Aloe Vera is a spiky, squishy-leafed plant -similar to a cactus- that grows in hot, dry places. It flowers occasionally, but the plants are most notable for their distinct leaves. Aloe Vera is my favourite plant to grow.

Which parts of Aloe Vera are used? 

The leaves are filled with a thick, transparent gel, which is used on skin and can also be ingested with caution. The green outside layer of the lead can be juiced or dried and used as a laxative. 

Where is Aloe Vera originally from?

Originating in Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. Now it is cultivated all over the world.

Where does Aloe Vera grow?

Aloes love sun and only grow outdoors year-round in the warmest places. Otherwise, Aloe grows best as an indoor plant. They can also be moved outside in the summer and kept inside during winter. I’ve grown aloes indoors and outdoors.

What are Aloe Vera’s benefits?

It’ is a wonderful healing plant. Aloe is full of antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. It can help wounds heal, treat canker sores, reduce constipation, moisturize and soften skin, lower blood sugar, and promote hair growth. Those are just a few of the amazing benefits that Aloe is known for.

Aloe is a go-to for burns, sun burns, dry skin and bug bites, it’s soothing, moisturizing and healing.

Aloe Vera is an incredible addition to your personal skincare routine.

What are the risks?

I researched the risks of Aloe and found a couple different things, although I have never experienced any of them. Some of the negative side effects could be: low blood sugar, burning or itching sensations on the skin, diarrhea, and stomach pains and cramps. However, the article specified that all these side effects are either rare or only develop after long term use or high doses. Again, I’ve never had any negative reactions to the use of Aloe Vera use, however, because everyone’s bodies are different, I highly recommend being observant and doing extra research if you feel up for it.

What are the uses of Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera has a huge range of uses, whether for the hair, skin, or taken internally. It is beneficial for healing and soothing burns, wound and rashes. It is full of minerals and vitamins that help the skin and hair stay healthy. Taken internally, in moderation, it can help clear constipation and is very healthy for the body. I’m still exploring and discovering new uses all the time.

Where does the name come from from?

I’ve taken this from the online etymology dictionary, because it was really interesting: 

“name of a group of shrubs or herbs with spiky flowers and thick leaves, yielding bitter juice which was used as a purgative drug, late 14c., originally in reference to the drug, from Latin aloe, from Greek aloē, which is of uncertain origin, probably a loan-word from an Oriental language […] The word then was misapplied in 1680s to the American agave plant, which has a similar appearance (and also a Greek name) but is unrelated. The “true aloe” (producing the drug) consequently is called aloe vera (with Latin vera “true;” […]).”

From: this post.

3 fun facts:

1. Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily Family. It is known as the “Lily of the Desert.”
2. Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen is rumored to have used it in her skin care routine. 
3. Although it is rare that they blossom, their blossoms come in different colours, including red, white, orange and yellow.

Can I grow my own Aloe Vera plant?

Of course you can! I’ve been growing aloes indoors successfully for years. In places where winter gets very dark, I recommend getting grow lights. My aloes thrived with a grow light and grew strong and massive. Pay attention to how much you’re watering them, and make sure they can drain out the bottom. I found Aloes to be the easiest, most simple plants to care for, so I 10 out of 10 recommend you have some of your own!

Bonus:

Name your aloe! Why not? Aloes are people too. Some good ideas are:

• Lily
• Veronica
• Ally
• Lola
• Liam
• Allen

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