True Aloe (Aloe vera)

The True Aloe (Aloe vera) is a grass tree plant, whose original distribution area was probably the Arabian Peninsula. It is now found in almost every country of the tropical and subtropical climate zone. There, it is not only cultivated but also considered naturalized, including in India, Mexico, and the Canary Islands.

The tropical plant prefers plenty of sun, summer temperatures, and a mineral-rich, nutrient-dense soil. The soil should not be too moist, as waterlogging can cause the Aloe vera to rot. If you grow it indoors as a potted plant, use cactus or succulent soil and place it in a sunny spot by a south-facing window.

 

The True Aloe is famous for its moisturizing and cooling effect on the skin. Accordingly, you will find it mainly in the form of cosmetic products such as creams and Aloe vera gels. Manufacturers primarily use the juice from the thick leaves for this purpose.

Pure Aloe vera gel provides relief for sunburn or minor burns by cooling and moisturizing the affected skin. A dry, sensitive scalp that tends to flake also benefits from the properties of the True Aloe.

The medicinal plant is also attributed with wound-healing and anti-inflammatory attributes. In cases of constipation, the laxative effect of aloin aids in bowel movements.

Aloe vera is a plant with tradition – in Germany, we have known it since the 12th century, and we have been using and cultivating it in tropical regions for much longer. Its beneficial effect was already known over a thousand years before Christ.

 

The True Aloe forms fleshy, thick leaves with spiky edges that are arranged in a rosette pattern and taper to a point. It can grow up to 60 centimeters tall. Starting in January, a single, upright stem grows from its center, at the end of which the flowers appear in spring. These bloom in red, orange, and yellow, resembling clusters and tapering upwards.