Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera grows in many places in the world. It is a member of the Lily family with tall upright thick, strap like leaves growing from a central crown at ground level. It thrives in warm, sunny climates, in well irrigated, mineral rich soil. Here is a photograph I took in early Spring of Aloe growing wild at the west bank of the Nile at Luxor in Egypt.

 The flowers offer up beautiful tall poker like spikes of  yellow or orange petal clusters. Each long tubular petal hangs down full of nectar and pollen, perfectly designed for small insects and birds.

Nile Valley Sunbird feeding on Aloe nectar

Close up individual petal tubes.

At home, Aloe can be used on burns, minor wounds and bumps.  Simply cut off an outer leaf from the plant, split the leaf open; squeeze or scrape out the fresh gel.  Aloe pulp and juice contain a purgative that is removed when it is processed; this enables the liquid to be taken as a nutritional drink. Processing the Aloe plant needs to be done carefully  to retain its considerable properties. Heat, chemicals and poor storage all cause damage to plant nutrients. 

Finest quality Aloe juice has a natural golden colour that varies slightly according to the local growing conditions. This Aloe is grown in Mexico, high up in mineral rich volcanic soil. Once carefully processed it can be used as a liquid food or with the addition of a natural thickener, Aloe is a brilliant stand alone skin product and a wonderful base for plant extracts, natural gels, creams and shampoo.

My hand-made Aloe products for Humans and for Animals.

 Small sample pots are free, just pay £1 p&p UK only.

From December gift packs for Pets, Horses & Peeps!

In the USA use Coats Aloe for supplies.