Kama Ayurveda : Organic Aloe Vera Juice

For hundreds of years the juice and oil from the aloe vera plant has been used to treat burns, but recent research shows that these powerful ingredients are also great for acne, dry skin, inflammation, stretch marks, and more.

Aloe vera, member of the Lily family (Lilaceae) is believed to be native to the Mediterranean. Called a “succulent” plant because it can hold large quantities of water, it has a clear, thick gel in the inner part of the leaf that’s often used for minor cuts and burns (1).

KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

Plethora of 20 amino acids; minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium; enzymes; polysaccharides; the gel of aloe, penetrates quickly and deeply, moisturizing at the lower levels of skin and nourishing with natural enzymes and amino acids. 

Psoriasis: Early evidence suggests that aloe extract may be an effective treatment for psoriasis. Aloe vera has certain natural steroids that help reduce the inflammation and the prescence of salicylic acid  is beneficial for the skin and used  to destroy bacteria, reduce pain and inflammation (2)

Hair Care: Aloe Vera contains proteolitic enzymes are able to to eradicate dead skin cells on the scalp that could be clogging the hair follicles preventing the penetration of nutrients into the hair (3). Aloe Vera’s keratolic action, breaks down the sebum and dead scalp cells, allowing for further hair growth while its alkalizing properties help bring the scalp and hair’s pH to a desirable level, resulting in further hair growth promotion, while helping lock in moisture to improve the smoothness of hair (3). An anti-pruritic and presence of anti-inflammatory enzyme Bradykinase, aloe vera can reduce the redness, scaling, itching and inflammation commonly associated with dandruff and scalp psoriasis (3). The gel in aloe vera leaves has chemical composition similar to the protein keratin that penetrates easily into the hair shaft deep conditioning it (2). The amino acids are responsible for the strength and luster. Aloe lotion may help treat seborrheic dermatitis when applied to the scalp (1).

Dry Skin: Aloe has long been used as a moisturizer, and recent studies suggest it may help reduce skin dryness. When used topically aloe vera can soothe inflamed skin and enhance collagen and hyaluronic acid to help rejuvenate skin (4). Because it’s moisturizing but not greasy, it’s perfect even for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.

Radiation Dermatitis: Skin irritation caused by radiation treatments is often soothed with the application of topical aloe (1).

Wound Healing/Sunburn: Aloe vera juice is a powerful healing agent and is used in many sunburn treatments. The natural nutrients and antioxidants in the plant work to soothe the pain and help to regenerate the skin. Aloe is also reputed to help heal the minor tears in skin that appear during pregnancy, helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks (1).

Acne: Aloe has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce skin inflammation. Auxin and Gibberellins, two hormones found in Aloe Vera, have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin inflammation and promote the growth of new cells (5). The skin can then heal faster with minimal scarring. Aloe also has antiseptic properties from natural “saponins” that help cleanse and rid the skin of impurities.

The organic, cold-pressed aloe vera juice comes in a 100 mL tinted bottle with a inner protective stop, a pump and a golden screw on top. The pump and stop-screw on top arrangement can be used interchangeably making the product travel friendly. The salient features of the product are printed on the bottle. The product has a 45 day expiry date and needs to be refrigerated once opened.

The juice is cloudy, fluid in consistency, light in texture (like water) and does not have a pleasant odour. 

I utilize the juice as a liquid medium to blend my facial cleansers and masks. The fragrance is too unpleasant for me to use it alone as a facial toner unfortunately. 

The best feature about the product is it's organic, cold pressed & preservative free which as far as I know is difficult to come across.  I have been using the product for approximately 4 weeks now and I have noticed it does soothe the skin of redness and itching which are both are due to my skin being on the drier side. Since the juice gets washed away, in my opinion, an aloe gel is much more effective for topical skin applications. 

Owing to the smell, this product unfortunately would have to be a onetime purchase.