Say Aloe To My Little Friend…
Aloe Vera is most commonly and widely known to quickly heal a sunburn, but did you know your favorite potted plant can be used for so much more?
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant and is from the genus Aloe. Although it is considered an invasive species in many world regions, it does grow wild in many tropical regions around the world. There are hundreds of Aloe plants, but Aloe Vera is the only edible form. We have used the soothing gel from this pointy plant for years. Aloe isn’t just good for the skin, but can be blended with water to make Aloe Vera Juice. The nutrients in Aloe Vera juice can provide many health benefits. Aloe is rich in antioxidants and an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Beta- Carotene, Folic Acid, Calcium and Magnesium.
How to prepare Aloe Vera Juice:
Take an Aloe Vera spike from your plant and trim the pointed edges off
Remove the skin of the flat side of the leaf and gently scrape the gel from the inside of the leaf.
Blend the gel until completely smooth.
Add water to your liking. This will reduce thickness.
You can drink Aloe Vera juice on it’s own, in smoothies, cocktails, lemonade or even make it into gelatin!
Aloe has long been a treatment for many maladies like skin disorders, constipation, eye health, oral/gum health, heartburn, IBS, maintaining blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol. Did you know they use Aloe Vera in your over the counter drugs for constipation? Modern-day research even shows evidence in which Aloe Vera helps to fight free-radicals. There are no foods that contain Aloe, so it must be taken orally in a gel, liquid or supplement form. Be sure to do your own research of the side effects of Aloe and the best way to consume it yourself.
Research also backs up the ancient use of topical Aloe Vera as a skin treatment. As a topical solution, Aloe is known to treat a number of things like psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, burns/cuts, skin exposed to radiation, herpes sores, acne and even anal fissures. Creams and gels will always vary in dosage. Ranging from small amounts for small burns or cuts to larger amounts to treat ailments like psoriasis. Keep an Aloe Vera plant in your home so you can harvest fresh gel anytime!
So, you bought your first Aloe plant and you’re ready to experience the vast benefits this plant has to offer. Maybe you weren’t born with a green thumb? Here are some closing tips on how to plant and care for your Aloe Vera plant:
Allow good drainage for your plant. The pots diameter should be 1 to 2 inches larger than the root ball.
Keep Aloe in bright and indirect light. Aloe can get sunburnt, just like skin. It will have white or light brown discoloration once burnt and they will stay this way.
Aloe is sensitive to drastic fluctuations in temperature. Try to keep your Aloe in a warm place and away from drafty vents or doors.
Let the soil dry out between watering. Aloe is a succulent after all.
Aloe grows slowly… if you plan to harvest leaves for gel, the plant should be 6-8 inches and have 10 or more leaves.
When harvesting, select leaves from the bottom of the plant and work your way up. Once a leaf has been cut or removed from your Aloe plant, it will not grow back. All new growth will come from the center or top of the plant.