HYDRATE & BEAUTIFY WITH ALOE VERA JUICE

IN ESSENCE…

• Aloe Vera Gel and Aloe Vera Juice are extracted from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant.
• An Aloe Vera leaf consists of two parts: the gel and the juice. Although the gel and the liquid share similar benefits and can both be used directly and safely on the skin, they are not identical substances and have distinct properties.
• The benefits of Aloe Vera for the skin are bountiful. When applied to the face and body, Aloe Vera Juice is believed to hydrate, exfoliate, nourish, clarify, and revitalize the skin. It helps protect the skin and hair before and after the harmful effects of UV radiation, and it works to repair the damage. It also helps to prevent and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It moisturizes without leaving skin and hair with a greasy residue and it helps fade tans and stretch marks.
• Aloe Vera Juice is an excellent ingredient for massage therapy. It is reputed to soothe muscular aches, joint pain, inflammation, wounds, burns, frostbite, and infections. Aloe Vera Juice is also believed to stimulate skin regeneration, enhance energy, and promote the development of muscles.
• Used medicinally, Aloe Vera Juice works to eliminate bodily toxins, increase the body’s antioxidant activity, balance digestive fluid, and enhance the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, thus supporting the health and function of the immune system. It helps the body repair damage to the skin and tissues and eases other physical discomforts, such as the symptoms of arthritis.

HISTORY OF ALOE VERA JUICE USAGE

Aloe Vera Gel and Aloe Vera Juice are extracted from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant, a botanical that the ancient Egyptians often referred to as “The Plant of Immortality” or “The Plant of Eternity.” It was believed that the “blood” of the Aloe Vera plant would not only address symptoms of fevers, soothe burns and wounds, and enhance daily cosmetic applications, but that it would also magnify beauty and promote imperishability. Known for having anti-bacterial properties, the contents of the Aloe Vera plant were used in embalming rituals, as it was believed that the deceased could achieve everlasting life, both physically and spiritually, if their bodies could be prevented from decomposing.

Even before the Egyptians, the benefits of the Aloe Vera plant’s gel and juice were recognized by the Mesopotamians, who used it for the internal cleansing of their intestines. In this society, physical ailments were believed to be demonic possessions, and it was believed that a “divine” plant, namely the Aloe Vera plant, could eliminate the body’s “demons.” Inscriptions about this healthful plant from this time were written on clay boards and are considered to be the earliest documentation of Aloe Vera.

Although indigenous to Africa, the Aloe Vera plant has been cultivated worldwide, specifically in tropical and subtropical regions. Throughout history, it has been used as a staple in the traditional medicinal preparations of various communities, including Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Indian. In these and other societies, Aloe Vera Gel and Juice have been taken orally and applied topically to calm inflammation, to support and act as a tonic for digestive health, to heal wounds and prevent scarring, to ease pain, to enhance the overall health of skin and hair, and to address particular health concerns.

In the 16^th century, Native American tribes regarded the Aloe plant as one of their many “holy” and “god-like” botanicals, which they worshipped and called “The Burn/Medicine/and Mystery Plant.” Within these communities, Aloe Juice was often diluted and applied to the skin as an insect repellant, which helped protect the tribes from insect-infested swamps through which they often had to march. This insect repellant application was also used as a preservative for materials, such as wood, that was susceptible to damage caused by pests.

Now sometimes referred to as “a pharmacy in a plant,” Aloe Vera Gel and Juice continue to be used to address pain, burns, symptoms of diabetes, high cholesterol, and arthritis, among other health conditions and complaints. It is a valued ingredient in cosmetics, such as moisturizers, masks, toners, hair products, and aftershave products. It is also commonly found in ointments for sunburns as well as dietary supplements and drinks.

An Aloe leaf consists of two parts: the gel and the juice.

The gel is the clear, odorless, mucilaginous, innermost portion of the leaf, and it is the most prevalent form and use of the Aloe plant. It is largely composed of water but also contains vitamins, a protein consisting of several amino acids, and organic and inorganic compounds.

The juice, also known as “Aloe Latex,” is the yellow, strong-smelling, bitter-tasting sap that is found between the leaf’s green inner skin and the gel. This is the liquid that drips from the Aloe leaf when it is cut.

Although the gel and the liquid share similar benefits and can both be used directly and safely on the skin, they are not identical and have distinct properties, thus the terms Aloe Gel and Aloe Juice are not used interchangeably in this article. NDA’s Aloe Vera Juice is not the juice (Latex) from the plant itself but is rather a juice derived from the plant’s gel. First, the outer leaf rind is stripped way, then the Aloe Latex is rinsed off, then the inner fillets are de-pulped. This results in a thin liquid, which contains the naturally-cloudy juice of the plant. Because the resultant product is not filtered and thus retains all the fibre and particles of the leaf fillet, this allows the final juice to retain its full-bodied, tangy, fresh aroma.

This article highlights the various benefits and safe uses of NDA’s Aloe Vera Juice (which should not be mistaken for the drinkable Aloe Vera Juice).

BENEFITS OF ALOE VERA JUICE

The benefits of Aloe Vera Juice are wide-ranging and can be applied to skin care, hair care, and health and wellness. Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice for skin include treating acne, revitalizing dry and chapped skin, treating razor burns, psoriasis, dermatitis, and reducing the look of stretch marks. Its smoothing quality helps to prevent and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, making it ideal for “anti-aging” formulations as well as formulations for acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It moisturizes without leaving skin or hair with a greasy residue, which makes it beneficial for oily skin types. In hair care, Aloe Vera Juice can help reduce hair loss and improve scalp health.

The natural emollience and anti-irritant property of Aloe Vera Juice make it safe for application onto the face, and ideal for use in formulations for skin care formulas such as creams, lotions, soaps, sunscreens, shaving cream, shampoos, and even tissues and incense. When used in beauty applications, it can make a suitable moisturizer as well as a makeup primer for use before the application of foundation, and it can effectively function as a makeup remover.

The benefits of Aloe Vera for skin make it an excellent choice of ingredient in massage therapy. Aloe Vera Juice is reputed to soothe muscular aches, joint pain, inflammation, wounds, burns, frostbite, and infections. It is also believed to stimulate skin regeneration, thereby improving the look of skin afflicted with dryness, flaking, and other uncomfortable topical conditions, whether it is on the body or the scalp. As a source of protein, it is believed to enhance energy as well as promote the development of muscles.

Medicinally, Aloe Vera Juice can be applied throughout the body to treat allergies, asthma, burns, inflammation, fungal infections, insect bites and stings, warts, and varicose veins. Due to its rich vitamin and antioxidant profile, Aloe Vera Juice is especially effective in after-sun care, helping repair the skin and hair after it’s been exposed to the harmful effects of UV radiation.

As illustrated, Aloe Vera Juice is reputed to have many therapeutic properties. The following highlights its many benefits and the kinds of activity it is believed to show:

• COSMETIC: Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Smoothing, Protective, Nourishing Clarifying, Soothing, Hydrating
• MEDICINAL: Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Soothing, Protective, Nourishing, Anti-Viral, Wound-Healing

ALOE VERA JUICE USES

Used in cosmetic and topical applications, Aloe Vera Juice is often used to help soothe and facilitate the healing of sunburned skin with its protective, hydrating, and restorative qualities. To make a hydrating ointment that is reputed to have these therapeutic effects on sunburned skin, begin by thoroughly combining 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Juice, 2 Tbsp. of Coconut Carrier Oil, and 3 drop Lavender Essential Oil either by blending them together in a food processor or by whipping them together with a fork. To use this blend, apply it gently to affected areas of skin and allow it to remain on the skin for as long as possible. This salve can be reapplied 2-3 times a day until significant improvements are noticeable. The remainder of this blend can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. If the mixture hardens before the next topical application, simply stir the ingredients together again.

For a fast-absorbing moisturizer that hydrates without leaving a greasy residue on the skin and has a smoothing effect on the look of fine lines, begin by pouring the following ingredients into an amber dropper bottle with the help of a small funnel: 4 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Juice, 1 tsp. Vegetable Glycerin, ½ tsp. Argan Carrier Oil, and ¼ tsp. Watermelon Seed Carrier Oil. Next, add 4 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil and 4 drops Lavender Essential Oil. Cap the bottle, then shake it well to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. To use this facial serum, first, cleanse the face and pat it dry. Place 3 drops of the blend onto the palm and rub the palms together before applying it to the face like a typical moisturizer. This thin, light blend is ideal for those with oily skin and can be used before makeup application as well as after shaving.

For an anti-microbial, balancing, an overnight facial serum that is reputed to soothe and promote the skin’s regeneration and the faster healing of acne, begin by diluting 3 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil in 3 tsp. Aloe Vera Juice. After thoroughly mixing the two ingredients together, simply apply this blend to the affected areas of the face and leave it on like an overnight face mask. In the morning, rinse off the mask. This nightly regimen is believed to have a skin-regenerative effect and can be applied each night until the appearance of pimples and/or scarring is visibly diminished. It is also ideal for addressing irritation, inflammation, and blisters.

For a hydrating face mask that is reputed to promote skin’s elasticity, smoothness, and firmness, begin by combining equal amounts of Aloe Vera Juice, Glycerol, Water, and Ground Oat Flakes in a bowl. Mix the ingredients together until the blend achieves the consistency of a paste. Next, apply this blend to the face in a thin layer to make a mask. After leaving the mask on for 5 minutes, rinse it off with cool water. This application is believed to promote the skin’s rejuvenation for a younger-looking complexion.

To decrease the appearance of stretch marks, begin by whisking together ½ Virgin Coconut Carrier Oil and 1/3 cup Aloe Vera Juice, then transfer the blend to an air-tight container. To use this mixture, massage a small amount into the areas of skin affected by stretch marks and allow it to penetrate into the skin overnight. This moisturizer can be applied to the affected areas nightly before going to bed. Results are reputed to be visible after following this regimen every night for 3-4 weeks.

For a natural makeup remover blend that is gentle enough to apply to the sensitive eye area, begin by pouring ½ cup of Aloe Vera Juice, 1 cup filtered water, and ¼ cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Carrier Oil into a blender and thoroughly blending all the ingredients together. Strain the resultant blend with a sieve, then transfer the filtered blend to a clean bottle that will make it easy to dispense the cleanser onto a cotton pad. As the mixture settles inside the bottle, it is normal for the oil to float to the top. To use this cleanser, shake it well to incorporate the floating oil, then pour a small amount onto a clean cotton pad and swipe it across the entire face. Areas of skin with more tenacious makeup, such as waterproof mascara, may require extra swipes of the saturated pad.

For an exfoliating facial scrub that is reputed to promote smoother skin as well as enhance skin’s natural radiance, thoroughly combine 1 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Juice, ¼ cup Brown Sugar, and 1 Tbsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Carrier Oil. Apply this blend to the face and the body, gently rubbing it in small circles to promote the skin’s exfoliation. Rinse the scrub off with warm water followed by cool water and pat the skin dry.

For a soothing, cleansing face mask that also hydrates and balances the skin’s oil production, begin by pouring 1 Tbsp. Sugar into ½ Tbsp. Milk until the Sugar liquifies. To this, add 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Juice and thoroughly combine all ingredients with a spoon. Scoop this blend onto the fingertips and apply it to the face in a thin layer to create a mask. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. This regimen can be repeated daily.

For a strengthening hairspray that is reputed to contribute shine to the strands while working to eliminate frizz, begin by combining 1 cup warm water, 1 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Juice, and 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil in a small mixing bowl. Transfer this blend to a clean spray bottle. To use this mist, simply shake it well and spray it onto the scalp and strands. If hair is damp, the spray can be spritzed on generously. If the hair is dry, a light spritz is recommended. This conditioning spray is believed to soothe and prevent dandruff, itchiness, and inflammation as well as balance the scalp’s pH level, repair damage, and encourage the growth of longer and stronger hair.

For a hair treatment mask that can be applied before shampooing, begin by thoroughly combining the following ingredients in a small mixing bowl: ½ cup Aloe Vera Juice and 2 Tbsp. a Carrier Oil of personal preference. To apply this mask, section the hair and smooth the blend onto each section. Allow the mask to penetrate the hair and scalp for 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition the hair as usual.

For a softening leave-in conditioner that eliminates knots and tangles and promotes stronger hair growth, combine the following ingredients in a clean, empty shampoo bottle: 2 Tbsp. the leave-in conditioner of personal preference, 2 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Juice, 2 tsp. Castor Carrier Oil, and 2 Tsp. Jojoba Carrier Oil. Cap the bottle and shake it well to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. To use this blend, apply it like a regular leave-in conditioner, then store the remainder in the refrigerator.

Aloe Vera Juice is believed to make an ideal shaving gel and can be applied to all the usual places that require hair removal, although it is recommended to avoid sensitive areas. Used after a shave, it is known to offer soothing relief.

To hydrate dry and cracked heels, create a moisturizing overnight foot mask by combining ½ cup Oatmeal, ¼ cup Aloe Vera Juice, and ½ cup a preferred body lotion. Apply this blend to the feet. To enhance the hydrating property of this mixture, keep the feet covered with socks.

For a nourishing treatment that is reputed to diminish the signs of aging on the hands, simply combine 1 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Juice and 1 tsp. Coconut Carrier Oil in a clean bottle. To use this conditioning moisturizer, pour the required amount of the oil blend onto the palms to gently warm it up before massaging it into the hands like a regular moisturizer. Next, rinse the oil off with warm water and pat the hands dry.

Used in medicinal applications, Aloe Vera Juice soothes and cools the skin, helps boost immunity, and protects the body against harmful bacteria that could potentially lead to infections. For a simple application that soothes insect stings and bites and that calms minor burns and inflammation, begin by pouring Aloe Vera Juice into an ice cube tray. After the frozen cubes have formed, simply rub one cube in small circles on the area affected by swelling.

To make a natural, non-drying, Aloe-based hand sanitizer, begin by combining the following ingredients in a clean spray bottle: ½ cup Aloe Vera Juice and ¼ cup Alcohol. To add a pleasant scent, simply add 3 drops of an essential oil of personal preference. Cap the bottle and shake it well to thoroughly combine all the components. To use this cleansing and disinfecting blend, spray it onto the palms and massage the cleanser into the hands like a regular sterilizing gel.

A GUIDE TO ALOE VERA JUICE VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS

ALOE VERA JUICE (DECOLORIZED) RAW MATERIAL

INCI: Aloe Vera Juice (and) Citric Acid (and) Sodium Benzoate (and) Potassium Sorbate

Country of Origin: Canada

Believed to:

• Be a thin liquid designed for application in manufacturing processes
• Be ideal for use in formulations for soaps, creams, lotions, and other cosmetics
• Be safe for direct application to the skin but should not be confused with a gel
• Spoil and become contaminated with microorganisms, if not properly stored and used in combination with a preservative system
• Contain Vitamin B complex, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, and Carotene
• Be a well-respected moisturizing agent

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ALOE VERA JUICE

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Aloe Vera Juice is for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using this raw material for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women are especially advised not to use Aloe Vera Juice without the medical advice of a physician, as it may have an effect on certain hormone secretions and it is unclear whether these effects are transferable to babies at these stages of development. It should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.

Those with the following health conditions are recommended to be advised by a physician: diabetes, intestinal conditions (e.g. Crohn’s Disease), hemorrhoids, kidney problems, cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders, or hormone-related ailments. Individuals that are taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation prior to use. Those with allergies to Garlic, Onions, or Tulips should avoid the use of Aloe Vera Juice.

Prior to using Aloe Vera Juice, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by diluting 1 drop in 4 drops of a Carrier Oil and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Aloe Vera Juice must never be used near the inner nose, ears, or on any other particularly sensitive areas of skin.

Potential side effects of Aloe Vera Juice include hives, irritation, inflammation, burning, redness (possibly redness of the eyelids), the drying, hardening, and splitting of skin, purple spots, rashes, and swelling. Aloe Vera Juice may also slow down the healing of surgical wounds.

Those seeking medical care to manage moods, behaviors, or disorders should treat this product as a complementary remedy rather than a replacement for any medicinal treatments or prescriptions. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.

Because Aloe Vera Juice is a water-based product, if it is not used in conjunction with a preservative system, it could naturally become contaminated with bacteria, resulting in a toxic and thus unusable product. For this reason, it is important to ensure its proper storage away from heat, direct sunlight, and other factors that could cause it to become rancid faster.