It is this filling that gives you a world of organic skin care uses from this plant. Aloe Vera has been utilized at least since the ancient Egyptians in 1500 B.C. The father of modern medicine, Galen, was a believer in the skin restorative qualities of Aloe Vera.
These qualities have inspired many nicknames: burn plant, lily of the desert, medicine plant, plant of immortality, plant of life, and wand of heaven. It is also known as The True Aloe, because it has more healing qualities than any other variety.
For the organic skin care lover, this plant has it all. The multitude of things offered all come from use of the gel found within the leaves. For wounds and burns, Aloe Vera has incredible healing powers as well as natural antibacterial properties and chemicals that work with your immune system. There is less scarring with fresh Aloe Vera treatment and burns do not blister as much. Inflammation, irritation, and itching are easily relieved by applying this natural skin care treatment, making it great for acne as well as psoriasis and eczema patients (provided they are not allergic to it; test a small area first). Insect bites are usually very responsive to the healing qualities of the plant and few people show allergies to fresh Aloe Vera gel. Aside from the healing values, you can gain firmness and elasticity through regular use.
You should have your own plant because the medicinal values of the plant are better the earlier you utilize it (whether burn, wound, acne, etc). For instance, application of fresh Aloe Vera gel when you first feel the slight burn and itch of a cold sore coming up often keeps the sore from ever completely forming as long as you reapply as necessary for a day or so. No matter the claims, no store bought gel compares to the properties of fresh Aloe Vera and it does not work for long after being cut. You may be able to make a cut piece last a day or so by wrapping it well with cellophane and storing in the refrigerator.
The best way to get one is to get a couple of shoots off of a friends plant (a friend who does not use fertilizers or pesticides). If you cannot do that, then you will need to purchase one from a store or nursery. Restore as soon as you get a plant home so that you immediately get it started in an organic state of growth. This is necessary because Aloe Vera growers use commercial fertilizers and pesticides; these substances are drawn into the plant through the roots and will be applied to your skin.
The plant loves warmth and sunlight; it does not make it through cold temperatures well, but still thrives in northern areas as long as it is kept in plenty of warmth and sunshine (inside with southern exposure). It handles drought but needs some water, so planting in sandy soil and good drainage is a must, especially when potting to keep inside. It needs less water in the winter, as it is dormant during this time.
Always allow the soil to completely dry before you water, soaking during summer months and only giving it about a cup during winter months. Use wide, shallow pots are better able to accommodate the plants natural root system. Create a mixture of 40% organic humus and 60% sand for potting. This mixture should have an inch or two of gravel beneath it in your pot, which should have a drainage hole in the base. Renew yearly (or as soil begins to look too light) with new humus or sand mixture; you will keep a natural fertilizer in the soil. Outside planting is only recommended in places like Southern Florida where frost is not a worry.
The healing properties of Aloe Vera have been the subject of many studies, both for internal use and topical use. Internal use is controversial, but topical use studies in healing the skin from a variety of attacks tend to show comparable results. Topical application seems to aid healing time in skin injuries, irritations, and diseases by anywhere from 35% to 55% faster healing. It should be understood, however that many false claims about the plant are being proclaimed. This plant does not cure AIDS, nor does it help heal skin disorders due to radiation or chemotherapy for cancer patients.
