It is a small, stocky tree with smooth, spiky-edged leaves. see on the windowsill in almost every home.

Housewives love aloe vera for its unpretentiousness combined with a host of useful properties.

However, there are some care rules that must be followed in order to always have a reliable assistant on hand for many health problems. What you need to know before you have this South African guest in your home, we will find out below.

general description

This perennial tropical plant with the mysterious name aloe arborescens "roamed" to us from South Africa. There it grows in the wild.

As a wild plant, it can be found in the vastness of Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

There it is often grows up to 3 meters in height.

In our latitudes, it is used for medicinal purposes and simply as an ornamental houseplant.

It is no coincidence that Aloe is called tree-like. In appearance, the plant really resembles a small tree with thick and low branches. It has a short, straight trunk and smooth, large, prickly sword-shaped leaves at the edges. The leaves are juicy and fleshy. What the plant looks like, look at the photo.

At the top, beautiful inflorescences periodically form with flowers in the form of bells. But blooms at home is extremely rare.

Aloe and agave: what's the difference

When it comes to aloe, you have probably heard that some people call it in a different way - agave. Many are interested in the question: what is the difference? Agave "christened" aloe arborescens among the people.

There is an opinion that to see. Whether this is actually the case is hard to say. But flowering aloe in our home is an extremely rare phenomenon.

This name applies only to Aloe arborescens. All known in science about 400 types of aloe. On our windowsills, 2 types of South African guest usually flaunt - agave or aloe tree and aloe vera (sometimes considered agave).

These two species differ from each other only in appearance: the agave has a trunk from which xiphoid long fleshy leaves diverge, and aloe vera looks like a bush.

So we can say that aloe and agave are the same plant. With only one small clarification - we are talking about aloe tree.

Lighting

Aloe is one of those indoor plants that are very fond of light.

So choose for him the brightest place in your home.

In addition, it is often necessary to turn the plant towards the light - twist it in one direction or the other.

Otherwise, the trunk will bend.

Important! In the warm season, if possible, keep aloe outdoors (on a balcony or in a garden). Just be sure to protect yourself from the rain.

Watering, humidity

Even in summer, aloe does not need much water. Watering should be moderate. The optimal frequency is 1 time per week. In winter, on the contrary, rare waterings will be enough.

In general, the plant is very sensitive to waterlogging of the soil. If water stagnates in the pot, the roots may rot and the aloe will die.

Important! Aloe is drought-loving (in winter it can be safely placed next to the battery). Moderate watering is one of the main criteria for proper care of it.

How can you tell if a plant is getting enough water? When watering, pay attention to the presence of moisture on the pallet. If the moisture has settled, then there is enough water. Pour it out and stop watering.

Soil and top dressing

Charcoal and brick chips are added to the soil where aloe will grow.

Or buy a substrate.

Top dressing with mineral fertilizers is performed 2-3 times a year and only in summer.

You can use top dressing designed for cactus plants. It is recommended to make it in moist soil 1 time in 3-4 weeks. Fertilization should begin in April and continue until the end of September.

Important! Aloe is not suitable for too nutritious soil. Don't overuse supplements.

How to transplant

It is recommended to transplant an adult plant 1 time in 2 years, a young one - 1 time per year. The most favorable time is spring. A drainage layer (5 cm) must be placed at the bottom. For transplantation, a ceramic pot and soil "For cacti and succulents" are taken. You can prepare the soil yourself by taking 4 parts of universal soil and 1 part of coarse sand.

So, let's imagine that we already have a pot of soil, and the plant is ready for planting. Now we perform the transplant in the following sequence:

1. Moisten the soil first.
2. Make a recess.
3. Put some sand in there.
4. Insert plant.
5. Sprinkle with sand and earth.
6. To give stability, it is advisable to put pegs.
7. Cover the transplanted aloe with a plastic bag, leaving room for air at the bottom.
8. Put the pot on the windowsill, where there is more sun.
9. When young leaves appear, remove the package.

How it breeds

The agave breeds root shoots and cuttings.

Usually we are overgrown with a large number of shoots that already have their own root system.

You just need to take and transplant them.

This is the easiest way to reproduce.

As for cuttings, before planting, they are dried for 2-3 days in the air. Transplanted into sandy soil by 1 cm. Ordinary sand or sand mixed with peat is suitable for this.

Water very carefully, otherwise the stalk may simply rot. Transplanted into pots 2 weeks after the appearance of the roots.

pruning

Does not need pruning.

Possible problems, pests

Generally aloe - a plant unpretentious that does not require close attention. Not particularly sensitive to low temperatures. Pest infestation is very rare.

Occasionally, aloe can be attacked by a scale insect or spider mite. They need to be removed from the leaves, and the plant should be washed with soapy water.

Medicinal properties

For medicinal purposes, the leaves are used, which are cut off at the very base, as well as the juice squeezed from them. The juice has a bitter taste and an unpleasant odor. Has a bactericidal effect. So aloe is often used in traditional and folk medicine.

The scope of application is very wide. The plant can help with many ailments:

• wounds and burns;
• loss of strength;
• lowering immunity;
• sexual impotence;
• colds and bronchitis;
• indigestion;
• urinary infections;
• eye diseases, etc.

On the shelves of pharmacies there are a lot of drugs, which include aloe vera. Separately sold liquid aloe extract for oral administration, as well as a solution for injection.

The healing properties of the agave will increase if you leave it without watering for 2 weeks. Another way is to cut off a leaf and put it in the freezer for 10 days.

Aloe medicinal recipes

The ancient Egyptians knew about the healing properties of aloe. Historical fact: aloe juice and leaves were widely used there for embalming corpses.

The following are folk recipes for such cases:

1. 1. Skin problems (lichen, burns, wounds that do not heal for a long time, boils):

Squeeze out half a glass of juice and apply to the problem area. Or peel the leaves and apply to the wound.

1. 1. Digestive disorders (ulcers, gastritis, constipation), bronchitis and weakening of the immune system:

Half an hour before meals, take 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed juice from the leaves 3 times a day.

1. 1. Acne and pimples:

Perform the procedure daily. Having noticed the first improvements, we make masks every other day. Then reduce the amount to 2 times a week.

1. 1. Aging skin, wrinkles.

We take the 2 largest sheets from the bottom, cut into small pieces and fill it with an incomplete glass of water. Mix well and leave for 24 hours. Next, the infusion needs to be frozen (regular ice molds will do). We wipe the skin with ice daily.

1. Bronchitis.

Make a drink with fresh aloe juice, warm honey and melted butter. Everything is taken in equal proportions. Drink for 5 days before meals 4 times a day. At one time, we use 2 teaspoons. Then take a 5-day break and repeat the course for another 5 days.

Important! If you need aloe leaves for medicinal purposes, only break them off from the bottom.

A few more healing recipes with aloe in this video:

Now you know how treelike aloe differs from agave, how to properly care for it and how it can be useful for you.

Generally Aloe is a very useful plant and easy to care for.. All the wisdom of care can be reduced to 2 rules - moderate watering and plenty of sun. Observe them, and you will have a natural first-aid kit for many ailments in your home all year round.

Aloe vera is a plant from the Xanthorrhoeaceae family.
Botanical name: Aloe arborescens.
Generic name: Aloe.

There is another popular medicinal plant from the Xanthoriev family - this is Aloe present, or Aloe vera (lat. Alóe véra), only it belongs to the subfamily Asphodelaceae (Asphodelaceae).

The medicinal properties of these two plants are almost the same, but aloe vera looks somewhat different in comparison with the tree-like representative - its stem is shortened, the leaves form lush and dense rosettes, their color is grayish green, slightly corrugated in structure.

Pharmacy name: aloe emulsion, aloe extract according to Filatov (FIBS), juice from fresh aloe leaves, thick extract from aloe striped, aloe liniment, ferroaloe, liquid aloe extract for injection and oral administration.

Popular names: sabur, rannik, scarlet, agave.

Aloe arborescens is a perennial evergreen tropical plant with a short stem. The leaves are large, up to 60 cm long, fleshy, juicy, xiphoid, with spines along the edges. The flowers are bell-shaped, red or yellow, located at the top of a long brush in the form of a beautiful inflorescence.

Cultivated in Transcaucasia, in particular in the coastal part of Adjara, and in Central Asia. Grow as a houseplant.

Aloe is native to South Africa, where it grows as a wild plant. For the manufacture of medicines use the leaves and juice from them.

For use, fully developed leaves are cut off, cut off at the very base, and juice is squeezed out of them. The juice has an unpleasant odor, a bitter taste and is soluble in water and alcohol. Aloe juice contains aloin glycoside, sugar, emodin, aloe resin, essential oil and other substances. Thickened and hardened juice is called sabur.

The healing properties of aloe

Aloe juice has a bactericidal effect on a number of microbes. Preparation from aloe leaves, made according to the method of Acad. V.P. Filatov (in ampoules of 1 ml), and an aqueous extract contain the so-called biogenic stimulants - special substances that increase the body's defenses, and are used in tissue therapy. V.P. Filatov's drug is successfully used to treat many eye diseases (conjunctivitis, vitreous opacity, etc.).

Tissue preparations are effective in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, neuritis, myositis, bronchial asthma, etc.

Pharmacies sell liquid aloe extract, which doctors prescribe 1 teaspoon 3 times a day in cases where aloe extract is for injection. The course of treatment is 30-45 days.

In case of burns and skin lesions during radiation therapy, aloe vera liniment is used, which is applied in a thin layer to the damaged surface.

The use of aloe in folk medicine

Fresh aloe leaves and juice from it have long been used in folk medicine by the Egyptians, Hindus, Greeks and Romans for burns, ulcers, abscesses, lichen, as a laxative, as well as for tuberculosis of the lungs, larynx, eyes, etc. Now aloe is also widely used in the US, England and other countries.

Apply:

1) as a laxative for chronic constipation, gastritis, as a tonic, for bronchitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum - fresh juice from the leaves of the plant is consumed 1 teaspoon or dessert spoon 2-3 times a day for 1/2 hour before meals (laxative effect occurs after 8-10 hours);

2) for the treatment of boils, burns, wounds that do not heal for a long time, lichen is used externally 1/4-1/2 cup juice or apply leaves to the wounds, having previously cleaned them from the skin. As a result, the pain quickly decreases, the patient's well-being improves, and the healing of the affected skin areas accelerates.

3) when the body is depleted, cut off the leaves of aloe not younger than 3 years old, keep them in the dark at a temperature of 4–8 ° C for 12–14 days, then rinse the leaves, chop and pour water in a ratio of 1: 3, leave for 1 hour, squeeze juice. Take 1/2 cup of juice, mix with 500 g of peeled walnuts, 300 g of honey and juice of 3 lemons. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

4) aloe juice together with mumiyo helps in restoring health after a stroke, as they contribute to the resorption of scars and seals that form in the brain. For 3/4 cup of aloe juice, take 5 g of mummy, dissolve. Drink the solution on an empty stomach 1 teaspoon 2 times a day in the morning and at night. The course of treatment is 2 weeks, then a 2-week break, at this time drink propolis tincture 20-30 drops 3 times a day. Then resume the treatment of aloe with mummy. In total, treatment should not last more than two months.

5) for bronchitis, mix aloe leaf juice with warm honey and melted butter in equal proportions. Take 1-2 teaspoons 4 times a day before meals for 5 days, then take a break for 5 days.

6) with conjunctivitis, take the pulp of aloe on the tip of a knife and lower it into a glass, where very hot water is poured. With this infusion, the eyes are washed from all sides three or four times a day.

7) for wrinkles and flabby skin, cut off two large lower leaves of aloe, chop and pour 3/4 cup of water, stir and let it brew for a day. Pour the infusion into molds for ice and freeze in the refrigerator. Wipe the skin of the face with ice cubes with aloe infusion.

8) for acne and acne, a course of masks from aloe juice is useful. Soak a napkin of 10 layers of gauze with fresh plant juice and leave it on your face for 20-30 minutes. Such masks should be done first daily, with improvement - every other day, and later - 2 times a week. The course of treatment includes 20-25 procedures.

9) in case of urinary tract infections in women, mix a tablespoon of aloe juice with a pinch of turmeric (at the tip of a knife). Pour the mixture with a liter of warm boiled water, stir well and use to douche the vagina after each urination. The course of treatment is 2-4 weeks.

10) in case of sexual impotence in men, take an equal amount of aloe juice, fresh butter (unsalted), lard or goose fat, honey, rosehip powder. Mix all the ingredients well, boil over low heat for 5-7 minutes, cool and store in the refrigerator. Dissolve a tablespoon of the mixture in a glass of hot milk and take 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is at least a week.

In folk medicine, aloe is used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis and stomach ulcers in the following mixture: juice from fresh leaves of three-five-year-old aloe - 30 g, goose or lard - 200 g, butter (unsalted) -200 g, honey - 200 g, cocoa (powder) - 200 g. 1 tablespoon of this mixture is diluted with 1 glass of hot milk and drunk 2 times a day.

Aloe contraindications

So, aloe is a natural effective remedy for the treatment of many diseases, however, when using aloe, the contraindications that it has, like any other remedy, should be taken into account. Aloe should not be used:

• in diseases accompanied by bleeding;
• during an exacerbation of any disease;
• with a general serious condition (exacerbation of several diseases), depletion of the body at the same time;
• with damage to the kidneys and liver.

Growing and keeping aloe at home

At home, the plant is unpretentious. It is enough to keep it at room temperature, periodically loosen the soil. Aloe leaves contain a lot of moisture. Even if you forget about it and do not take care of it for a long time, then nothing catastrophic will happen.

Aloe should be fertilized once a month from May to August, with complex fertilizers for succulents.

A place in the house for the agave is selected sunny, closer to the windows, on bright verandas, and in summer aloe can be taken out into the open air.

In summer, aloe is watered after the top layer of earth in a pot has dried. In winter, the agave almost does not grow, it is better to keep it in a cool, bright place and water it once a month. Warm winter maintenance and abundant watering can cause root rot and plant death. The optimum temperature in winter is 12-14°C.

For aloe, it is desirable to use a light soil mixture containing brick chips and charcoal. Peat should not be added to the soil intended for aloe.

Young aloe plants need to be transplanted every year, and old ones every 3 years. Aloe older than 5 years is considered old. Propagation occurs by cuttings, as well as seeds, layering of roots and whole leaves.

Cuttings can be propagated year-round, but if possible, give priority to the spring-summer period. After cutting, the cuttings and upper shoots need to be dried a little - a day or two, after which the cut is powdered with crushed coal. The first planting is carried out in wet sand to a depth of 1 cm, keeping the sand moist after planting. After the formation of roots (by the 7th day), we transplant into pots (7 cm high).

We sow the seeds (in March-April) in small bowls, in soil consisting of turf (1 part), leafy soil (1/2 part) and sand (1 part). Water sparingly as it dries. After germination, seedlings are planted in small pots (5 cm high) one at a time. Soil - a mixture of leaf (1 part), soddy land (1 part), sand (1/2 part), you can add a little charcoal, brick chips. A year later, the plant is considered an adult, transplanted. Do not overfeed the sprout with water, do not allow an excess of moisture.

The top of the shoots, basal shoots of aloe reproduces as follows - after cutting, specimens wither a little (2-3 days), land in wet sand, deepening by 3-4 cm, can be tied up with pegs. After rooting - a standard care scheme.

Aloe has long been famous for its miraculous healing properties. The name comes from the Arabic word "alloeh", which means a bitter plant. Quite often you can hear its second name - "agave", as it is usually called by the people. Aloe was first found in Africa. Now the plant is widely distributed on the Mediterranean coast, the island of Madagascar and in India.

The aloe plant belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. The appearance of aloe can be very diverse. The most common species are perennials. There are also shrubby, tree-like and even climbing types of aloe.

In all types of aloe, the leaves are oblong, petiolate and rather thick; fleshy, juicy and have small pointed, but soft enough, spikes around the edges.

In favorable natural conditions, aloe can reach 5-6 meters in height, and the leaves grow up to a maximum of 50 centimeters.

Propagation occurs vegetatively using cuttings. It is also possible to seed the plant. Aloe seeds are sown in early spring in shallow bowls. Comfortable temperature for seed ripening is 20 °C. Already germinated seeds are transplanted into pots with earth.

Aloe: flowering photo

Aloe flowers are located on a long peduncle in the form of racemose or spike-shaped inflorescences. Flowers are red, yellow and white. Potted home grown aloe rarely bloom and have a lifespan of 5 to 20 years.

Aloe: types

• A. Arborescens - tree-like aloe. Most often found in the culture of indoor plants. It is distinguished by the presence of a large number of side shoots, which give the homemade aloe a bushy appearance.

• A. Aristata - holly aloe. Differs in a dense leafy nest, resembling the shape of a ball.

• A. Forex is a fearsome aloes. Distinguished by its color. The leaves of this aloe are dark red or brown.

• A. Saporaria - hedgehog aloe. It is distinguished by a short and thick stem, which branches out and resembles the shape of a bush.

• A. Vera is real aloe. Aloe Vera is famous for its healing properties. It is widely used in medicine and cosmetology.

• A. Variegate - variegated aloe. Differs in variegated color of leaves.

• A. Juvenno - jewelry aloe. Differs in the presence of a large number of nests of leaves.

• A. Jucanda is a pleasant aloe. It has glossy dark green leaves.

• A. humilis is a squat aloe. Distinguished by blue-green leaves.

Aloe: composition

The main component in aloe leaves is the substance allantoin. Thanks to allantoin, which has effective moisturizing properties, aloe is in great demand in cosmetology. Aloe is also quite rich in vitamins. The juice of the plant contains vitamins B, C, E and vitamin A. All these nutrients are the key to healthy and beautiful skin.

In addition, aloe juice includes calcium, magnesium, potassium, mineral salts, various enzymes, tannins, flavonoids, catechins, glycoproteins and polysaccharides. These substances are used in folk and traditional medicine.

Aloe: properties

The healing properties of aloe are explained by the abundance of chemical elements.

• bactericidal and antiviral (aloe juice is a good remedy for sore throats);

• anti-inflammatory (practice aloe treatment for wounds, burns and cuts);

• improves digestion (normalizes appetite and increases the secretion of digestive glands);

• anti-allergenic (in folk medicine, compresses are impregnated with aloe tincture for the treatment of skin diseases);

• normalizes metabolism (aloe juice helps to remove excess fluid from the body);

• moisturizes the skin (aloe juice is added to various masks, creams and lotions);

• strengthens the immune system.

Aloe: application

Due to its healing properties, aloe has a wide range of applications in different areas.

• In medicine, aloe injections are used to activate the processes of metabolism and tissue regeneration. In ophthalmology, it is used as a laxative for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, skin and many other diseases. Aloe in ampoules is actively used in gynecology in the treatment of various gynecological diseases, including infertility.
• In the food industry, aloe gel is used to make juices, tonic and energy drinks.
• Aloe is used in the production of dietary supplements, as the plant is a source of polysaccharides, organic acids and proteins.
• In cosmetology, aloe extract is used in the production of moisturizing and hypoallergenic cosmetics that do not irritate the skin. Aloe oil is a universal nourishing and tonic agent. The oil can be used in its pure form and can be mixed with other oils or cosmetics (creams, balms, masks).

Aloe contraindications

Aloe is considered a harmless plant, but it should not be abused. Excessive use of aloe juice can adversely affect kidney health.

Frequent use of aloe should be avoided, as this can lead to the removal of all beneficial minerals from the body.

Aloe can cause harm only with excessive use and the wrong dosage. Therefore, when self-healing, it is necessary to remember the precautions.

Aloe: recipes for health and beauty

Aloe juice has truly precious cosmetic properties, which makes it a universal remedy for the care of any type of skin.

Purifying homemade mask with aloe

This nourishing mask gently cleanses and softens the skin. the mixture removes dead skin particles and gives the face a healthy color.

For a mask with aloe you will need: crushed aloe pulp - 1 tbsp, glycerin - 1 tsp, water - 6 tbsp, honey - 1 tsp, oatmeal - 1 tbsp.

We are preparing a mask.

1. Dissolve glycerin in 2 tablespoons of warm water.
2. Add honey and aloe juice to the resulting solution.
3. Oatmeal needs to be ground. Pour the oatmeal into the honey-glycerin mixture. If the mass is too thick, then you can add a little more water.
4. Gently apply the mask to your face. Try to evenly distribute it with gentle movements along the massage lines.
5. Hold the mask for about 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Mask with aloe for wrinkles for the skin around the eyes

For this mask, we need only one ingredient - 1 leaf of aloe.

Preparing a mask for the skin around the eyes.

1. Squeeze juice from an aloe leaf.
2. Apply aloe juice to the skin around the eyes along the massage lines. Massage lines on the lower eyelid are directed from the edge of the eye to the nose, and on the upper eyelid - from the nose to the edge of the eye. Apply an aloe juice mask only to the lower eyelid.
3. The aloe eye mask must be applied very carefully, trying not to touch the lower eyelashes and the corners of the eyes. If aloe juice gets on the mucous membrane of the eye, irritation may occur.
4. Leave the mask on all night and wash off with warm water in the morning.

Acne mask with aloe

Aloe has bactericidal and wound-healing properties and will help cleanse the skin of acne.

Preparing a face mask with aloe for acne.

1. Cut off 5-6 leaves and wash them under running water.
2. Squeeze out the juice, soak a piece of gauze with it and apply it on your face.
3. Hold the compress for at least 30 minutes.

At first, the mask must be done daily. With the improvement of the skin condition - every other day, and in the future - once every two weeks. The course of skin treatment is one month.

Aloe hair mask

This mask is great for dry and lifeless hair, as well as to combat scalp problems (itching, redness, irritation or dandruff).

For the mask you will need aloe juice, sea buckthorn oil and honey.

Aloe juice mask: instructions for use.

1. Cut off a few of the fleshiest aloe leaves, wrap them in cheesecloth and refrigerate for a week. This is an important condition, since it is in the cut leaves of aloe that substances are produced that are susceptible to active regeneration and restoration.
2. After 10 days, the juice must be squeezed out of the aloe leaves.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of sea buckthorn oil in a steam bath.
4. Add 2-3 tablespoons of aloe juice with honey to the heated oil and mix thoroughly.
5. Apply the mask to the hair at the roots and then spread over the entire length.
6. Wrap your head in a towel that you don't mind getting dirty. Keep the mask on for about 2-3 hours.

Homemade aloe cream

Making your own moisturizer is pretty easy. The recipe is extremely simple, and the cream is completely natural. The beauty of this cream is that you can choose all the ingredients yourself.

To prepare a natural cream, you will need: solid aloe oil, solid shea butter, solid mango butter, olive oil, beeswax and any for flavor.

Cream with aloe oil: preparation instructions.

1. Melt the beeswax in a steam bath.
2. To the melted wax, add 1 tablespoon each of aloe oil, shea butter, mango butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. When all the oils have melted, you should get a homogeneous mass. Place this mass in the refrigerator to cool.
4. After the mass has cooled and thickened, beat it with a mixer until a creamy consistency is formed.
5. Transfer the resulting cream to a separate jar and store at room temperature.

Due to its oil composition, the cream is an excellent moisturizing, softening and nourishing agent. It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. With regular use, the cream contributes to the disappearance of skin lesions, improves skin firmness and elasticity.

Aloe tincture with honey for gastritis

Smoking, stress and wrong often lead to gastritis. A common folk remedy - tincture of aloe with honey will help to quickly defeat the disease. Aloe relieves irritation from the gastric mucosa, and honey helps to normalize acidity.

For tincture you will need: aloe leaves - 5 pieces, honey - 4 tbsp.

1. Rinse the leaves under running water and squeeze the juice out of them.
2. Add honey to the juice and mix well.
3. Take tincture 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
4. Store the tincture in the refrigerator.

Try to cook any of the presented recipes based on aloe - feedback on the results will be only the most positive.

Aloe: hair mask video recipe

Many plant lovers have aloe among indoor plants. The correct name of this plant is aloe arborescens, it is also called agave or rannik.

Aloe is distinguished by a wide variety of species, but only aloe vera is used for medicinal purposes, and it is from the juice of this plant that the medicinal sabur powder is obtained.

Description of the species

Aloe belongs to the evergreen plants, reaching three meters in height. The root system has a fibrous appearance and strongly branches. On a straight branched stem, greenish-gray leaves are alternately arranged.

The succulent leaves of the plant have a linear-lanceolate shape with pointed tops, the edge of the foliage is prickly-sharp-toothed. Aloe blooms, as a rule, in winter, but flowering does not occur every year. The flowers of aloe arborescens are quite large, light orange in color, collected in inflorescence brushes. The shape of the flower resembles a tubular bell.

After flowering, it forms a fruit - an oblong box with three faces, however, they are very smooth and almost invisible. The seeds contained in the pod are very numerous and have a grayish or black tint. Aloe perfectly reproduces vegetatively, the children take root easily, however, as well as the tops of the shoots.

Origin and distribution

The ancestral home of aloe are the regions of South and tropical Africa and directly the Cape of Good Hope. In the wild, the plant reaches from two to three meters in height and up to thirty centimeters in diameter, at home, aloe gives a lot of side shoots and grows well both in width and in height. The average height of a houseplant is from thirty to one hundred centimeters.

At home, the flowering of aloe arborescens occurs annually, and in indoor relatives this process is extremely rare. Because of this feature of the plant, the people called it the agave, meaning that it blooms once every hundred years. To date, there are entire plantations on which this plant is cultivated.

cultivation

Many indoor plant lovers believe that aloe is very unpretentious and practically does not need any specific care. They are only partly right.

In order for the plant to be healthy and powerful, you need to know a few rules for growing it:

• The soil mixture for aloe should be light, with the addition of charcoal and brick chips.
• Peat should not be added to the soil, because it negatively affects the development of the roots of the plant.
• In summer, it is necessary to observe moderate watering, access to light.
• In the winter months, the frequency of watering should be less, and the room where the plant is located should be sufficiently bright and cool. The temperature regime should be approximately 15 ° C.
• The plant needs constant feeding. For aloe, top dressing for cacti or succulent plants is ideal.
• The plant requires constant transplants, while a young plant needs to be transplanted annually, and an old one (five years or more) at least once every three years.
• Reproduction of the plant is possible both vegetatively, with the help of cuttings and stems, and seeds, or by dividing the tubers.
• Aloe are prone to disease and the most common of these is dropsy. This disease is not treatable, and in order to avoid the spread of infection, young shoots must be grown separately from older plants.

Time and methods of harvesting

For medicinal purposes, the leaves and juice of the plant are used. At the same time, it is important that the age of the plant from which the harvesting is made is not younger than two, or even three years. There is no specific time for collecting aloe arborescens and harvesting can be done at any time.

For harvesting, use the lower, as well as the middle leaves of aloe, the length of which is at least fifteen centimeters. To increase the medicinal properties of the plant, it should not be watered until harvest for about two weeks.

Compound

Aloe vera leaves contain allantoin. In addition, aloe is rich in vitamins that are natural antioxidants, in particular, it contains a vitamin complex of group B, vitamins E and C. And the beta-carotene contained in aloe, getting into the human body, is transformed into vitamin A. A complex of amino acids is of particular value , which are part of aloe, of the twenty-two amino acids necessary for the human body, aloe contains twenty.

A very complex and therefore extremely rare carbohydrate called acemannan has also been identified in aloe. This carbohydrate is used to treat diseases such as measles, influenza, ulcers, tumors, both benign and malignant, and even such a serious illness as AIDS.

Phytoncides, some enzymes and anthraglycosides were also found in the composition of aloe juice. The leaves of the plant contain resinous substances, emodin and essential oils in small quantities.

Application

The scope of preparations based on aloe and directly on aloe itself and its juice, especially in traditional medicine, is incredibly large. So, for example, aloe juice is used to treat tuberculosis, in its fresh form it has an anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, bactericidal effect, therefore it is used to treat burns, wounds, cuts and other skin diseases, including long-term non-healing ulcers. Aloe perfectly removes swelling, reduces burning and itching caused by insect bites.

The tonic and moisturizing properties of aloe are used in cosmetology to reduce the number of wrinkles. Aloe has a great effect on the work of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole, leaf juice improves digestion and stimulates appetite. It is also used for diseases such as ulcers, and even stomach cancer, gastritis (chronic and complicated by low acidity), duodenal ulcer.

Women's diseases such as fibroma, painful periods, cervical erosion are also treated with aloe.

Sabur, extracted from aloe juice, is used as a laxative. And aloe arborescens is used to treat herpes, hypertension, stomatitis, strokes, acne, acne and boils, to enhance immunity and for many other diseases.

Healing recipes

The magnificent healing properties of aloe have been known since ancient times. It was used by the healers of Ancient Egypt, and later by Indian, Greek and Italian healers and doctors.

In modern medicine, an emulsion made from leaf juice is used, with the addition of eucalyptus and castor oils. This mixture is used to treat various skin lesions, including those arising from radiation sickness.

Aloe leaf extract is also used by modern traditional medicine for the treatment of eye diseases, stomach diseases, including ulcers and duodenal ulcers, in the form of subcutaneous injections.

Pharmacy chains today have a large number of ready-made preparations from aloe, in particular, you can purchase ready-made dry or thick sabur extract, tinctures.

At home, you can make your own aloe juice.

• Juice preparation: To prepare juice, you will need to cut off the lower leaves of a three-year-old aloe, then rinse them thoroughly in boiled water cooled to room temperature (not boiling water). Finely chop the washed leaves, prepare gauze folded in several layers, wrap the crushed leaves in gauze and squeeze.
• Use and storage of juice: freshly squeezed aloe juice should preferably be used immediately after squeezing. Aloe juice very quickly loses its medicinal properties, literally after a few hours, freshly squeezed juice begins to darken and it is undesirable to take such juice. Aloe juice is taken half an hour before meals, in the amount of one teaspoon, up to three times a day.

To treat a runny nose, freshly squeezed juice is instilled into the nose up to three drops in each nostril.

For the treatment of cataracts, diluted aloe juice is used in a ratio of one to ten, instilled into the eyes.

Depending on the type of disease, the intake schedule may be different, as well as the amount of juice taken.

Preparation of alcohol tincture:
Fresh aloe juice quickly deteriorates, but in the form of an alcohol tincture, its service life is significantly increased. To prepare such a tincture, it is necessary to prepare fresh juice and mix it with alcohol in a ratio of four to one (for four parts of juice - one part of alcohol). If it is not possible to purchase drinking alcohol, then it can be replaced with ordinary vodka. Then the proportions will change slightly: two parts of juice will require one part of vodka.

Storage and use of tincture: it is recommended to store the tincture in the refrigerator. Dosages of application are the same as for fresh juice.

Outdoor use:
Outwardly, the juice can be used as a lotion for the treatment of wounds, burns, inflammation of the eyes. Juice for external use must be diluted with water.

Aloe tincture in a weakened state:
To improve the general condition with a strong weakening of the body, you can use the following composition: walnuts (kernel) - 50 grams, about 30 grams of honey, juice of half a lemon and 100 grams of freshly squeezed aloe juice. Mix all the ingredients well and let it brew for four hours. Take one tablespoon three times a day before meals. For children, the dosage is one teaspoon. Store the prepared mixture in the refrigerator.

Sludge remover:
To cleanse the body of toxins, prepare the following mixture: Take crushed aloe leaves, honey and butter in equal proportions. All components are thoroughly mixed and boiled in a water bath for 20 minutes with constant stirring. After the product is cooled and taken in a teaspoon, washed down with milk. Reception is carried out thirty minutes before meals up to three times a day.

Tincture for the treatment of colds, diseases of the liver and bladder, bronchitis, with a general breakdown, for blood purification and for chronic diseases of the stomach:
For a pound of aloe leaves, ¾ cup of honey is taken, the leaves are crushed and mixed with honey. The resulting mixture is infused in a dark place for three days. After that, 0.75 liters of red dessert wine - Cahors - are added to the mixture. Once again, mix well and infuse for another day. The finished tincture is taken in a spoonful (dining room) three times a day half an hour before meals, stored in the refrigerator.

A mixture for the treatment of bronchitis, colds and other pulmonary diseases:
Finely grind aloe leaves (350 grams), add honey (250 grams), Cahors wine (750 milliliters) and mix everything. Store the resulting composition in a closed glass container in a dark, cool place. Take one to two tablespoons at least twenty minutes before meals. Children can take this mixture after five years, one teaspoonful.

Such a mixture, in addition to medicinal properties, also has an excellent tonic property.

cosmetic application

Due to the fact that aloe contains a great vitamin "cocktail", it is used both in home and industrial cosmetology. Most often it is added to various masks, lotions, creams and emulsions.

The juice obtained from the leaves perfectly moisturizes and tones the skin, and therefore it can be used for dry, sagging skin. In addition to moisturizing properties, aloe has a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect, which is ideal for problematic, oily skin. It is also suitable for sensitive skin. Aloe leaves can be used for masks, simply cut into pieces or in the form of a slurry.

Contraindications for use

The use of aloe-based laxatives is also prohibited in the presence of bleeding, including uterine or hemorrhoidal, as well as during menstruation, due to the fact that they can increase or provoke bleeding, since taking such drugs increases blood flow to the abdominal organs .

With extreme caution, the drug should be taken and taken only under the supervision of a doctor in the treatment of oncological and cardiovascular diseases.

Aloe-based preparations should not be taken immediately before bedtime, as insomnia can be caused due to the tonic effect. The optimal reception time is no later than seven in the evening.

Which of us is not familiar with a plant called "agave", which, thanks to its miraculous properties, has taken root as a home healer on almost every windowsill! The Russian name of aloe coincides with the Latin aloe, derived from the Greek aloe. In the arid regions of Africa and Asia, there are more than 500 types of aloe, and only a few of them are used as medicinal plants. In Russia, Aloe arborescens (Aloe arborescens) is most often bred, and occasionally you can find real Aloe (A. vega).

Aloe arborescens is a perennial succulent from the lily family. Succulents are plants that accumulate a lot of water in their tissues, which makes their leaves and stems look fleshy. The root system is fibrous, highly branched. The stems are erect, up to 1 m high at home.

In nature, the agave is a beautifully flowering bush or small tree, reaching a height of 3-5 m. Lateral shoots often develop from the base of the stem. The leaves are alternate, close together in the upper part of the stem, elongated sword-shaped, greenish-gray, with cartilaginous sharp spikes along the edges.

The flowers are orange-red, drooping, up to 4 cm long, collected in a dense axillary cylindrical brush 20-40 cm long, located on a straight or curved peduncle up to 80 cm high. It blooms in January-April.

In the wild, aloe arborescens grows in South Africa and on some islands off the east coast of Africa. Currently, it is cultivated in almost all countries with a dry tropical and subtropical climate.

The juice from the leaves is used for medicinal purposes. Well developed lower and middle leaves and axillary lateral shoots (children) should be collected. Do not break off or cut off part of the leaf, as this will cause loss of juice.

In medicine, aloe is used in the form of dry condensed juice (sabur), fresh juice and preparations for tissue therapy (biogenic stimulants: extracts, liniments, tablets).

The healing properties of aloe were known to the ancient civilizations of India, the Near and Far East, the Greeks, Romans, and the peoples of Africa. It was used to prepare medicines, magical drinks and ointments.

A detailed description of the properties of the plant was made by Dioscorides in the first century AD. The most famous and popular variety of the plant in those days was Socotrian aloe (Aloe soccotrina). From sources that have come down since that time, Aristotle advised Alexander the Great to capture the island of Socotra before the start of his military campaign in order to freely supply his army with this miraculous plant, which has proven itself in the treatment of wounds. Alexander the Great himself was wounded by an arrow and cured with a medicine based on aloe juice.

In the XV-XVI centuries, Spanish conquerors and missionaries brought aloe to the New World, where it began to be cultivated in the vicinity of Catholic churches and was intensively used as a universal medicine. Thus, aloe spread to Central and South America. But gradually interest in him faded.

During the Great Patriotic War, scientists again turned to the plant and began to use the juice to treat long-term non-healing wounds and ulcers, burns, including from x-rays.

According to the Russian classification of medicines, aloe preparations are classified as agents that affect tissue metabolism - a group of biogenic stimulants.

The effect of biostimulation was discovered in the late 1930s by the Russian academician, ophthalmologist V.P. Filatov, who drew attention to the fact that in tissue cells placed under stressful conditions (Filatov kept cut aloe leaves for 10-12 days in the dark at a temperature of + 4-8 ° C), compounds are formed that increase their viability and the body as a whole. For this group of compounds, V.P. Filatov was the first to propose the name "Biogenic stimulants". Aloe preparations have the ability increase the protective functions of the body and enhance reparative processes(regeneration) in tissues. They have found wide application in skin graft and during treatment eye diseases.

Aloe vera juice contains glycosides, including aloin, resins, bitterness, essential oils, mucopolysaccharides, phytoncides and enzymes, about a dozen vitamins and other known active ingredients. Recently, a new compound, acemannon, has been identified that has a pronounced effect on the functioning of the immune system.

Aloin - the first yellow layer of juice, located directly under the skin of the leaf, tastes bitter. It contains anthraquinones, which have the property of irritating the intestinal mucosa, due to which it has been used for centuries as a lung. laxative means.

The second inner layer, a gelatinous transparent pulp called aloe gel, is devoid of anthraquinones and therefore does not have laxative properties.

Due to the irritant action of anthraquinones, long-term internal use of aloin or whole leaf preparations can lead to the development of hemorrhoids and inflammatory processes of a hemorrhagic nature in the colon and lower small intestine. Aloin acts on intestinal motility, interacts with the enzyme system in the intestinal wall, which is responsible for the absorption of water and nutrients. Therefore, it is contraindicated in pregnancy (danger of miscarriage), menstruation, cystitis, hemorrhoids.

Aloe preparations have laxative, adaptogenic, hematopoietic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunomodulatory, tonic action, affect regulation of digestion stimulate tissue regeneration.

In small doses, aloe improves digestion, has a choleretic effect and stimulates appetite (bitterness). Due to the ability to alkalize the internal environment of the body, it prevents acidosis, which can lead to indigestion. In addition, aloe has a beneficial effect on general exhaustion, weakness; it is prescribed to increase resistance to infections, healing wounds, ulcers, burns skin and mucous membranes (bactericidal effect), including after radiation therapy in combination with castor and eucalyptus oils.

Aloe preparations are used for and duodenum, with, gastroenteritis, enterocolitis,; in the treatment of a number eye diseases, including for the purpose of non-specific therapy in complex treatment and with myopic choreoretinitis, vitreous opacification, inflammatory diseases; at diseases of the upper respiratory tract, sometimes used for ; with chronic inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs, in complex therapy prostatitis.

Aloe syrup with iron is used for hypochromic anemia, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intoxication, exhaustion.

Aloe extract liquid for injection is prescribed for treatment eye diseases(blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, iritis), chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, bronchial asthma, gynecological diseases.

With the advent of modern technology and taking into account the experience of ancient recipes, aloe began to be actively used again in medicine, cosmetics and the food industry. It is used to prepare regenerating and rejuvenating creams and balms, stimulating juices, drinks and yogurts, medicines and injections.

Aloe stimulates the synthesis of elastin and collagen in the body, accelerates cell regeneration, compensating for age-related changes, slows down skin aging, and smoothes wrinkles. For this reason, it is used externally dry and cracked skin, burns(, electric, solar, friction), dermatitis, insect bites, allergic reactions, skin rashes, acne, rashes and irritations, ulcers, eczema, some types of herpes, urticaria and psoriasis, fungal diseases, seborrhea, conjunctivitis and etc.

In folk medicine, general strengthening mixtures of aloe juice with honey, nuts, Cahors, lemon juice and other ingredients are popular. They are usually prescribed after serious illnesses, with tuberculosis and sexual weakness, for the rehabilitation of the patient.

Despite the high healing qualities, the internal intake of aloe preparations has significant limitations.

Aloe contraindications

“Do not use during pregnancy, menstruation, hemorrhoidal and uterine bleeding, severe cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, acute gastrointestinal disorders (abdominal pain of unknown origin, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction), hyperacid conditions, diarrhea, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis , liver dysfunction, nephrosis and nephritis "

Fresh Juice

To do this, it is better to use the largest lower leaves. Filter the squeezed juice through a clean cloth or gauze (in several layers) and apply fresh.

Inside, appoint 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of juice 20-30 minutes before meals 2-3 times a day with chronic gastritis, gastroenteritis, enterocolitis(complex therapy); chronic atonic and spastic constipation. The course of treatment is 15-30 days.

Externally, aloe juice is used in the form of lotions and irrigation, mainly in the treatment festering wounds and pustular skin diseases, burns, trophic ulcers, eczema, skin tuberculosis and etc.

When injected 5 drops into both nostrils every 2-3 hours for two to three days.

Fresh juice is also used for rinsing the mouth and throat with diseases of the mucous membranes, in particular, with . In gynecological practice, juice is used for cervical erosion.

Since fresh juice cannot be stored for a long time, it can be preserved with alcohol.

“Pass 400 g of biostimulated leaves through a meat grinder, add 100 ml of 96% ethyl alcohol and mix thoroughly, insist the mixture for 2-3 days at room temperature and then squeeze through several layers of gauze. The resulting juice is stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 years.

Blend #1

Biostimulated aloe juice with honey, walnuts and lemon is used for exhaustion, weakening of the body severe illnesses.

Mix 100 ml of biostimulated aloe juice, 500 g of crushed walnut kernels, 300 g of honey, juice of 3-4 lemons. Take 1 tbsp. spoon Zraza a day before meals for 1-2 months.

Biostimulated juice is obtained from the collected leaves, kept in the dark for 12 days at a temperature of 4-8°C.

Blend #2

Biostimulated aloe juice with honey and wine for excitation of appetite and improve digestion, after severe illness.

Mix 150 ml of aloe juice, 250 g of honey and 350 ml of Cahors wine, leave for 4-5 days. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day half an hour before meals. The course is 1-2 months.

Blend #3

Accepted at pulmonary tuberculosis.

Mix 15 ml of biostimulated aloe juice with 100 g of butter, lard or goose fat, 100 g of honey, 100 g of cocoa powder. Take 1 tbsp. spoon, previously diluted in 1 glass of hot milk, 2-3 per day. The course of treatment is 1-2 months. If necessary, the duration of treatment is continued until complete recovery.

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