Aloe Vera
Aloe vera belongs to the Aloe family of plants, originating from Arabic and/or Northern African regions. The plant is very common in the Mediterranean countries, The West Indies and Indonesia. In our part of the world, the plants are available from garden centres.
The Aloe is a succulent plant, with a short, woody stem of about 30-50 cm high. The plant itself can grow to a height of about 90 cm. The leaves are blue-green and can reach a length of 40-50cm, while the widest part can be between 7-8 cm.
There are hundreds of different types of Aloe. The best known and most popular one is the Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller. This plant is rich in substances and ingredients that are suitable for health and wellness purposes. The leaves are very fleshy and thick, and narrowing and pointed towards the top, while the base has a round shape and the edges are serrated. The leaves are often positioned on a very short distance from each other. The inside of the leaf is very juicy. The plant can reach a total height of about 90 cm. The flowers are red or yellow and grow in a spike-shape.
In some parts of the world, the Aloe plants are considered as a weeds. Because of the shape of their leaves, they are easily mistaken for cactuses.
Cultivation and production
Some processing companies have their own plantations. Renowned growers, who work in accordance with organic growing methods, will carefully watch the growing process and intensively guide every stage of the plant's development.
Aloe Vera definitely needs a frost-free climate for its cultivation.
In organic cultivation, no pesticides will be used. The plant does not need intensive watering and the advantage of this aspect is that the leaves will obtain a higher concentration of the jelly-like substance.
The growers will often work under pharmaceutical license with strict rules and regulations and regular tests and surveys in all stages of the growing and production process.
The mature plants will be harvested by hand, after which the leaves will be processed rapidly. They will be washed and rinsed.
The jelly and juice will be obtained by cutting off and filleting the leaves, which is also entirely done by hand. This process is carried out in accordance with strict rules and regulations, in order to maintain and guarantee the quality. The leaves as such are not being used; it's all about the pulp of the raw, pure jelly. There are several names being used for the jelly-like substance: juice, drink, gel.
The substance is made into health drinks, self medication products, cosmetics and health supplements.
Healing properties and medicinal use
The juice of the leaves can be used to soothe and disinfect wounds from cuts and galls, or to soothe sore, red spots after sunburn. It's always handy to keep an Aloe Vera plant in your kitchen; if you cut yourself, simply use a piece of the leaf and put it on the wound. The leaf can also be used for other skin problems and even for eye problems and the roots and leaves can be boiled and used as a laxative. It goes without saying that you should not take any risk and should always consult a doctor in case of serious injuries or other physical problems.
Furthermore, the juice is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and "wellness" products.
Healing aspects
The positive, healing aspects of the Aloe Vera plant have been acknowledged for many centuries. The gel and juice are being used for medicinal purposes.
Nowadays, Aloe Vera is really "hot"; the range of Aloe products is impressive, from drinks to toilet paper!
Please note, that Aloe belongs to the lily-family, which means that people having and allergy to lily-like plants had better avoided using Aloe Vera products.
Medicinal use
The gel in the Aloe leaf contains mucopolysaccharides, particulary acemannan (or acetylated mannans). And these - among others - subtances are considered to be the main contributor to the healing properties of Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is alleged to be a good remedy for a number of healing aspects, like:
The gel: Positive influence on treatment of skin problems:
- it reduces pain and inflammation
- it helps heal and disinfect cuts, burns
- it can be used to treat dry skin conditions and eczema
The juice: Positive and supportive influence on bowel problems:
- it supports the digestive tract
- it has a positive effect on the stools
- it will help to keep the bowels open
- it will help to keep the motions smooth
It goes without saying that in case of severe health problems, self medication is never an option; it is highly recommended to consult a doctor at all times.
Miscellaneous use
The cosmetic industry has discovered Aloe Vera products. There are lots of products with Aloe, like soaps, shampoos, lotions, tissues, toilet paper, suntan products, and make-up.
And even the food industry adds a touch of Aloe in some products, see: Facts about Aloe Vera.
