Photo: mikedehaanAloe Vera is the best known member of the Aloe family, which includes about 250 species. These lush plants are called "succulents" because their thick, juicy flesh holds so much sap. Most aloe species came from Africa. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) was probably brought from Egypt to India by Arabs. It now grows wild in India's coastal lands: for example, in Gujarat and Mumbai.
Growing Aloe Vera in the Home and Garden
Aloe Vera can thrive outdoors in semi-tropical regions. In the United States, USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) zones 10 and 11 are suitable. These include Hawaii and parts of Florida and California, where the average annual minimum temperature is at least 30F (about -1C). This plant is a perennial. It can grow to height of 1.5 metres (almost 5 feet) under ideal conditions, although most remain much smaller. The root is fibrous and strong, but spreads outward rather than deep into the soil. The sturdy stem has a fairly large diameter. The many leaves are like "lances" with small "teeth"; they are green with whitish highlights. Flowers may bloom at the top of the stem of the most mature plants. Indoors, Aloe Vera can be treated much like a cactus. It prefers that its soil gets soaked, and then dries fully after watering. In the winter, it tends to become dormant. It appreciates full sunlight, and may benefit from being outdoors in the summer.Where the climate permits, Aloe Vera can grow outdoors, in gardens with sandy but fertile soil. Again, it does best if planted where it can see as much sunlight as possible, and where it would be sheltered from cold. A serious gardener might use a commercially-prepared soil mix designed for cactus. This would be used for indoor pots, or as the closest soil for outdoor gardening. Aloe reproduces mainly by budding new shoots from the base of the main plant. A gardener may re-pot these shoots, or simply take cuttings and start them in moist soil.
Using Aloe Vera for Healing
Photo: JIGGSEgyptians have used Aloe for healing for thousands of years. In India, Ayurvedic medicine prescribes it for internal and external use. Aloe is an ingredient in many Western cosmetics and some skin salves. Aloe Vera provides a simple home remedy for minor burns or other skin irritations. The sap is a watery gel in consistency. Pluck and slice open a leaf nearest the ground, then apply the sap to the cut or burn. It should feel cool and soothing. Indian Ayurvedic medicine has several hundred uses for Aloe Vera. Externally, it may be used for:
- Acne and related cosmetic problems
- Burns including sunburn or scalds
- Insect bites or stings
- Moisturizing skin and reducing wrinkles
- Asthma
- Digestive problems such as constipation, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome
- Kidney stones
- Menstrual discomfort
Aloe Vera is cultivated internationally. It is a lovely and popular ornamental plant, carried by most garden supply stores.
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