HERB OF THE MONTH - Aloe Vera

How many plants for average family:
1 plant per family

Type of plant:
Perennial succulant plants.

Best Varieties:

Sowing:
Aloe vera off-shoots are taken from the parent plant and anchored into the soil to form roots. Once roots develop cut away from the main plant and reposition where desired.

Growing Habit:
Aloe vera is a small clumping, spiky plant with thick spongy leaves growing to about 30cm high.

Growing Conditions:
Aloe vera needs dry and arid conditions so it's best grown in a pot where control over the conditions can be achieved. It needs very good drainage and is often grown in gravelly potting mixes or garden soil.

Aloe needs to be kept away from frost and can be brought inside during colder months.

The plant thrives in poor soil so feeding is to be kept to a minimum.

To obtain the gel, harvest an oler outer leaf since the middle is where it keeps growing. Choose a large fat leaf and slice it in half lengthways so the flat surface is untouched. Scrape the soft flesh off until you get to the skin.

Companions:

Problems:
Frost sensitive.
Wet or damp conditions can destroy the plant.
Does not like alkaline soil.

Uses:
The gel from aloe vera is said to have healing qualities especially with burns. If applied immediately to a burn it can stop scarring.

Aloe vera is used in moisturisers and cosmetic products.

Drinks are also made from aloe vera to improve digestion.

Featured Article: Aloe Vera, A Wonder Herb For Skin  

by Kim Beardsmore

Aloe is grown mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. Because of its many therapeutic uses, it is now commercially cultivated in the United States, Japan, and countries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. However, in many places you can grown your own Aloe Vera plant quite happy in a pot as a household plant.

Despite its very cactus-like characteristics, Aloe belongs to the lily family, which also includes asparagus, onions, leeks and garlic. The Aloe plant contains over thirty enzymes, including lipase and oxidase. It could be argued that enzymes are the missing element in the modern diet since 40% of the adult population suffer digestive problems and digestion is enzyme-based.

Aloe Vera also contains significant levels of salicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin) which accounts for some of the herb's pain-killing potential. Some people swear by a burst of aloe spray on sunburn when a gel or cream is too painful to apply.

Salicylic acid also plays a role in Aloe's detoxifying and cell-cleansing capacity. The well-researched capacity of Aloe to stimulate the immune system is arguably its most important attribute. Others have testified that a daily drink with high quality Aloe juice helps clear sensitive skin. Aloe is well known as a soothing ingredient in skincare lotions and body products.

There are a host of studies from every continent documenting the healthful benefits of Aloe Vera, taken both internally and used externally. Aloe has truly earned it reputation as a natural, healthful 'wonder' herb.

About the Author

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A. (H.R.M.), B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is a Herbalife distributor, weight loss coach &creator of the online weight loss & health magazine Weight Loss Health http://weight-loss-health.com.au Your online Herbalife store at http://weightlosshealth.herbalcoach.com Learn about the work at home Herbalife business opportunity at http://free2liv.com

For more information:

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