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Aloe Vera ( Liliaceae )is a succulent plant with no stem, just thick fleshy leaves containing special sacs full of gel which oozes out when the the leaves are cut or broken. It flowers rarely and grows 2 to 3 ft tall.
Aloes should grow 3 years before you attempt to collect the gel.
They are not cold hardy except in some southern climates they can survive outside if caution is taken for protection.
I grow them in pots and move into a sheltered location before the first frost.
The gel of Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory saponins and antimicrobial, vitamins C and E, soothing salycilic acid and minerals.
This plant is a must to have on hand for sun exposure, bug bites, burns, eczema,shingles, and other skin rashes that need speedy relief and healing.
It's often mixed with cucumber juice and in this form can be drunk to help immune function, digestive function, and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Chron's disease.
It is wonderful to break a leaf and apply the gel directly to the face and arms after being in the sun and/or water.
Aloe Vera doesn't like too much water and thrives in a location where filtered sun is available...loves the shade in the afternoon. Also likes being left in one location...not too much moving around.
Happy growing~
2 comments:
Hi Bea,
I love your blog's newer look, and have enjoyed popping in to read now and then.
I am trying to recall what it is that they leave out of most Aloe Vera Juice because of it's powerful cleansing properties?
I always remember a friend husband worked with who grew up in Jamaica telling us how once a year, they had to drink/eat Aloe Vera just as it was to kill parasites, and it was a rather "dramatic" cleansing experience:-)
Because I've never taken the time to learn how to properly process the juice, and the "dramatic cleans" concerns me a bit, I'm happy to buy it already prepared. It's amazing how soothing it is:-)
Happy gardening...hope your getting a little rain. We had showers yesterday and things are "freshened up" a bit!
Claudia
Claudia, you are referring to the 'aloin' ingredient, this is what gives the juice a laxative property. In most if not all juices that are on the market for use besides 'cleansing' this ingredient has been removed, at least to the point that it isn't an issue. Any laxative product/cleansing product should not be used long term or under certain circumstances.
Some effects from long term use of any cleansing or laxative product could be electrolyte loss, heart arrhythmias, accelerated bone deterioration.
I would highly suggest checking with ones health care provider or at least know what ones health issues are before opting for any cleanse that involves Aloe Vera juice that is suggested for same.
Using Aloe on the skin direct from the plant will not pose any of these issues because of the small amount used.
Thank you for prompting this conversation...
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