Easy-to-Grow Aloe

The aloe plant is a succulent belonging to the lily family, commonly found in the wild in various parts of Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australia. The bitter, watery gel inside its leaves has been used for hundreds of years as a medicinal and beauty product. There are many forms of commercially-available aloe preparations, including juice, capsules and ointments. However, as a beauty aid, it is quite simple (and rewarding) to grow an aloe plant in your own home. In fact, the fresher the gel is, the more effective it is for a variety of purposes-to heal wounds, help scars disappear, soothe sunburns, or for general skin care. To extract the plant's gel, simply break off one of the lower leaves and slice it down the middle. Gently remove the gel with a popsicle stick, or apply the leaf directly to the affected area of skin. Fresh leaves can be kept in the fridge for a few days. Wrap them in damp kitchen paper, then put them in a sealed container to avoid drying out.