Originally published in September, 1995.
Aloe vera as it is commonly known, is a succulent plant with
amazing healing properties. In botanical Latin aloe vera is known as Aloe
barbadensis. Aloe being the genus and barbadensis being the species. Aloe
barbadensis is named after the place where the plant was first documented,
Barbados.
Aloes are grown very easily at home, but most home gardeners do
not know what is required to take care of this succulent.
When growing aloes, we must realize they have two basic seasons,
wet or dry. The wet season goes from about April to October. During this time,
your aloe should be given water especially during hot weather. From October to
March, aloes require little watering. In fact, aloes can go from October to
March without a drop of moisture and be no worse for wear, although watering
once at about Christmas time is okay.
People become concerned about not watering from October to
March; however, as a home gardener we must try and mimic Mother Nature's own
watering schedule. Aloes are 97% moisture and from October to March, the plant
relies on the water reservoir in its leaves for moisture. Expect some leaves to
dry and shrivel during this time. Come April when the plant receives its first
good watering, the succulent aloe will rejuvenate and begin growing quite
happily again.
One of the most interesting aspects of aloe vera is its ability
to heal sunburns when the leaves are opened and the gel exposed to the skin.
However, it's ironic that aloes themselves do not survive well in direct
sunlight. Aloes will get sun burnt. Aloes are naturally found behind rocks and
other items that provide partial shade. When growing your aloe, keep it in a
sunny, but partially shaded area.
For those that grow aloe for its beneficial healing properties
which include problems like eczema, burns, cuts, sores, liver spots, along with
much more, you must remember that only mature aloes have healing properties. It
usually takes an aloe vera plant anywhere from 3 to 5 years to fully mature.
Mature aloes are easily identified from immature aloes by looking at the leaves.
If the leaves are painted with white spots, the aloe is still immature.
When an aloe plant is fully mature the leaves are a solid dark
green. To ensure your aloe matures as soon as possible, be sure to water them as
they would naturally be watered in the wild. Furthermore, remove any suckers
that begin to sprout next to the main aloe.
Removing suckers allows the main aloe to put all of its energy
into growing for itself. You can either compost the suckers, replant them in
another pot, or give them to a friend.
For those who wish to use the gel of a mature aloe for topical
use, be sure to remove the thin yellow layer next to the gel. This yellow layer
can cause a red stain that is extremely hard to remove.
Many people use prepared aloe vera juice in their companion's
diet (and for themselves too), but why use prepared aloe juice over homemade?
To begin with, there are a few advantages of using an aloe juice
over the use of an actual aloe plant. The biggest reason is that once an aloe
plant is opened and the gel exposed to oxygen, rapid oxidation begins. Within
hours the gel goes rancid (even if refrigerated).
Aloe juice needs to be stabilized with preservatives. One of the
preservatives used is vitamin C (citric acid). In many cases potassium sorbate
is also used and so is benzoic acid (otherwise know as sodium benzoate).
However, it is important to note that benzoic
acid is a known toxin to cats and should be avoided. So buy an aloe
juice or gel without this ingredient.
Obviously another benefit of using a prepared aloe juice is we
don't have to do any work. Furthermore, if you have ever used an aloe leaf on
your skin, you've probably noticed that your skin is sticky after applying the
leaf. This is because the juice or the medicinal properties were not able to
break free of the fibers of the plant, thus keeping the medicinal properties on
the skin's surface.
To separate fibers from the juice, high heat is needed for a few
seconds. This does kill some of the natural enzymes in the juice; nonetheless,
most of the enzymes remain, but more importantly the body can now use the
medicinal properties quite easily both internally and externally.
A simple way to determine the quality of an aloe vera juice is
to take a few drops and put it on the back of your hand. If you notice that within
minutes it is completely absorbed and the area is now soft and smooth with no
residue, then that means the quality is good and the aloe will be more likely
absorbed by the body both internally and/or externally. The faster the
absorption by your hand, the higher the grade.
When buying aloe juice, remember to avoid cold processed aloe
juice and aloe juice preserved with benzoic acid (sodium benzoate).
But what exactly does aloe do for the body and why should it be
used?
Well, as most people are aware, the processing of food removes
many vital parts of the food and the delicate enzymes which are so important to
good health are destroyed.
Enzymes essentially help the body break down the food and help
with the chemical processes of food in the body's system. An enzyme starved
diet can be a chief cause of poor health and premature aging.
Cells and tissues require constant nourishment and aloe vera
juice aids by assisting in the assimilation of foods, vitamins, and nutrients,
thus giving you more health for your money.
Aloe vera juice is naturally rich in:
-
Vitamin C which helps maintain tone of blood vessels and
promotes good circulation.
-
Vitamin C is essential to the health of the adrenal
gland which supports our body in times of stress
-
Amino acids which are chains of atoms constructing protein
in our body.
-
Enzymes which are the life-principle in every live, organic
atom and molecule of natural raw food and in constitution of any living
animal. Enzymes rejuvenate aged tissues and promote healthy skin.
-
Germanium which is a mineral whose function is
controversial; however, some health authorities claim therapeutic benefits
for: immunodeficiency, pain, cardiac disorders, circulatory disturbances and
eye problems.
Aloe vera juice is one of the finest body cleansers and brings
most gratifying results. It cleans the morbid matter from the stomach, liver,
kidneys, spleen, bladder, and it's the finest colon cleanser known. In turn,
this process purifies the blood.
It is healing and soothing in the relief of indigestion, stomach
distress and ulcers. Others claim relief from arthritis, bladder and kidney
infections; leg cramps, constipation, hemorrhoids, insomnia, and for vaginitis,
it is an excellent vaginal douche.
An excellent internal tonic for energy and well being, you'll
find it convenient and beneficial to use aloe juice in your companion's daily
diet.
Aloe juice will add greatly to the strength of the food fed,
digestive tract, skin, and overall good health and happiness of your companion.
Aloe juice is a basic supplement that should always be used.