Getting Started Using Aloe Vera For Home Remedies
Guest Post
The use of Aloe Vera as a remedy is believed to date as far back as the middle of the first century AD. This incredible plant has been used in traditional medicine throughout various cultures for thousands of years. It was revered for its therapeutic potential in places like North and Central America, Egypt, India and China. Today, aloe is still widely used and highly valued for its numerous health benefits. If you want to take advantage of this amazing herb, here’s how to get started.
Source an Aloe Plant
It’s recommended that you purchase a whole, live plant. Aloe is a common ornamental houseplant, so they’re readily available in any home improvement store or greenhouse. Select one that is plump and heavy for its size, is a bright green and doesn’t have any pests or signs of disease. Like all succulents, aloe produces plantlets from its roots and can be reproduced from cuttings, giving you a potentially unlimited supply.
Harvesting Aloe
Harvesting should only be done when your aloe is a decent size, usually once the leaves are over six inches long. The leaves of older plants can reach more than a foot in length and weigh several pounds. To harvest aloe, slice off a healthy-looking outer leaf at its base, taking care not to injure the underlying leaves or plant stalk. Allow the sticky yellow sap to run out the end of the leaf and rinse it under cold water. Using a sharp knife, fillet the leaf lengthwise to expose the interior. If you keep getting poked, use the knife to remove the spiked edges. Now, grab a bowl and spoon and scrape the gel out.
Using and Storing the Gel
The fresh gel of your aloe leaf can be used in a variety of ways. It can be eaten or applied externally. In some countries, it is also made into drinks and desserts. If you used a larger leaf, you probably ended up with more gel than you can use at once, but it’s not wasted. Aloe gel will remain good in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Just be sure to keep it in a light-proof, tightly sealed container. It’s important to note that before using/consuming Aloe Vera, you should research the species and make sure it’s safe for consumption.
Common Uses for Aloe
Aloe has more uses than most medicinal plants. Because it is both non-toxic and non-irritating, it’s ideal for regular use for virtually any purpose. Here are a few popular ways to use aloe.
- If you have dry, cracked hands during the winter, rubbing aloe gel on them a few times each day will help them heal rapidly. This also works for dry skin on other areas.
- One of the best known uses for aloe is on a sunburn. Aloe’s cooling and soothing properties help minimize discomfort while the nutrients replenish skin and accelerate repair. Antioxidants in the gel could also theoretically block UV-induced cellular mutations that may lead to skin cancer.
- Aloe has a long-standing reputation as a digestive tonic. It soothes ulcers and stomach upset, protects the liver and eases constipation. The amount you take is up to you, but most experts recommend starting at a few tablespoons.
- The gel from aloe leaves makes a great anti-aging product. Before bed each night, rub a generous amount into the skin of your face and neck. This will keep the skin hydrated and provide it with the proper building blocks for cellular repair and maintenance.
Aloe is truly one of the most useful and beneficial herbs available, and it’s easy to start incorporating it into your everyday life. It’s even convenient for people with busy schedules and tight budgets. Preparation takes only a few minutes, and with your own plant, you can get this glorious healing gel for free.
This post is contributed by GroAloe, an organic soil amendment derived from whole leaf Aloe Vera. Find out more about GroAloe and get instructions about how to use it at agrialoe.com.
