Aloe
(Aloe vera)
Also called: Cape aloe.
Source: Native to Africa; grown commercially in southern Texas and
Mexico.
The aloe plant consists of around 400 different species, and was first originated
in Africa.
The type of Aloe grown commercially in America (North and South), Asia, Africa,
Australasia and southern Europe, is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant, known
as aloe vera - Latin for "true aloe".
Description
Aloe is a succulent, and grows to a height of 12 to 16 inches.
It has a fibrous root system producing long, tapering, stemless leaves.
These light green leaves have spiky margins and are blotched with cream.
The firm upright stems bear several bell-shaped, fleshy, yellow-orange flowers.
Medicinal Uses: This exceptional
plant contains a wide range of amino-acids, enzymes, minerals, vitamins and
other micronutrients.
The sap of the aloe contains substances called anthraquinones that have antibacterial,
antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anaesthetic properties.
It boosts the immune system, provides antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, helps
healing, lubricates joints, and is an effective tonic.
Externally, aloe gel has long been valued for healing minor burns, wounds
and abrasions, and relieving associated pain and inflammation. Aloe juice
may hold promise for treating diabetes and reducing levels of triglycerides
and blood sugar.
Keep a pot of Aloe vera on you kitchen windowsill for handy access. The fresh
juice of the leaf blades can be applied directly to ulcers, burns, sunburn,
and fungal infection, wounds and insect bites.
Aloe-emodin, an ingredient in aloe, is a powerful laxative and should always
be used with caution. It can be combined with a tincture of caraway seed to
prevent intestinal cramps and pain. Taken in small doses, it is an excellent
digestive tonic.
Aloe vera can be used on the skin, to treat rashes, sunburn, dermatitis, eczema
and psoriasis. It can also be taken internally, and is useful for conditions
like colitis, arthritis, IBS, asthma, and chronic fatigue.
Opt for aloe vera products that are listed as 98-99 per cent pure, as these
will be higher in the protective mucopolysaccharides that have a healing effect
on the gut.
Aloe vera can also be used in combination with other substances - for example,
glucosamine for joint support, and in personal care products such as toothpaste,
soap and shampoo.
And, as aloe vera gel is plant-based, it contains no animal products like
lanolin, or chemicals like parabens that are used as a preservative, that
can cause allergies.
Parts used: Leaf gel, juice.
Forms available: Various concentrations of the
gel, powdered dry juice.
The gel is incorporated into ointments, creams, lotions and the like.
Some of aloe's active compounds deteriorate in storage, so use fresh gel for
maximum potency.
Caution: Don't use this herb if you have intestinal obstruction,
abdominal pain of unknown origin, diarrhoea, inflamed intestines (colitis,
Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome).
Aloe juice may produce a laxative effect if taken in a higher dose than recommended.
Don't use for more than 10 days.
Cultivation
Propagate from small, rooted offshoots at the base of the parent plant. It may be grown from seed.
It prefers a rough, gritty growing medium and a well-drained, sunny location.
It will also grow in partial shade.
Aloe needs temperatures above 40 degrees, and is grown indoors in cooler climates.
When grown indoors the offshoots can be removed and repotted when they are a few inches tall.
Do not overwater.
Harvesting
Cut the leaves as required.
