Aloe is a well known plant with many well known uses, but many people do not know the history of this plant or the cultivation methods required to grow this plant. In this article I will discuss the history, uses and methods of cultivation of the widely known and used Aloe plant
Aloe has been used for thousands of years. In fact the "Greek historian Dioscorides recorded the use of alo as a healing herb 2,000 years ago" ( Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Even thousands of years ago this plant was used to help heal wounds, and the gel was applied externally for healing purposes. It is also historically said that "Alexander the Great conquered Madagascar so that his army would have a good supply of the herb for healing their wounds" (Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Cleopatra was said to have "massaged fresh aloe gel into her skin everyday to preserve her beauty", and the wife of Napoleon "used a lotion prepared from milk and aloe gel for her complexion" (Kowalchik, 1987,p.7). Aloe has been known for along time as a healing plant.
Aloe is a miracle skin healing plant, and both doctors and folklorists agree on its powers. It is a major component in many lotions and skin care creams. It is a healing agent for burns, wounds, insect bites, and poison ivy. It is also scientifically said to " have anesthetic, antibacterial, and tissue restorative properities, " and if applied soon enough most wounds will heal without a scar or loss of pigmentation (Kowalchik, 1987, p.5). Aloe is also used for oily skin and dandruff. This amazing plant is used for the gel contained inside its leaves, and although it is added to may products its properties are best used fresh because they wear off with storage.
Aloe is a great herb to have on hand at all times, and it is a perennial, but due to its need for warmth many people grow it in a container so it can be brought inside for the winter. Aloe enjoys soil that contains "limestone", and it loves drainage so add some rocks or "coarse material" to your soil (Kowalchik, 1987, p.7). Aloe enjoys full sun, but they can also take some partial shade, but remember if the plant is in full sun all day it may need extra water to compensate. In the winter allow the dirt to become very dry before watering the aloe plant. Aloe plants also like crowded roots so repotting them is not necessary. Remember that the older leaves grow on the outside of the plant so when harvesting the gel leave the middle leaves alone.
This plant is a necessary herb, and it will help you in many ways. It is easy to take care of and grows hardily.
Reference:
Kowalchik, C. (Ed.). (1987). Rodale's encyclopedia of herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.
