Aloe vera, is a plant species of the genus Aloe. It grows wild in tropical climates around the world, and is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. It is also used for decorative purposes, and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant.
\nIt is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns.
\nAloe vera is a stemless, or very short-stemmed plant growing to 60 to 100 centimeter tall, spreading by offsets.
\nThe leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated, and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 centimeter tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2 to 3 centimeter long.
\nNow coming to the uses of Aloe Vera:
\nAloe vera is used in traditional medicine, mainly in treatment of skin disorders, that is, cosmetics.
\nAloe vera is used on facial tissues, where it is promoted as a moisturiser , and anti-irritant to reduce chafing of the nose. Cosmetic companies , commonly add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, shaving cream, or shampoos. A review of academic literature notes that its inclusion in many hygiene products is due to its “moisturizing emollient effect”.
\nUse of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects. One important Point to note:
\nSome people recommend eating aloe vera leaf. But please note that, Oral ingestion of aloe vera, however, may cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea which in turn can decrease the absorption of drugs. IARC studies have found ingested non-decolorized liquid aloe vera to be carcinogenic in animals, and state that it is a possible carcinogen in humans as well.
\nNow coming to Aloe Vera Plant Growth:
\nIn pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions. Aloe plants can burn under too much sun or shrivel when the pot does not drain water. The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or packaged “cacti and succulent mix” is recommended, as they allow good drainage.
\nPotted plants should be allowed to completely dry before rewatering \u2013 that means overwatering can kill these plants.
\nWhen potted, aloes can become crowded with “pups” or babies, growing from the sides of the “mother plant”.
\nPlants that have become crowded should be divided and repotted to allow room for further growth and help prevent pest infestations.
\nDuring winter, Aloe vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.<\/p>\n