The True Aloe is Only One - Aloe vera

In short: Aloe vera is the only aloe widely considered truly medicinal among the more than 250 described species. Grow it in light, well-draining substrate, sow seeds at around 21°C and overwinter it at 10-15°C with minimal watering. Use only the gel from inside the leaf externally; the surface latex can irritate skin.

True aloe (Aloe vera) belongs to the lily family (Liliaceae). More than 250 species of aloe have been described. The homeland of most aloe species is Africa, Madagascar, and the Canary Islands. Currently, aloe vera is gaining increasing popularity because its healing properties have been proven. Growing this aloe is not very difficult, so you can grow your own "first aid for surface wounds" at home on your windowsill. Aloe vera comes from the Canary Islands, but thanks to its healing properties, it quickly spread throughout the world. For commercial purposes, it is grown in Australia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, Kenya, and South Africa. Together with the USA, which is the main producer of aloe vera products, these countries supply leaf gel to cosmetic companies worldwide. However, fresh aloe juice has the best effects, so for everyday use it's worth having a plant always available at home rather than relying on commercial products.

Aloe vera forms a short stem densely covered with massive, highly succulent leaves that are very wide at the base and narrow towards the tip. The leaves are arranged in a rosette, and individual rosettes often form clusters. The leaves are succulent. The edges of the up to 50 cm long leaves are serrated. On the surface there are inconspicuous whitish spots. The flowers are yellow, found in erect inflorescences that rise above the tips of the tallest leaves.

The history of aloe vera is very long. Images of aloe vera have been found on the walls of Egyptian tombs. The Egyptians valued this plant for its healing properties and it was also a gift at the Pharaoh's funeral. Aloe vera was long considered a plant bringing good luck and warding off evil. In some areas, aloe vera is still hung above the doors of new homes as a symbol of hope and happiness for those who live there. In the vast African deserts, nomads called it the "desert lily", and in North America it is still called the "silent healer" and "Dr. Aloe". In Russia, you can encounter the colloquial name "elixir of longevity".

Choose the "Right" Aloe Vera

There are many representatives of the aloe genus, and among the most commonly grown species, besides aloe vera, is for example aloe variegata. This aloe species is commonly called "partridge breast" because its leaves truly resemble a partridge's breast pattern. The leaves grow in a rosette formation, are dark green in color with distinctive white transverse stripes. With proper aloe cultivation, it will soon flower with a tall flower stem bearing scarlet red tubular flowers that are a decoration for any windowsill. This aloe has its native home in southern Namibia and the vast territory of South Africa. Cultivation is just as simple as with aloe vera. The plant can be propagated using seeds or offshoots. Unfortunately, this species is grown more for ornamental purposes than for its medicinal effects. Therefore, when selecting seeds or plants, be careful which aloe species you are actually buying - whether it really is the medicinal aloe vera.

Growing Aloe Vera

Aloe vera, due to its origin, prefers light and well-draining substrates. The soil should be sandy-loamy. The growing container must have good drainage to prevent waterlogging of the plant, which can result in plant death. You can sow aloe vera seeds in a propagator, such as a mini greenhouse, throughout the year, although spring sowing is most suitable. After sowing, water the seeds and place them in a warm and bright location. The most favorable temperature for germination is around 21°C. The substrate must be very permeable, just as for growing adult plants, with a drainage layer at the bottom of the container. To prevent the development of molds that could damage the seedlings, sterilize the substrate with heat (e.g., baking in the oven). After germination, gradually start ventilating the propagator. Water the seedlings regularly to prevent them from drying out. Once the young plants become stronger, it's advisable to transplant them so they have enough space and nutrients for further growth. Grow adult plants in a sunny or semi-shaded location. In summer, the plant can be placed outdoors in the garden or on a balcony. However, place it in a location where it will be protected from prolonged rainfall. Occasionally, you can let it enjoy some rain or give it a thorough watering (by immersing the pot in settled water for 10 minutes). This way, aloe replenishes water in its fleshy leaves. After a thorough watering, let the aloe dry out well. This growing regime suits these plants because it reminds them of the rainy and dry periods in their homeland. Before frost arrives, move the plant to its winter location. This can be cooler and darker with temperatures around 10-15°C. During this period, the plant rests, doesn't grow, and lives primarily off the water stored in its leaves. During "cold" overwintering, reduce watering - a light watering once a month at most is sufficient. However, aloe can also survive winter in heated rooms on a windowsill. In a "warmer" winter location, water the aloe twice a month, ensuring the substrate dries out well between waterings. If you overwinter aloe in a darker room, be careful not to expose it immediately to harsh spring sun in spring - the plant could get sunburned. Rather, gradually accustom it to light and provide shade. Young plants (offshoots) will soon begin to form around the aloe plant, which can be separated to obtain new plants. Aloe needs to be repotted into a larger pot from time to time, especially if you let it grow with its offshoots (it creates beautiful clusters). In a pot, the plant doesn't reach the same size as in open ground in its natural habitats.

Healing Effects and Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is suitable for both external and internal use. For growers, external use is recommended, as internal use without proper dosage and preparation method could potentially cause more harm than healing. Aloe leaves consist of two components - the leaf surface contains latex, which can irritate human skin. For medicinal purposes, the gel pulp hidden inside the leaf is used. Applying gel from a cut leaf can accelerate the healing of minor burns, cuts or abrasions that are not too serious but can be bothersome. The juice flowing from the leaves has a cooling and hydrating effect that significantly reduces unpleasant burning and helps quickly heal wounds. Aloe vera can also be tried by young people who have problems with acne. However, treatment takes longer and one should expect an initial mild worsening of the condition, as impurities will surface. With regular use, however, the situation stabilizes and significant improvement in skin condition occurs. Aloe vera gel can also soothe allergic skin reactions, eczema, and insect-bitten skin. It can even ease the course of shingles. Products intended for internal use help with diabetes and obesity, unhealthy hair and skin, cellulite, digestive problems, asthma, tooth decay and gum inflammation, and toothaches. Aloe extract can also treat infected wounds and ear infections. Recently, there have been numerous reports of successful treatment of digestive tract cancer with processed aloe juice. What actually causes the healing effects of aloe? It's the content of very valuable enzymes, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, plant glycosides and anthraquinones contained in the leaf pulp that help the body flush toxic substances from the body. Aloe is therefore often considered the most effective natural detoxification agent of the 3rd millennium. The presence of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, PP and E, folic acid, beta carotene and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, chromium, copper, iron, zinc and manganese has been proven in aloe.

Tip: Try aloe vera in gel form.

Aloe vera is medicinal, but can also cause harm in excessive doses

Aloe vera is medicinal, but can also cause harm in excessive doses. Negative reactions may occur with both external and internal use. With external use, irritation or allergic rash may appear - in this case, stop using aloe. However, you should be more careful with internal use. Aloe vera contains laxative substances that can cause abdominal cramps and severe diarrhea, and possibly also congestion of pelvic organs. For this reason, aloe vera should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, or if you have hemorrhoid problems. Internal use is not recommended for children either.

Even if aloe vera doesn't cause you any problems, it must not be used long-term, as it could damage the stomach or kidneys - don't forget this!