The Essential Guide to Aloe Vera

Years ago, when I lived in the highest point in Southern Ontario, there was one plant which just flourished in my house. It was the aloe vera plant, it was thick, healthy and produced pups like they were going out of style. I have not had aloe plants like that since. I often wonder if the altitude of the area was part of its success.

Tradition

The global appeal of this plant is evidenced by the huge aloe leaves on sale in many different ethnic grocery stores. Historically, it was known as the “plant of immortality”, and was used in the embalming process in ancient Egypt to protect against bacteria.

World renowned for its healing properties the Aloe gel is recorded as being used as a laxative since the time of Sumer, in Mesopotamia.

Popular Market for Gel

It is also used as a food ingredient, dietary supplement, and the gel is also added to juices. The cosmetic industry uses aloe gel in skin and hair products.

The aloe gel market was an estimated US$ 251.3 Mn in 2018, with an increase predicted as the demand natural products increases.

Genus

Plant: Aloe vera is a succulent and is a member of the lily family and the genus contains over 500 species. It is an evergreen perennial which grows wild in tropical climates.

Genus: Aloe barbadensis miller

Ornamental or medicinal

Zones 10-11

Care

Light – full sun to partial shade. It can grow leggy if there is not enough light.

Soil – cactus mix, gravel and perlite. Just use potting mix, orchid bark and all purpose sand if you do not have a cactus mix.

Water – Aloe plants hold water in the leaves. This is the camel of the plant world. It grows in desert conditions and is able to store large amounts of water, It does not do well with water sitting around the roots. If the leaves droop over the side, then it’s likely there is too much water. Once per month or every six weeks is plenty.

Propagation

Pups grow at the base of the plant. Placing the plant in a close fitting container encourages pups. They do prefer to be root bound.

If you want to propagate via cuttings, the leaf should be at least 3 inches long. When harvesting a leaf from the Aloe plant it is best to cut a leaf at the base of the plant. It will seal over and not be as conspicuous.

Once cut from the mother plant you should leave the leaf in a warm place so the cut seals over, this can take days or weeks. Place the cutting in the previously mentioned soil type. In about four weeks you should have new roots on your leaf.

Medicinal Properties

Traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurveda medicine have used Aloe Vera to treat constipation and assist with menstrual issues It has also been used for eczema and psoriasis.

The Aloe gel (AVG) is from the leaf pulp and is found in its latex. Aloe latex comes from the total leaf.

According to research the gel’s composition of various phytoc components contains key ingredients to maintain health and prevent some diseases. It was in the 1930’s that its use as a treatment for X-ray burns brought it to the attention of the North American pharmaceutical industry.

• The World health Organization approved Aloe Vera for use as a laxative in 2007
• F.D.A approved as a food flavouring agent.

Aloe Vera juice has become very popular, but recent studies have shown that there may be some risks associated with its consumption.

Always check with your health professional for possible interactions before using a new nutritional supplement.