Aloe vera, also called aloe barbadensis, is a succulent plant that thrives in the hot, dry regions of the world. It can grow up to 1.5m tall and has a very short stem (often absent altogether). Its thick, fleshy leaves vary in color from green to gray-green and, in some varieties, there are small white spots on the top and bottom. Plants grown in the ground can develop yellow flowers, which is not the case for those kept indoors and in pots. The sap of this plant is very useful for treating wounds and burns, for managing dry skin and even for treating cold sores. Read on if you want to learn how to grow and use aloe vera for medicinal purposes.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Growing Aloe Vera
Step 1. Purchase an aloe vera plant
Get a small one at the nursery and then transfer it to a larger pot. If you take care of this plant properly, it will thrive and provide you with plenty of sap to use as a healing remedy.
Choose a large container to repot the aloe, as it tends to produce many side shoots, real "baby" plants
Step 2. Use the right soil
The most important thing to remember in growing this plant is that the soil must be moderately fertile, but highly draining, as aloe is already very water-rich in itself and could wilt if the soil retains moisture. Choose a good quality commercial propagation mix or purchase a potting soil for cacti and succulents that will provide excellent drainage.
Step 3. Keep the plant in full sun
If you prefer to store it indoors, place it near a very sunny window to give it the maximum amount of light possible. If you live in a mild climate region, make sure it gets plenty of direct sunlight. You can also use special lamps if you live in a region with little sun.
In areas prone to snow and frost, it is best to keep aloe indoors or in heated greenhouses
Step 4. Check the soil before watering the plant
Stick a finger in the earth to understand whether or not to wet it. Wait until the first layer (2.5-5cm) is completely dry before adding more water. Since aloe vera is native to dry and hot climates, it is perfectly capable of surviving drought, but you'll be more likely to grow a healthy plant if you water it every few days.
Reduce watering during the winter, as the plant absorbs water more slowly. Excess water causes root rot which will kill the aloe
Step 5. When necessary, repot the plant
When many lateral shoots appear and the pot becomes "crowded", you should detach the "daughter" plants from the "mother" one and pot them to allow them more space to grow and prevent pest infestations.
- It may be necessary to remove the plant completely from the pot to find the sprouts. Use sharp scissors or a knife to separate them from the mother plant.
- When you have all the sprouts transferred to their personal pot, return the original plant to its own.
Part 2 of 2: Using Aloe Vera Gel
Step 1. Collect the gel to use for medicinal purposes
The aloe leaves are filled with gel that you can collect and use as a healing remedy. Wait until you need it. When you need it, cut a leaf from the plant and crush it to extract the clear gel; alternatively, you can scrape it off with a spoon.
- If you are extracting large quantities of gel, then you should cut the leaf lengthwise, so that you can collect all the gel in it.
- Try to take only the sap you need at the moment. If you have any leftover gel, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for about a week.
Step 2. Apply aloe vera after sunbathing
You can spread the gel on your sunburn to cool the skin and promote healing. Apply it immediately and every few hours, according to your specific needs, in this way you keep the skin hydrated.
- Place the gel in the refrigerator for about an hour before applying it to sunburned skin. The cold aloe sap has a pleasant cooling effect.
- Remember that although humans have used aloe to treat sunburn for years, there is no conclusive scientific evidence regarding its healing effects on sunburned skin.
Step 3. Smear aloe gel on minor burns
This natural product may also be effective on minor burns and appears to reduce healing time. Apply a small amount directly to the lesion only if the skin is intact: in case of blisters, bleeding or severe skin damage, refrain from this practice.
Step 4. Massage aloe vera on the scalp to prevent dandruff
It appears to be an effective remedy for dealing with this problem. All you have to do is massage a small amount of it on your head.
- After washing your hair, rub the skin of your head with a little aloe gel between your hands (an amount similar to that of shampoo).
- Use your fingertips to massage your scalp and don't rinse. Repeat this process every time you wash your hair.
Step 5. Apply it to the cold sores
The gel from this plant is believed to be effective in fighting the lip fever virus. When you feel that a herpetic lesion is about to develop on your lips, pour a small amount of gel on your fingertip and dab it on the sensitive spot. Repeat the application whenever you feel the need and leave the lesion covered with aloe.
Step 6. Spread it on dry skin
Aloe vera gel is an excellent moisturizing agent for the skin. Replace your usual cream with fresh gel from this plant that you will have to apply exactly like a normal body lotion. Massage it into the skin until completely absorbed.
Advice
As with any natural supplement, you should consult with your doctor before adding aloe vera to your diet; also let the doctor know about all the supplements you are taking, to avoid dangerous interactions
Warnings
- Although some studies suggest that oral aloe use has some health benefits, such research is not confirmed. This practice is not currently recommended because it appears that aloin, a component of aloe plants, can cause cancer, kidney failure and other serious health problems.
- Do not use aloe if you are allergic to plants from the Liliaceae family.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take aloe by mouth as it may trigger uterine contractions and potentially lead to miscarriage. In addition, it could create some intestinal discomfort for the baby who is breastfed by a mother who consumes aloe.
- Don't use aloe vera to heal deep wounds or severe burns. Some studies suggest that, in these cases, aloe delays the healing process.
- If you are taking steroid medications, insulin, diuretics, digoxin or hypoglycemic drugs, do not take aloe vera by mouth.
- Aloe vera reduces potassium levels in some people.
