Aloe Vera Plant

One of Cleopatra's secret beauty ingredients!

Virtually every anti-ageing cream and potion on the market claims to contain Aloe vera in some form or another - and with very good reason as its moisturising and skin nourishment properties are legendary - so why not use the 100% pure Aloe vera gel fresh from your own growing plant?

Nature's Nurse? That has been said, and we say its properties are miraculous. Recognised by the ancient Hebrews as a 'Holy Medicine' and still found in some desert areas in places such as Africa, Mexico and India. The sap of this plant actually engenders the rebuilding and healing of damaged skin tissue.

Aloe vera has been found to provide virtually instant relief to burnt or scalded skin as well as sunburn - and actually aid in the healing process. It is also good for healing radiation burns.

Similarly Aloe vera has been found to be extremely effective in the treatment of leg and skin ulcers, as well as acne, cuts, and skin abrasions and has natural antiseptic properties. With all these benefits don't forget your pets where Aloe vera is excellent for relieving itching and scratching from flea bites and other skin complaints.

Aloe vera can of course also be taken internally to aid in the relief of digestive problems and irritable bowel syndrome.

Aloe vera is not a cure all but it does contains 9 out of the 10 most important amino acids, the essential regenerative 'building blocks' of protein and trace elements of potassium, copper, magnesium, calcium, chromium and zinc. It is rich in saponins (natural antiseptics) and anthraquinones with their antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that the polysaccharides containing glucose, mannose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, enzymes all contribute to blood cell enrichment and hence 'healing body chemistry'.

The natives to the island of Socotra, in the Indian Ocean use it to makes a violet dye.

• Likes a full sun position, will tolerate light shade.
• Needs a frost free position, a minimum of 5°C (41°F).
• Require a well drained compost.
• Keep on the moist side of dry through the Summer and dry side of moist during the Winter.
• We would suggest keeping them indoors.
• Easy to use - simply cut a small piece of the leaf off and split it, inside is the gel which has the benefits - can be used straight form the leaf.
• Always pot on during the late Spring / Summer months - first allowing the plant to full dry out for a week or two before potting on.
• Divide/re-propagate from off-sets by cutting off with a sharp knife in July/August. Allow to dry in the sun for a week then pot into moist gritty compost. Plants can grow large so pot on as it grows.  You will also see that the plant produces 'pups' (baby plants) these can also be potted on.

• Medicinal Uses
• The gel can be used to treat Radiation Burns, Sunburn and Scalds.
• For leg ulcers, mix the gel with icing sugar and apply to the wound and protect with dry lint. We recommend that you do this twice a week for a few weeks - during the third week you should only need to use the dry sugar.
• For cuts and bruises use the gel, it is not recommended to cover them.
• Digestion problems (such as Irritable bowel, Colitis and Constipation), colds, flu, Asthma or Bronchitis, mix the gel with luke warm water and add honey or glucose.
• For thrush, nappy rash, wrinkles or skin complaints use the gel directly.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.