Aloe vera — of which there are about 450 species1 — is a succulent plant that thrives in tropical areas of the world and is well-known for its soothing qualities, especially for skin conditions such as burns, rashes, cuts and scrapes, but also for more serious skin conditions such as psoriasis. In one study,2 aloe vera gel had an overall antipsoriatic activity of nearly 82 percent. Aloe vera has spiky, variegated leaves, made up of:
The Healing and Nutritional Benefits of Aloe VeraAloe vera contains about 75 potentially active compounds, including lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and 12 anthraquinones (phenolic compounds traditionally known as laxatives). It also provides campesterol, β-sisosterol and lupeol, and the hormones auxins and gibberellins that help in wound healing and have anti-inflammatory action.5 The pulp contains most of the healing compounds, including:6,7
Perhaps most importantly, its wound healing abilities stem from the gel's disinfectant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic and antibacterial properties. As an adaptogen,9 aloe vera gel may also help your body adapt to stress. Growing Aloe Vera Is Super EasyWhile you can purchase aloe vera gel at most health food stores and pharmacies, if you grow your own, you'll always have fresh aloe on hand when cuts, scrapes or even psoriasis flare-ups occur. The plant is easy to grow and care for, and thrives outdoors in grow zones 9 through 11. Indoors, it can be grown year-round in all areas, provided it gets enough sunlight. For medicinal use, be sure to select an aloe species with thick, "meaty" leaves. A good choice, and one of the most popular, is Aloe Barbadensis Miller.10 Many varieties are very thin and long, making them more difficult to use. Here are some quick basics for growing aloe vera: • Ideal soil conditions -- Aloe vera prefers dry, sandy soil. If planting in a pot, cactus potting mix is a good choice. If planting in the ground, adding a thick layer of wood chips will help improve the soil quality over time by increasing the soil microbiology, which will provide needed nutrients to the plant. Aloe vera typically does not require fertilizer. • Sunlight -- The plant needs plenty of sun. If using a planter, rotate the pot now and then to promote even, upright growth, since the plant will grow toward the sun. Droopy leaves, or leaves that lie flat on the ground, are an indication that it needs more sunlight. • Planter specs -- If using a planter, select a medium or large pot with good drainage. • Spacing -- Each plant will multiply, so leave several inches of space between the aloe vera buds if planting more than one. Once pups begin to grow, you can gently dig them up and replant elsewhere, or in another pot. • Water requirements -- Water cautiously. Soil should be kept dry to damp, not soaked, as excessive wetness will promote fungal growth. If the leaves feel cool, plump and moist, the plant is getting sufficient amounts of water. Should the leaves start to turn dry and brittle, or if they're growing in thin and curled, the plant needs more water. Just allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Simple Harvesting Tips for Aloe VeraOnce your plant matures, begin harvesting the outermost, most mature leaves first. Using a sharp knife, cut the leaf as close to the base as possible, being mindful not to cut the roots. Remove the spines by cutting along each side.
Using Aloe Vera for Psoriasis and Other Skin ProblemsPart of the discomfort from psoriasis is that skin can crack, which, pain-wise, could be described as rivaling a dozen paper cuts all in one place. A 2015 review11 of several studies found aloe vera can benefit this painful skin condition, and others as well. Among them:
Aloe Vera Precautions and ContraindicationsWhile fresh aloe vera is very safe, you should not use it internally or externally if you're allergic. If you're unsure, perform a patch test on a small area and wait to make sure no signs of allergic reactions occur. As noted by Healthline:14
Possible side effects of aloe vera include the following:15,16
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2019/02/22/xdjm18-gardening-18mcsa-how-to-grow-aloe-vera.aspx
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