For centuries, people have been using aloe vera to achieve healthy and glowing skin and hair. It is also used to treat acne, burns, and dry skin and hair. Even historical figures reportedly used the magical gel for different medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

While aloe vera continues to dominate most people’s skincare routines, the herbal succulent’s benefits extend to more than just soothing and healing skin injuries. Here are five other unique uses of aloe vera gel.

Reduces Dandruff

Many add aloe vera gel into their hair care routine since the thick gel is known to bring back dull hair to life, strengthen hair follicles, and reduce hair fall. But did you know that aloe vera gel may help in reducing dandruff? Apply a mix of aloe vera gel, coconut milk, and wheat germ oil onto your hair as a shampoo. Massage for a good two to three minutes, then rinse. Just like how aloe vera treats dry skin, it also aids in softening your scalp and eliminating dryness, irritation, and flaking skin.

Protects Wooden Furniture from Termites

Your wooden furniture can also benefit from the wonders of aloe vera. Coat your wooden furniture pieces with aloe vera gel to repel termites. Aloe vera is a suitable alternative to drying oils as it dries transparent, glossy, and odorless. You’ll have termite-free furniture while saving yourself from the foul and toxic smell of drying oils. 

Close-knit communities,  such as Deca Clark in Pampanga, may encourage townhouse residents to use aloe vera gel to oil their doors, wooden furniture, and home decor. Doing so may prevent termite invasions from spreading and ravaging neighborhoods.

Promotes Oral Health

A study quoted an article by medicalnewstoday.com revealing that aloe vera mouth rinse seemed to be as effective as chlorhexidine in eliminating plaque build-up. The study also revealed that the aloe vera mouth rinse could help in soothing swollen and bleeding gums and mouth ulcers, such as canker sores.

Take the gel from your aloe vera plant and mix it with baking soda in a glass of distilled water. Use it as a mouth wash after brushing your teeth. An aloe vera mouth rinse is sustainable and a safer alternative to conventional chemical-based mouthwashes.

Helps in Lowering Blood Sugar

According to a study quoted by healthline.com, people with Type-2 Diabetes may lower their blood sugar levels by ingesting two tablespoons of aloe vera juice per day. This study opens potential medical use of aloe vera in treating diabetes. However, people with diabetes shouldn’t take aloe vera juice with glucose-lowering medication because it may send one’s blood sugar levels crashing, causing hypoglycemia.

Helps Boost Digestive Health

Aloe vera is a known natural laxative. It aids in digestion, relieves constipation, and treats irritable bowel syndrome. However, the Mayo Clinic recommends using aloe vera juice to treat digestion problems sparingly as high doses can cause dehydration. It is safest to only intake one to two tablespoons of aloe vera juice once a day to help treat constipation.

Now that you’ve learned of these five amazing benefits of aloe vera, you might want to consider taking care of aloe vera plants at home. Take care of them and they will give you remedies for your skin, hair, health, and your beloved furniture.