Aloe Vera is a perennial herbaceous plant that can reach one meter in height. The leaves are succulent, long lanceolate and grouped in a rosette on the stem. They can reach a length varying from 40 to 50 centimeters and reach a width of 6-7 centimeters at the base. The upper part of the fleshy aloe leaves is concave, varying in color from green to grey-green; there is often also a reddish shade which appears in the form of spots in younger plants. The margin of the leaves has an edge that can be pale pink in color and on it there are light-colored thorns with a length of about 2 millimeters. Aloe has a flowering axis that can rise up to 60-90 centimeters in height; this axis carries a raceme inflorescence with a thickened axis in the center. The bracts are almost white, while the flowers are yellow, orange or red and reach 3 centimeters in length.
The properties attributed to the Aloe plant are truly many, some confirmed by scientific evidence, others under study and others still unsupported. The properties vary depending on the plant parts that are used
How to grow the Aloe Vera plant:
To grow Aloe Vera directly at home, keep the following points in mind:
- Exposure to direct light and dry heat: the ideal temperature varies between 18 and 30 degrees, in winter it must be placed in a sheltered place, as it suffers from temperature changes and excessive cold.
- Soil: it is preferable to grow it inside a large pot, of at least 20 litres, with slightly acidic and draining soil: it is therefore necessary to place a layer of pumice stone of at least 2 or 3 centimeters on the bottom of the pot to allow the water to excess to be absorbed and not run the risk of rotting the roots.
- How much water to give: Aloe must be watered every fortnight, taking care not to leave stagnation in the saucer, as excess water could cause the leaves to rot. In winter, if it remains outside the house, it is never watered.
How to obtain Aloe gel:
To obtain gel from its leaves, the aloe plant must be at least three years old. Obtaining it is very simple: all you have to do is cut the leaf starting from the bottom and then cut it with a knife along the contour. Once the part with the thorns has been eliminated, all that remains is to cut a point on the leaf and let the gel come out. To extract all the contents, we can divide the leaf into two parts and with the help of a spoon remove the rest. The product can be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly closed glass jar for about two weeks. Aloe leaves contain Aloin, a substance which if ingested has laxative effects. This, yellowish in colour, must therefore be eliminated during the extraction of the gel, especially if we decide to drink the juice. If, however, we want to use the product only for external use, this substance has no effect on us.
Aloe can therefore be used as:
- Hair pack: applied before shampooing, the gel must act for 15-30 minutes before rinsing to obtain soft and silky hair. Furthermore, the product can be a valid natural substitute for gel.
- Face cream: hydrating and light, aloe vera can be used in summer as a substitute for face and body cream.
- Anti-sun cream: suitable for relieving sunburn, Aloe must be applied to skin reddened by the sun and in a few minutes you will have a refreshing and well-being sensation.
- Cream against pimples: the gel is an anti-inflammatory and healing product ideal in case you have acne or small pimples. The transparent consistency allows it to be applied at any time of the day without it being visible.
- Anti-dandruff mask: in this case just sprinkle the scalp with a spoonful of product, massage it while it is applied and proceed with shampoo after leaving it to act for about 30 minutes.
- Gum anti-inflammatory: the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the gel are an effective remedy against gum inflammation. In this case it is sufficient to apply and massage the product on the affected area. Furthermore, Aloe can be used as a natural mouthwash. All we have to do is dilute a spoonful of gel in a glass of water and add a pinch of bicarbonate to have a 100% natural product.
- Mosquito repellent: Aloe gel helps relieve itching and redness caused by mosquito bites.
- Disinfectant: aloe vera gel can finally be used as a natural disinfectant.
Aloe Vera seedling in 7 cm / 2,5 inches pot - Aloe Vera
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