Benefits of the Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe Vera plants are very easy to grow yourself. It really is one of the easiest houseplants to care for. All you need is a nice sunny, windowsill so the plants have lots of warmth and sunlight.

Aloe plants do need to be watered frequently in the summer. Don't overwater, but make sure you do water often enough so that the plant does not shrivel or appear limp. During the winter months, the plant becomes somewhat dormant, and does not require a lot of water during the cold months.

When you plant your aloe, remember that drainage is important. You can use a planter with a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot or use a container with drainage holes. Your potting soil should have extra perlite or coarse sand added. You can always use a cacti potting soil, too.

As your plant grows, you can remove the shoots around the edge to start a new plant. You can add your new plant to your windowsill, or pass it on to a friend.

Topical Applications

1. Use to treat a minor kitchen burn such as a scald type burn. (Not a second or third degree burn!)
2. Soothe a minor sunburn.
3. Use as a moisturizer for eczema or psoriasis. Rub the plant juice on hands and feet, add gloves or socks, and let the aloe vera plant do its thing.
4. Reduce or prevent scarring and stretch marks with aloe vera.
5. Shrink warts.

Cosmetic Type Uses

1. Are your eyebrows red after plucking? Just use some aloe vera and the redness will disappear, and the skin will be soothed.
2. Need a brow gel? Mix aloe vera with an eyeshadow color that matches your brow and apply.
3. Reverse signs of aging. Apply to face, especially wrinkles.
4. Tighten facial pores with the astringent properties of aloe vera.
5. Use to brighten your skin. Aloe vera can reduce signs of dark spots and pigmentation.

It is very easy to harvest the gel inside each aloe vera leaf.

Cut off one of the outer leaves. Cut close to the base of the plant and cut at an angle.

Place the leaf in a glass or some container so that it can be propped upright for about 10 minutes. This allows the sap to drain out.

Lay the leaf flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut off the tip of the leaf. Then cut off the serrated edges that run up both sides of the leaf.

Carefully slice the leaf lengthwise so you can seperate the front from the back.

Using a spoon or a butter knife, scoop out the mucilage and the gel, but not the sap.

Store in a refrigerated container and you have aloe vera gel ready to go.