Aloe Vera
Scientific Name :
Aloe Barbadenis Miller
Basics:
- This plant orginated in India & Africa, it thrives in a dry, hot climate. However,
it is one of the easiest household plants to grow.
- The Aloe plant varies from 95 to 99% water, the remaining proportion is
packed with an abundant amount of vitamins & minerals that work together
to create a natural source that is effective in treating burns along with many
other skin irritations.
- The Aloe plant is long-lived, some species have survived for over 100 years.
- This "succulent" (aka "full of juice") plant grows without a stem but has thick
leaves that may grow to be 2-3 feet. This plant resembles a cactus but is actually
a member of the lily family.
- The Aloe plant produces two substanances: gel & latex. The gel is clear and found in the inner part of the leaf. It is most commonly used to treat burns and inflammation of the skin. The latex is a yellow substance found under the skin, it is known for it's laxative abilities.
CAUTION: Large doses of aloe latex can be toxic.
Growing it:
- Typically prefers full sun & sandy, well-drained soil (does not tolerate standing water). Although, this plant has been known to grow in a variety of less than ideal conditions. If growing indoors place in a sunny location.
- Use cactus potting soil mix, extra perlite, granite grit or if you have to use regular soil add course sand.
- For outdoor growing: In the summer soil should be completely drenched and then dried before rewatering. In the winter, the plant requires minimal watering, & soil should be completely dry before watering (1-2 cups).
- To harvest gel cut the leaf down the center and then scrape out gel. When harvesting the aloe vera remove oldest leaves first.
Medicinal Uses:
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral & anti-bacterial properties.
- Contains fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, selenium, enzymes, anthraquinones, polysaccharides, tannins, etc.
- Traditionally used as a relief to 1st, 2nd & 3rd degree burns. Aloe vera gel is a common remedy for insect bites, rashes, acne, eczema, inflammation, etc. Aloe vera gel contains high concentrations of anthraquinones, which are noted for their ability to rehabiliate skin tissue.
- The film that covers the leaves, Aloin, is commonly dried & powdered before being added to products solds as laxatives. If abdominal pain occurs, use should be discontinued.
- Aloe gel can be consumed internally to calm an upset stomach, but the skin & outer layer should be avoided so none of the laxactive properties exist.
Fun Facts:
- Aloe vera is traced back to early Egypt, it has been discovered on ancient stone carvings & it was used as a burial gift. It is known mostly as the "plant of immorality".
- Aloe vera is rumored to be one of Cleopatra's favorite herbs, as well as the "secret ingredient" in her favorite cream.
- Although there are roughly 250 species of this plant only 4 are used for their health benefits.
Sources
Anicura. www.anicura.co.uk/blog/fun-facts-about-the-famous-aloe-vera-plant/
Garden Guides. www.gardenguides.com/91920-aloe-plants.html
The Garden Helper. www.thegardenhelper.com/aloe~vera.html
Gardening Know How. www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-vera-plant-care.htm
Gladstar, Rosemary. Medicinal Herbs A Beginner's Guide. North Adams; Storey Publsihing, 2012.
Herb Wisdom. www.herbwisdom.com/herb-aloe-vera.html
Serving Joy. www.servingjoy.com/fun-facts-of-aloe-vera/
**None of these statements are intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Anyone who is on medication should consult a doctor before making any changes. Statements made are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
