Day Seventeen of #30dayscleansingchallenge
The heat is unbearable these days (and nights) — adding on to the skin and internal side effects! Time to make some lifestyle changes, yo!
T’is the season to be healthy;
raw raw raw raw raw, raw raw raw raw.
This might seem depressing to some, but it is indeed the right time to beat the heat with naturally cooling and soothing foods. Ditch the refined sugar, oil, processed and over killed food items! Opt for lightly cooked or raw— veggies, fruits, herbs, nuts and seeds. I picked up a routine of eating aloe vera juice. Eew, you might think— that slimy thing! It is more than just a viscous transparent gel. Aloe plant grows abundantly in our hot dry climate and hold tonnes of nutritional benefits. It can be easily grown in the house or available at markets and the beach. I buy from the beach though I have a plant at home because it is fatter and has more gel. You too can get into this practise after reading through!
Aloe gel is rich in:
Calcium
Sodium
Iron
Potassium
Manganese
Zinc
Folic acid
Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E
Amino acids
When consumed internally:
Cures bowel problems due to its high anti-inflammatory properties.
Rich in magnesium lactate that works as an antihistamine which helps in reducing the problem of sinus and chest inflammation due to various allergies.
Reduces inflammation in the body like rheumatism, inflammation of ears and eyes and arthritis.
Reduces symptoms of heart reflux and stabilises the alkaline levels of the body.
Due to its laxative properties, it is also good for constipation.
Maintains the cholesterol level by reducing triglycerides.
Aides the stabilisation of metabolic rate, reduces lipid levels and helps burn fat.
Reduces gingivitis and plaque formation.
Provides a laxative relief for cold sores and mouth ulcers.
Regulates the blood sugar levels.
Detoxifies and cleanses the system.
Helps in treating ulcers.
Maintains the pH balance
High level of anti-carcinogenic properties that hinder the growth of tumours.
Replenishes the amino acid deficiency in the body.
Boosts up your body’s immune system and self-defence mechanism.
When applied externally:
Keeps the skin supple and rejuvenated and also lightens blemishes.
Reduces the irritation and inflammation of the skin and heals the cuts due to shaving.
Antimicrobial property helps kill the bacteria causing acne and reduces the acne marks by lightening the skin.
Beneficial for treating sun burns. It is an excellent cooling agent.
Heals cuts and wounds, dermatitis and also insect bites.
Enzymatic breakdown of skin cells and anti fungal properties helps to reduce dandruff from the scalp. It also heals scalp diseases like psoriasis & seborrhoea.
Rich in proteolytic enzymes which help to remove the dead skin which clogs the pores of the scalp, which hinders the growth of new hair follicles.
How to get the gel?
Cut the succulent stems of the plant and wash well.
Remove all spikes on both sides to avoid injury.
Cut open the stem in the middle and scoop out the gel with a sharp spoon.
Place the gel in a bowl and mash it throughly.
Add a dash of lemon juice, water and salt.
Drink chilled.
Do not throw away the peels, use them to smear on skin as the gel will still be sticking to it. Apply to whole body and scalp, leave to dry and then rinse with water. Follow this after using body wash and shampoo so that the benefits will stick to you.
Now get some saplings from the nursery and go crazy this summer!
