Aloe
Vera is a succulent plant that can be grown
outdoors all year-round in tropical
climates.
Aloe
requires little care and is a helpful first
aid treatment for burns, skin care and good
health.
The
plant grows long thick leaves with serrated
edges. The leaves are full of a viscous gel.
How
to plant: gently remove small 'pups' from
the main plant, loosen soil and plant the
shallow root to the surface of the soil in a
sunny location, water, but do not soak the
plant every few days for about one month
Maturity:
In 3-4 years the plant reaches full maturity
and will start to grow 'pups/slips' around
the base of the plant which form a colony.
Pests:
Aloe vera plants are hardy, but may be
bothered by aphids or fungus gnats. Plants
can be cleaned with a cloth dipped in a
solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar. To
treat fungus gnats the plant can be dug up
the root ball washed with mild soap and
baking soda, then replanted in a new
location.
First
aid: Aloe vera is a soothing remedy for
burns, sunburns, bedsores, diaper rash,
ulcers. Pick a large leaf, slice it open
with a knife and scrape the gel with a
knife, mash it a bit, then place on the
affected area a few times each day until the
conditions clears up. Rosita Arvigo's book Rainforest
Remedies cites
a treatment for embedded thorns, stones or
fish scales. “a piece of the leaf is sliced
in half, applied over the area and secured
with a band or cloth; the dressing is left
on and changed once daily – this draws out
the object in 3-5 days.” Aloe Vera is also
used to reduce scarring from wounds.
Aloe
vera contains over 75 vitamins and amino
acids in an easily digestible polysaccharide
gel which makes it ideal for persons wanting
to heal their gut and those with
intermittent stomach ailments.
Aloe
vera is a natural saponin which makes it an
ideal shampoo for those that are sensitive
to commercial soaps. It provides an ideal pH
to balance hair health and nutrition to the
scalp as well.
This
is also an incredible acne treatment and it
manifests antibacterial and antifungal
properties in addition to the amino acids
and vitamins that are readily absorbed into
the skin and the muco-polysaccharide layer
that provides a barrier to the elements that
irritate the skin.
Preparation
Harvest:
Cut the aloe at the base of the leaf without
moving too much of the collar. This will
only give the plant a small area to “heal”
and will not trigger mechanical immunity
signals which the plant will cause resources
to send to that area rather than put into
growing…. Basically, don’t break or cut the
leaf in half. Take the whole leaf and if a
leaf is broken, remove it completely.
Slice
the leaf base off at the white part (this
can be use to treat constipation) and trim
the thorns.
Cut
in 5-inch pieces and soak in water for 10
minutes changing the water at least twice.
Slice
the leaf in half lengthwise and use a knife
and gently scrape along the gel without
cutting into it…. just breaking the cells to
release the gel
Or
just cut the flat part of the leave away
close to the leather and scoop out the gel.
Try never to blend it as this introduces
oxygen and the material will oxidize and
reduce the potency. Aloe has numerous
benefits taken internally, but is not
warranted for long term use. One leaf is
scraped mashed and soaked in a glass of
water for 20 minutes, then strained and
drunk as a tonic. Warning: the taste of this
brew is a bitter mix of antioxidants,
phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, and E and
B12.
Submitted
by Metyline Bailey (grower extraordinaire of
aloe) from
https://junglefarmkitchen.wordpress.com/2022/09/14/aloe-vera/
Other
contributions regarding Aloe
Aloe Vera is generally
not started from seeds. Vegetative
propagation is easy and convenient.
"Baby plants" will sprout from around
base of existing mature plants which
can be rooted in pots or in garden.
Aloe grows well in a variety of well
drained soils and enjoys full sun.
Although
Aloe Vera gel is widely known to relieve sunburn, it
can help in healing wounds and has
a long history of being used for other
medicinal purposes, dating back to ancient
Egypt. The plant is native to North Africa,
Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands, but
has proved to thrive in tropical climates
worldwide.
Researchers
are just beginning to discover the benefits
of this universal plant and its many
byproducts.
HEARTBURN
RELIEF
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is
a digestive disorder that can result in
heartburn. Consuming 1-3 ounces of
aloe gel at mealtime could reduce the
severity of GERD and may also ease other
digestion-related problems. The plant’s
low toxicity makes it a safe and gentle
remedy for heartburn.
(https://www.healthline.com/health/7-amazing-uses-aloe-vera)
KEEPING PRODUCE
FRESH
A 2014 study published by the Cambridge
University Press looked at tomato plants
coated with aloe gel. The report showed
that the coating successfully blocked the
growth of many types of harmful bacteria
on the tomatoes. In another study similar
results were found with apples. This
means that aloe gel could help fruits and
vegetables stay fresh, eliminating the
need for toxic chemicals that extend the
shelf life of produce.
(https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257091/five-amazing-benefits-of-aloe-vera)
AN ALTERNATIVE TO MOUTHWASH
A study published in the Ethiopian Journal
of Health Sciences, researchers found an
extract made with aloe vera is a safe and
effective alternative to chemical-based
mouthwashes. The plant’s natural
ingredients, which include a high dose of
vitamin C, can block plaque. It can also
provide relief for swollen or bleeding gums.
(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-eat-aloe-vera#benefits)
LOWERING BLOOD SUGAR
According to a study in the International
Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacy,
ingesting 2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice
can lower blood sugar in those with type 2
diabetes. However, caution to those also
taking glucose-lowering medicines as glucose
count can get too low.
(https://www.healthline.com/health/aloe-vera-for-diabetes)
SKIN CARE
These water-dense leaves, combined with
special plant compounds called complex
carbohydrates, make aloe an effective skin
moisturizer and pain reliever.
(https://www.moyaasheabutter.com/blogs/news/the-benefits-of-shea-butter-and-aloe-vera)
POTENTIAL IN FIGHTING
BREAST CANCER
A current study published in
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative
Medicine is studying the therapeutic value
of a compound in the plant’s leaves (aloe
emodin) as it shows potential in slowing the
growth of breast cancer.
(https://www.healthline.com/health/7-amazing-uses-aloe-vera#breast-cancer)
Be sure to
consult your doctor if you plan to use
aloe vera in a medicinal manner,
especially if you take medication(s).
Eating aloe vera
latex, a yellow substance that is found
inside the leaf, has potential risks.
(https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-eat-aloe-vera#dangers)
Recipes
Aloe Vera Smoothie
- Coconut milk
- Frozen
strawberries
- A banana
- ¼ cup of
aloe vera gel
Aloe Salsa
- 1 cup
tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons
aloe vera
- 3 cloves
garlic
- 1/4 cup red
onion
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 tablespoon
cilantro
- Salt and
pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1
lime
- Tortilla
chips to serve
-
2 tablespoons freshly
harvested aloe vera
-
1 small cucumber,
3-4 inches in length, peeled, seeded,
and cut into chunks
-
1/2 inch of fresh ginger,
peeled
-
3 fresh
mint leaves1/4 cup fresh lemon or
lime juice
-
2 tablespoons Agave
Nectar or honey
-
- Ice cubes for
serving
If
you have additional info to share,
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