ALOE
Aloe barbadensis [A. vera]
Lilaceae
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For color
and textural contrast, grow several of the more than 300 perennial species
of succulent aloe. The long, tapering leaves are ornamented with soft spines and
contain
a gel that is medicinal as well as cosmetic.
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Best Climate:
Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
Ideal Soil Conditions:
Well-drained soil low in organic matter.
Growing Guidelines:
Separate new shoots
from established plants. In cool climates, plant in pots and move them indoors
in winter. Aloes thrive with little attention. Indoors, avoid overwatering and
mix coarse sand with
the potting soil to facilitate good drainage.
Growing Habit:
Variable height; stemless rosette of spiny, tapered, succulent leaves.
Flowering Time:
Rarely flowers in
cool climates; drooping, tubular, yellow flowers atop a stalk that can grow
up to 3 feet (90cm) tall.
Pest and Disease Prevention:
Spray with insecticidal
soap to control mealybugs, or purchase biological controls.
Make sure it is pest-free before bringing indoors.
Harvesting and Storing:
Cut leaves for gel as needed; remove outer leaves first.
Special Tips:
Grow on sunny windowsills in the kitchen and bathroom.
Precautions:
Unsafe to use internally.
Other Common Names:
Burn Plant, Medicine Plant, Saqal, Zabila
Gender:
Feminine
Magical Uses:
The aloe, a popular
house plant, is also protective. It guards against evil influences and
prevents household accidents. In Africa the aloe is hung over houses and doors
to drive away evil,
as well as to bring good luck.
Related Element:
Water
Related Planets:
Moon
Powers:
Protection, Luck
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Part 2: Possible Repeat Info
One of Cleopatra's
secret beauty ingredients was reputed to be aloe vera, and it is still chosen
by
contemporary cosmetic firms for face and hand creams, suntan lotions and shampoos.
Aloe vera has
also attracted the interest of many governments for its ability to heal radiation
burns, and the US
government is said to be stockpiling the herb for use in the event of a nuclear
disaster. It is the fresh
sap from this remarkable herb that can heal skin and soothe burns.
A beautiful violet
dye is produced from aloe plants native to the island of Socotra in the Indian
Ocean, and it was thought to be the desire for this product that motivated Alexander
the Great to
conquer this island in the fourth century BC.
Lifespan
Tender evergreen perennial
Height
12 inches
Leaf
Long, very fleshy, tapering, pointed, pale green blades, often with spiny teeth along margins.
Split Leaves
Inside each leaf
is a clear gelatinous sap, which has an immediate soothing effect on burns and
forms a clear protective seal, allowing healing to take place rapidly.
Plant Base
Stemless base, which
eventually produces a flowering stem, with spikes of narrow,
trupet-shaped, yellow or orange flowers, and offshoots for propagation.
Root
Strong, light brown and fibrous.
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USES
Cosmetic
LEAF
Use leaf sap to make a soothing and healing moisturizing cream, especially good for dry skin.
Medicinal
LEAF
Crush sap from fresh
leaves or slice them and apply as a poultice for chapped skin, dermatitis
and eczema. For small burns, break off a leaf segment and apply its sap to the
burn.
Note:
Always seek immediate medical attention for serious burns.
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