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Aloe vera unravelled
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The plant grows on its own asking for very little except some water occasionally.
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A visual treat: A view of the blooming medicinal plant, aloe vera.
The west is now discovering the value of our ‘kattar vazha’ or Aloe vera; and of course, as always, we follow the bandwagon and are rediscovering Aloe vera, the medicinal plant that our ancestors prized, but we had lost sight of.
The fact is, the sap of Aloe vera helps heals cuts and bruises, helps offset acne and its scars, moisturises and enhances skin complexion and hair quality, and besides, cures a host of disorders when imbibed orally under medical supervision.
The sap of Aloe contains almost 20 amino acids, vital minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium, enzymes, vitamins, polysaccharides, nitrogen and other components.
The better news is, it is easy to grow Aloe vera and get your daily fresh supply of pure Aloe gel.
In fact, the plant almost grows on its own, asking for very little from you, except for some water occasionally!
Propagation
Our warm tropical climate suits it, and Aloe grows well in the garden or balcony.
Aloe Vera can be cultivated on any kind of soil though the soil mixture in the proportion of one part sand, one part manure and one part red earth is best suited for it.
Being a desert plant, the plant will not perish if you forget to water it or leave town for a week. But generally, watering the plant with a small mug of water every alternate day will suffice.
You can propagate Aloe vera by root suckers, and a single plant will soon create its own company, as several Aloe vera start sprouting up even if you plant just one. The plant is ready for transplanting after the appearance of the first sprouts.
To harvest the plant’s gel-like sap, you may cut the tip of the plant’s fleshy leaves on a daily basis or whenever you want. It will not harm the plant.
HEMA VIJAY
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