Aloe Vera: Uses, Natural Benefits, and Tips for Growing It

Aloe vera is one of the most well-recognized and useful plants that exist in our world, and people have been using it for thousands of years for various purposes. Yet many people are not taking full advantage of the benefits of aloe vera and making the best use of it in their lives.

To help you learn more about this plant, including what it can help with and how to grow it, keep reading this article on the Seagate blog.

What Is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a plant that somewhat resembles a cactus and that grows best in hot and dry climates. It has been used medicinally in cultures all around the world, but in the U.S., it can be found growing naturally in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This short-stemmed shrub is a succulent commonly used in home remedies and alternative medicine. Aloe vera leaves contain inner, middle, and outer layers. Through these layers, the plant provides vitamins A, C, and E, as well as monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and enzymes.

Uses for Aloe Vera

The most common use for aloe vera is for wound healing and to provide soothing relief after sunburns. In addition to homeopathic remedies like Seagate OliveViate Topical Skin Relief and Seagate Stop Rash, aloe vera can an effective natural treatment for various skin conditions.

But aside from skincare, natural health advocates use aloe vera for many other purposes too, including heartburn relief and to keep blood sugar levels in check. Some people have used aloe vera as a natural laxative to relieve constipation. Other creative uses for aloe vera are to use aloe vera extract as an alternative to chemical-based mouthwash and to stop the growth of bacteria on vegetables when you want your product to stay fresh longer.

Why Is Aloe Vera Beneficial?

Aloe vera is considered to be a beneficial plant and used as medicine because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This plant’s leaves contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help control certain types of bacteria. The leaves also have antiviral and antiseptic properties, which are important for wound healing. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera and help reduce swelling and information, while the vitamins it contains can nourish the body after damage has occurred.

Growing Aloe Vera at Home

There are countless aloe vera products sold commercially and available in stores and through online retailers. However, this is also a very easy plant to grow indoors at home and get the most direct and natural benefits of aloe vera. Aloe vera grown at home is best used and safest when used topically rather than ingesting it.

Choose a porous terra-cotta container for your aloe vera plant to help the soil dry between waterings. The container should also have a hole in the bottom for drainage. If your plant does not have proper drainage, it will wilt and rot.

The best soil for an aloe vera plant contains lava rock, perlite, and bark. After putting a new aloe vera plant in a container, avoid watering it for at least a week to give it time to grow new roots. As the plant grows, only water it after the soil has dried out. For the best results, keep the plant in place with indirect sunlight and that is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Learn more about growing your own plants with natural and organic practices here on the Seagate blog.