Honey.
Method:
Boil aloe vera leaf in water and grind it to form a paste.
Add honey to the paste and apply it on the face or o for 20 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
Follow this every week to treat oily,acne prone skin and get a clear skin.
6. Aloe Vera Face Mask for Sensitive skin:honey
Ingredients: Aloe vera, Cucumber juice, Yogurt, Rose oil.
Method:
Make a smooth paste of aloe vera gel, cucumber juice and yogurt. Add few drops of rose or any other essential oil.
Apply and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it with cold water.
This paste will get rid of oil, dirt and impurities from your skin leaving you feeling clean and refreshed.
Blend two tablespoon each of cottage cheese Aloe Vera gel. Add few seedless dates, cucumber slices and a bit of lemon juice and blend again.
You can make this paste in bulk and store it in the fridge for a long time also.
Apply the paste on your face and neck and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse off with cold water followed by lukewarm water and lastly again with cold water.
8. Aloe Vera Face Scrub for Dead skin:
Ingredients: Aloe vera, Cucumber, Oatmeal.
Method:
Blend cucumber dices and aloe vera gel to form a paste. Add oatmeal to this mixture and mix properly.
Spread the paste gently on your face and massage in circular motion.
Let it sit for 10 minutes or so before rinsing it off.
9. Aloe Vera Face Pack for Mature and Dry skin:
Ingredients: Aloe vera, Almonds.
Method:
Add crushed almonds to the aloe vera gel and mix properly to form a paste.
Apply on face and neck and let it sit for 15 minutes before you wash it off.
10. Aloe Vera Face Pack for Dry and Combination skin:
Ingredients: Aloe vera, olive oil, Shea butter.
Method:
Mash aloe vera gel, olive oil and shea butter to form a paste and apply on face and neck.
Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it with cold water. This will seal in the moisture into your skin and leave it fresh and clean.
Try these 10 effective and easy aloe vera face packs regularly for a flawless glowing skin.
Also check out this video on how to make simple aloe vera face masks at home:
I’m sure you have heard about the moisturizing and cooling effects of Aloe Vera before, but have you ever thought of the benefits that it could have on your hair.
Aloe Vera is a true miracle it is a one stop solution for all of your problems, especially hair related! It is very clean, helps to nourish and protect your hair from damage, and makes it shine with a healthy glow. So not only does it provide a host of health and skincare benefits, a few leaves of Aloe Vera can even save the beauty of your hair when used regularly.
How do you use it?
Cut a few of the leaves of an aloe plant as close to the base of the stalk as you can get. For long hair, you should cut around 4 or 5 leaves, and for short two should be enough. Scrape the inside of the leaves so that you remove the moist, jelly-like substance into a bowl, and you should be left with the outer green leaf itself. Get as much out as you can and leave nothing but the skin.
Put everything you scraped into a blender, puree until smooth. There is no need to add any oil, but if you want to add in 50ml of coconut oil, but the aloe scrapings by themselves are very effective. Pour the entire mixture into a bowl and strain!
Wash your hair with shampoo as normal, and then rub the jelly thoroughly through your hair. Leave the aloe in your hair and scalp for around five minutes. Once five minutes is through, rinse your hair as normal!
Aloe vera, in Russia, is referred to as “the elixir of youth” and has been revered since ancient times for its substantial healing effects. Aloe vera is not just antibacterial but also anti viral and anti fungal and can even be used as a natural food preservative. Since aloe contains 20 amino acids, it helps tremendously with muscle production. It contains vitamins A, C, D, E, B, B-1, B-2, choline, B-12, folic acid, and several key enzymes which help break down food and improve nutrient absorption. Aloe vera also loaded with minerals including copper, iron, zinc, sodium, calcium, potassium, chromium, and manganese.
Here are some health effects you can expect from Aloe Vera!
The grocery aisles have displayed foods for decades that are nutritionally deficient. Poor soil conditions combined with seed engineering and processing have left people with poor choices. Consider these eight superfoods to get the required nutrients for optimal body function.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, 200 active plant compounds (phytonutrients), and strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
Aloe vera benefits include:
• Eases inflammation and arthritic pain • Heals ulcers and a wide variety of digestive disorders and complications • Treats candida and parasites • Reduces heart attacks and strokes • Helps halt growth of cancer tumors
Bee pollen
Bee pollen is a rich source of carotenoids, 22 amino acids, and enzymes. It is a also good source of B-vitamins, vitamin C and E, and over 68 minerals.
Bee pollen benefits include:
• Combats cancer, diabetes, arthritis and depression • Promotes increased strength, stamina, endurance and energy levels • Increases concentration and memory • Improves fertility and enhances sexual activity • Increases resistance to infections
Maca
Maca is a very nutrient-dense superfood and a complete source of amino acids. It also is rich in B-vitamins, vitamins C and E, and is a good source of copper, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.
Maca benefits include:
• Improves anaemia • Reduces chronic fatigue • Relieves stress and depression • Improves libido and fertility • Improves adrenal function • Strengthens memory
Reishi
Reishi is a rich source of antioxidants. It is also a good source of B-vitamins, as well as potassium, niacin, magnesium, selenium, copper and phosphorus.
Reishi benefits include:
• Combats immune-related disorders like allergies, arthritis and cancer • Reduces physical and mental stress • Reduces inflammation • Protects the liver • Helps correct digestive disorders
Goji berries
Goji berries contain 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, vitamin A, B-complex, C and E, and is a superior form of antioxidants.
Goji berries benefits include:
• Significantly improves immune function • Protects DNA • Protects the eyes and liver • Reduces inflammation • Protects the heart • Improves mood and libido
Chlorella
Chlorella is a rich source of complete protein, a potent source of chlorophyll, and rich in the entire vitamin complex. It is also an exceptional source of iron and zinc, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium.
Chlorella benefits include:
• Helps detoxify biotoxins, xenobiotics and heavy metals • Helps kill candida and yeast overgrowth • Known cancer fighter • Prevents and improves diabetes and insulin resistance • Reduces pain associated with arthritis and fibromyalgia • Helps heal and repair tissue growth • Reduces and eliminates digestive issues
Hemp
Hemp contains 20 amino acids and is a complete source of plant protein. It is also nature's most abundant source of essential fatty acids and has a perfect 3 to 1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3.
Hemp benefits include:
• Fortifies immune system • Reduces inflammation • Improves memory and prevents brain-related diseases • Clears up skin disorders • Helps keep digestive tract healthy and clean • Helps prevent cancer • Helps reduce risk of diabetes
Coconut
Coconut is an excellent source of fatty acids, including lauric and caprylic acid, which destroy bacteria, viruses and fungi. It's also a good source of B-vitamins and a great source of copper, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc.
Coconut benefits include:
• Improves immune system function • Helps protect against brain-related disorders • Lowers risk of diabetes • Reduces joint and muscle inflammation • Strengthens liver • Kills bacteria and parasites • Protects against cancer and other immune-related diseases • Eases acid reflux and promotes proper digestive function
About the author: Derek Henry, B.Kin, is a highly revered holistic health coach and world renowned natural health blogger who created Healing the Body to help people understand the fundamental principles to exceptional health so they can overcome their own health challenges.
