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Common Name: Aloe Vera

Botanical Name: Aloe barbaclensis

Aloe Vera             Aloe barbaclensis

General Information on Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a hardy aloe with large firm fleshy leaves up to 500mm with a spiky serrated edge.  The leaves are fairly narrow and are green with irregular white spots. The thick gel from the leaves is a wonderful first aid for grazes, scratches and burns but has an extremely bitter taste.

Not generally used for culinary purposes   

Preservation of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can be preserved in oil. Slice the leaves into small pieces place them in a jar and cover with vegetable oil. Allow the leaves to soak in the oil for about 2 months. Strain the mixture and store in a sealed bottle. Mark the bottle well and store in a dark place.

An alternative way to preserve aloe vera gel is to boil it down to a thick paste and store it in sealed jars in a cool place.

Medicinal Uses for Aloe Vera

Important! Do not use of herbs for medicinal purposes without consulting your medical doctor. Herbs have medicinal qualities and can react with other medication.

Aloe vera may irritate certain skins so use with caution until you know that all is OK.

The gel from the leaves of Aloe vera is a great treatment for grazes, wounds and burns including sunburn. Aloe vera is also a treatment for fungal infections on the skin and eczema.

It is also useful for treatment of dry skin and especially around the eyes

Aloe Vera is used in many skin creams and moisturizers and is also used in hair shampoos to treat dry and itchy scalp.

Aloe vera juice is a laxative and blood cleanser which can relieve severe constipation but it has an extremely strong action and needs to be used with extreme care and controlled dosages.

Growing conditions for Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera grows easily in areas where it is protected from winds and frost and likes to grow in light shade conditions. It also grows well in pots but will spread and will need to be broken up and repotted at regular intervals. Planting the aloe against the edge of the container seems to promote more rapid development of new plants. Aloe Vera prefers a light well aerated soil with good drainage.

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