Since the Egyptians, Christopher Columbus and your grandmother, you have used aloe vera, a plant that has been present at all times and is ideal for different conditions.
Currently, there are about 250 known species of aloe vera, as well as this plant which reproduces in desert or semi-desert environments.
It has a very characteristic shape: thick leaves with a sharp point finish that can be uncomfortable to the touch. Underneath the bark, there is the prized aloe vera gel, with which various parts of the body are treated.
In this article we will talk more about aloe vera, its properties, uses and benefits for your health. In addition, we will discuss the basic care you should give your plant to keep it healthy and strong.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that grows in hot climates, whose shape resembles the crown of the pineapple, but much larger and thicker.
This plant is pH neutral, therefore, it is used to regulate various functions of our body. For example, it is ideal for treating conditions of the digestive system, such as ulcers or indigestion.
In addition, it is ideal for the treatment of skin conditions, with a cooling power and effectiveness not easily found in other plants or products.
On the other hand, it is also used in weight loss processes, as it is a natural reducer of stretch marks that appear on the skin.
But what makes it so versatile?
Studies carried out on the plant have identified that it is composed of more than 70 active ingredients, among them: vitamins, saccharides, lignin, minerals, amino acids and enzymes.
Being a little more specific, in the aloe vera we find the vitamins A, B, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E; also minerals like magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium and zinc.
Common uses of aloe
We already knew the basic benefits of aloe vera, now let’s see the common uses in different cases.
- Acne: One of the great benefits of this silver is its ability to absorb oil and regenerate the skin. That is why it is indicated in most acne treatments.
- Shaving: As indicated, aloe vera helps skin regeneration and soothes irritation. This reason makes it an ideal product to apply after shaving or depilation.
- Wounds in the skin: Continuing with the benefits that the use of aloe vera provides on the skin, we must comment that it is an excellent remedy for wounds and scars.
- Feet: Dryness in your feet can be dismissed after the use of products with aloe vera. It can also be used to give a touch of freshness when tiredness takes hold of your feet.
- Stings: Insect bites and animal bites can inflame the skin. Aloe vera is ideal for relieving the discomfort caused by insect bites or stings.
- Hair: Hair loss, dryness and dandruff can be controlled with the use of hair products with aloe vera. Because of its high content of vitamins and minerals, it will strengthen and improve the growth of your hair.
- Diabetes: Helps lower blood sugar levels, so it’s ideal for people with diabetes.
- Digestion: Constipation and gastric problems are reduced by consuming aloe vera. This plant helps and improves the functionality of the digestive system, contributing to the digestion of food and its correct evacuation
Aloe vera: recommended doses
Although the only one entitled to give you a correct and recommended dose of use is a doctor, we leave you with a guide so that you know what the recommended amounts for the most frequent uses might be.
- Constipation: 100 to 200 milligrams daily.
- Oral hygiene: Toothpaste with aloe vera for 24 weeks.
- Wound healing: Cream with a concentration of 0.5% aloe vera per day.
- Cholesterol control: 300 milligrams twice a day.
- Burns: Gel at 97% concentration
- Hair care: A spoonful of gel added to your shampoo.
- Intestinal problems: 100 milliliters of aloe vera water twice a day.
Caring for your plant
Although many people associate it with cactus, aloe vera plants are actually part of the succulent family.
Although it comes from hot areas, it needs water to live properly. The water is stored inside its leaves, where it ends up becoming the gel that we all know and appreciate so much.
To maintain it for a long time you must:
- Plant it in a medium sized pot of medium depth. The roots of this plant are abundant, they need space to grow and sustain themselves.
- The packaging must allow the perfect drainage of the plant, it will only consume what is necessary. In addition, you would prevent the roots from rotting.
- From time to time, it is advisable to add compost to the soil. It is preferable that it be of the non-absorbent type.
- These types of plants love the sun. Therefore, it is ideal to place them where they are exposed to direct sunlight for several hours a day.
- In hot weather should be watered at most once a week. In cold weather, once a month will be enough.
- The plants communicate, if you see that the tips are wrinkling, is asking you for water, then water it more often.
- This plant has the ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. Once a year add fertilizer to improve its condition.
Do you already know which will be the next plant you will have at home? Don’t think twice, without a doubt, that a silver aloe vera is a great option.
