Aloe Vera, which is, incidentally, its actual scientific name, has been in continuous use around the world since at least 1600BC. For nearly 4000 years, it has been used for skin problems, sebaceous cysts, burns, and even wound treatment. Aloe Vera juice is used for heartburn and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
The reason for this very broad range of uses is pretty simple: The Aloe Vera steroid, by promoting blood circulation, allows improved circulation of the healing and anti-infection actions of the blood. Blood vessels tend to seal or be cut off by infections and burns, and Aloe Vera, which can be absorbed directly through the skin, does a good job of handling these problems painlessly and effectively.
CAUTION- Important:
· Do not use yellow or discoloured Aloe Vera juice internally. It can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.
· Some people are sensitive to ingestion of Aloe Vera. Try a little first, if you haven’t tried it before, and wait for about an hour.
· Aloe Vera is not to be taken intravenously. Therapies of this type have resulted in deaths.
· It’s not yet clear if Aloe Vera is effective as a treatment against genital herpes or psoriasis. Tests are continuing. It may, however, have a soothing effect on these conditions.
Growing Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is perhaps the easiest plant in the world to grow. If you cut an Aloe leaf into ten parts, those parts then seal themselves at the point of the cut. Put one end in the ground, and the piece grows into a new Aloe plant. Because they’re succulents, Aloe Vera doesn’t really need a lot of water, because it manages its own fluids very well, but it does need sunlight.
Some facts about Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera reproduces by flower, usually one single stem per year.
· The plants can grow with minimal supervision, but keep weeds away from them for best results.
· Aloe Vera can be grown in pots.
· Signs of dehydration usually mean lack of water, poor soil, fungi or worms. Remove the plant from the site and check for signs of rot, fungal issues or grubs.
· The healthy parts of a poorly performing plant can still be used as cuttings if the base of the plant isn’t viable.
· Aloe Vera cuttings can keep for weeks after they seal. You can keep one in the medicine cabinet for use as required.
Above all- Let your Aloe Vera grow wild. Only take medicinal cuttings when necessary. A single leaf will provide all the aloe you need for ages.