Aloe Vera Plant

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:55:40 GMT

[quote user="SaskiaVN"]

Thanks for that Steph, I think I will definitely try that. Do you know, if you read that link, what gel you make lasts in the fridge for months - thats brill

Nick, thanks for you info too and everyone else I will let you all know how I get on lolol

[/quote]

Yep! I just popped 'how to make aloe gel' into google and had a read through a couple. :)

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Saskia Quinn — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:34:41 GMT

Thanks for that Steph, I think I will definitely try that. Do you know, if you read that link, what gel you make lasts in the fridge for months - thats brill

Nick, thanks for you info too and everyone else I will let you all know how I get on lolol

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:25:59 GMT

[quote user="SaskiaVN"]

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

I've never tried to 'extract' anything from the leaf - just used the cut end.

Irarely use it - just occasionally to soothe a cut or an itch!

[/quote]

If she uses it like most people yep! Like i said you can't really get a 'gel' out of an aloe plant on your own! it's a process and usually takes a lot of aloe! But if you're really desperate to make some try this...

http://www.ehow.com/how_2173680_make-aloe-gel.html

just be sure to only use the inside of the leaves as the skin of the aloe plant is actually toxic! :)

how did you use the cut end Gillian? just dab on the affected area?

[/quote]

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Saskia Quinn — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:20:49 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

I've never tried to 'extract' anything from the leaf - just used the cut end.

Irarely use it - just occasionally to soothe a cut or an itch!

[/quote]

how did you use the cut end Gillian? just dab on the affected area?

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:15:34 GMT

I've never tried to 'extract' anything from the leaf - just used the cut end.

Irarely use it - just occasionally to soothe a cut or an itch!

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Vicky RVN — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:08:35 GMT

We had a plant but still used the tubes of gel! Mum has since killed the plant...think she dropped something heavy on top of it or something! Only used it for sunburn and itchiness (ie flea bites at work!).

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Nick Shackleton — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:08:08 GMT

Aloe Vera plants are very easy to care for and easy to grow in frost-free climates – either as houseplants or outdoors. However aloe vera plants do need a lot of sunlight, so it’s best to place them in a sunny spot, or near a window that gets lots of sunlight. A common mistake that many people make is the tendency to over-water. Remember these plants are succulents. They hold water in their leaves and root system to cope with long periods of drought, so they need less water than you might think.

http://aloeandyou.com/aloe-vera-plant-care.asp

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:07:49 GMT

you can't really get 'gel' out of an aloe plant on your own. slice the edge of the thick end and butterfly it open. poke it with a fork a few times and then rub it on the wound or bandaging. if you're really desperate to get something to smooth on like a gel you can scrape out the insides of the leaves and put it in a food processor. sieve and then pour on as needed, keep in the fridge to use later but don't keep it for more than 72hrs. :)

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Saskia Quinn — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:04:21 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

The leaves are usually chocked full of the jelly-like stuff - just cut one in half and rub the cut end on the wound. But they will go thin and dry if underwatered????

[/quote]

Yes, it does go sometimes without water, then when I remember, I practically drown the poor thing. I had to cut about 8 leaves in half to get a small blob of gel.

Note to self to water more often

What do you guys use the gel for? I know about using it for wounds, sunburn, but anything else?

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:02:06 GMT

The leaves are usually chocked full of the jelly-like stuff - just cut one in half and rub the cut end on the wound. But they will go thin and dry if underwatered????

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Saskia Quinn — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:01:57 GMT

mine has spread Caro. Maybe I should re-pot it?

Re: Aloe Vera Plant

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:00:10 GMT

I am surprised you plant has not spread? l started with one small one and ended up with 3 huge pots. One pot died outside and l have now got things under control but they spread like wildfire. Have used aloe breaking it off and rubbing it on me but never really had much luck. Mind you as l used it for sunburn it was not in this country and l was probably to dirty for the aloe juice to get through the dirt.