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The Aloe Vera
aloe is a tropical succulent with spotted, spiked, grey-green
leaves. It is drought-resistant and grows in well-drained soil, preferring
full sun to partial shade. Aloe Vera
is frost tender. It should be grown as a
house plant in cooler regions. If grown in a pot, plant it in a gritty,
friable mixture, keep it in good light and feed once a month throughout
the growing season with liquid fertilizer. In winter, keep watering
to a minimum. Aloe Vera
can be propagated by breaking off small rooted
plantlets at the base of a mature plant and replanting them.
Aloe Vera
was mentioned as early as 1552 BC in the Ebers Papyrus
and has been identified in wall paintings in ancient Egypt. Aloe Vera was
introduced to Europe in the 10th century. It was first mentioned in Chinese medicine the 11th century. Today Aloe Vera
is propagated all over the world and used in cosmetic,
tanning and skincare products.
Harvesting:
Cut a well developed fresh leaf. Store
it while in use in an airtight container in a refrigerator. Plants older
than 2 years have stronger medicinal properties.
Medicinal:
The clear gel in
Aloe Vera leaves, contains Aloectin
B which stimulates the immune system. It is therefore beneficial to
drink Aloe Vera
juice.
To soothe minor wounds, burns, sunburn,
scalds, scrapes, irritated skin, ulcers, eczema and fungal infections
like ringworm and thrush - break off a leaf from an
Aloe Vera plant, split it open
and apply the thick gel directly to the affected area. It will form
a protective coat on the affected area and speed up the rate of healing
and reduce the risk of infection.
If taken internally, it is an anti-parasitic.
Recipe for home made
Aloe Vera
gel:
Take one
Aloe Vera
leaf, peel the outer skin
off with a potato peeler and place it in a blender. Pulse to reduce
to a gel. Add 4 drops of lavender essential oil for every 50ml gel.
Mix thoroughly and pour into a small glass jar and label. It can be
stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 weeks, thereafter discard
and make a fresh batch.
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