By Micah Jackson
(HFT) People have been using Aloe Vera for over 6,000 years. Stone carvings depicting use date to Early Egypt. Aloe was presented as a burial gift to pharaohs and considered ‘The Plant of Immortality.’
Reportedly used by Alexander the Great to help heal wounds and by Cleopatra as a beauty aid, Aloe has predominantly been used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative.
Aloe leaves contain a clear gel that is often used as a topical ointment. Aloe Vera gel can be found in hundreds of skin products, lotions and sunblocks.
The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice.
Aloe Vera has been used on sunburn, skin wounds, blisters, jaundice, sunburn, acne, frostbite, constipation, fungal infections, asthma, heartburn, expelling intestinal worms, conjunctivitis, herpes, skin rashes, hepatitis, cirrhosis, insect bites and eczema. Aloe Vera is reported to rejuvenate dry skin, heal fungal and vaginal infections,psoriasis and , reduce the appearance of warts and reduce rosacea.
Aloe Vera contains Vitamin B, A, C, E, folic acid, calcium, selenium, zinc, magnesium, chromium and magnesium. 20 out of 22 essential amino acids . Peptides found in Aloe Vera are reported to assist the immune system.
Aloe Vera is easy to grow and along the gulf coast needs little care to flourish. Aloe likes sun but can turn brown and dry if in constant sun. Aloe Vera prefers well drained soil. In the summer months soak the soil but let it dry between waterings.
