Aloe vera or aloe vera is a species of succulent plant that can survive in hot and dry environments. Aloe vera is a stemless or very short trunked succulent plant that can grow to a height of 1 meter. The leaves are thick and fleshy, gray-green with white speckled upper and lower stem surfaces in some varieties. Yellow flowers may grow on aloe grown outdoors, but not on aloe grown in pots indoors. Aloe vera sap from this plant can be used to treat wounds and burns, treat dry skin, and even cold sores. Continue reading to find out how to grow and use aloe vera as a treatment.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Planting Aloe Vera
Step 1. Purchase an aloe vera plant
Buy a small plant from a gardening store and then move it into a larger pot. If cared for properly, this plant will thrive and produce lots of aloe for treatment.
Choose a wide container for planting aloe vera because this plant tends to form branches or young aloe plants
Step 2. Use the right soil
In selecting the soil for planting aloe vera, the most important thing is that the conditions must be fertile enough and drain water quickly. This is because the aloe vera plant itself contains a lot of water, and will wither if the soil does not drain water quickly. Use a high-quality soil mix or a specially packaged cactus and succulent soil mix, as these options allow the water to drain smoothly.
Step 3. Place the aloe vera plant in full sun
If you want to grow it indoors, place it near a window to get maximum sunlight. If you live in a temperate climate, try to give your plants direct sunlight. Artificial lights can be used if your home doesn't get a lot of sunlight.
In snowy places, this plant is best placed indoors or in a warm greenhouse
Step 4. Check the condition of the soil before you water the aloe vera
Insert your finger into the soil to determine if the aloe needs watering. Allow 2.5-5 cm of topsoil to dry completely before watering again. Aloe vera is a plant that comes from hot and dry areas so it can survive in conditions of lack of water, but will thrive if watered every few days.
Reduce the frequency of watering plants in winter because the water in the soil will dry out more slowly. Too much watering can cause the plant to rot and die
Step 5. Move the plant to another pot as needed
When an aloe vera plant in a pot has become overcrowded with young plants on the side of the mother plant, you will need to separate them and transfer them to another pot so that the plant can continue to grow while preventing pest attack.
- You will have to remove the aloe vera plant completely from the pot to find the young plants. Use scissors or a sharp knife to separate it from the mother plant.
- Replant the mother plant in the pot after you have finished transplanting all the young plants into their respective pots.
Method 2 of 2: Using Aloe Vera Gel
Step 1. Collect aloe vera gel as needed for treatment
Aloe vera leaves contain a gel that can be used as needed in medicine. Wait until you need it. When you need aloe vera gel, cut one of the leaves of the plant and then squeeze or remove the clear gel.
- If you're harvesting a large batch, you may need to cut the leaves in half to get all the gel out.
- Try to harvest crops according to your needs. If there is any remaining gel, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Step 2. Apply aloe vera after sun exposure
You can apply fresh aloe vera gel to the burned skin to help cool and heal it. Apply the gel to sunburned skin and reapply every few hours or as needed to keep your skin moisturized.
- Try cooling some aloe vera gel for 1 or 2 hours before applying it to sunburned skin. Cold aloe vera will provide a comfortable cooling effect.
- Keep in mind that even though aloe vera has been used for years in the treatment of sunburns, there is no strong scientific evidence to support the healing benefits of aloe vera on sunburned skin.
Step 3. Apply aloe vera to minor burns
Aloe vera may be effective for treating minor burns. The use of aloe vera may even shorten the healing time of the wound. Do not apply aloe vera gel to skin that is bleeding, blistered, or severely damaged.
Step 4. Massage aloe vera gel into the scalp to prevent dandruff
Aloe vera gel has been known to be effective in treating dandruff. You just need to massage a small amount of the gel into your scalp.
- After washing your hair, rub a small amount of aloe vera gel between your palms (the amount you normally use for shampooing).
- Then, massage the gel into your scalp with your fingers, and let it sit on your hair. Repeat this step every time you wash your hair.
Step 5. Apply aloe vera to the fever blisters
Aloe vera is known to be effective against the herpes virus that causes fever blisters. When you feel a fever blister appear, rub a small amount of aloe vera gel with your fingertips. Repeat as needed so that the fever blisters are always coated with aloe vera gel.
Step 6. Apply aloe vera to dry skin
Aloe vera can also be used as a moisturizer or dry skin treatment. Try replacing your usual lotion with fresh aloe vera gel. Use aloe vera gel like a regular lotion. Apply all over the skin and massage until absorbed.
Tips
Just like any other natural supplement, you should first consult with your doctor before using aloe vera as a supplement. Also, tell your doctor about using aloe vera and other supplements to prevent unwanted drug interactions
Warning
- Although some studies state the benefits of using aloe vera orally, the results of this study have not been confirmed. For now, using aloe vera by mouth is not recommended because some studies show that the latex in aloe vera (a component in this plant) can actually cause cancer, kidney failure, and other serious health problems.
- Do not use aloe vera if you are allergic to plants from the Liliaceae family.
- Do not take aloe vera orally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Aloe vera taken by mouth can cause uterine contractions and even trigger a miscarriage. It can also cause problems in babies who consume breast milk after their mothers take aloe vera orally.
- Do not use aloe vera on deep cuts or burns. Some studies suggest that aloe vera can slow healing if used in such cases.
- Do not take aloe vera orally if you are taking steroid medications, dioxins, insulin, diabetes medications, or diuretics.
- Aloe vera can trigger a decrease in potassium levels in some people.
