Aloe vera is a clump-forming perennial with dense rosettes of thick, spiky grey-green leaves and tubular yellow flowers in summer. The young leaves are often spotted red. A. vera var. officinalis has softer leaves, which are spotted and streaked white.

Medicinal properties

Aloe vera is said to have healing properties. In fact, it has been used medicinally for centuries. It has been identified in wall paintings in ancient Egypt, where it was apparently used to treat catarrh. Alexander the Great supposedly used aloes to heal his soldiers’ wounds. In traditional Chinese medicine the pith and mucilaginous gel from inside the leaves is boiled, sweetened with honey, then refrigerated and taken as a tonic. (Note: pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not take aloe vera orally.)

While there are many claims about the medicinal benefits of A. vera, there is no doubt that this plant has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. Rubbing the mucilaginous gel onto a recent burn or cut definitely helps healing.

Cultivation

Aloes like a sunny situation and must have well-drained soil or potting mix. They are frost sensitive, but can be grown in pots in cold climates and kept in a protected, sunny position during winter. A. vera is the perfect container plant as it requires little water. Overwatering will cause the base of the plant to rot. (Tip: allow the potting mix to virtually dry out between waterings.) Don potted up an A. vera plant using a mixture of one part washed river sand to four parts of good quality potting mix (good quality potting mixes display the Standard’s Association ‘ticks’ on the bag).

Aloe vera undies

Triumph has recently released a range of ‘cosmetic’ underwear. The garments, which have been impregnated with aloe vera, were designed to look good and moisturise the skin at the same time! The range includes a bra and coordinating hipster brief, g-string and cami.

Further details

Triumph's Cosmetic Range is available in department stores and specialty lingerie boutiques nationally. Recommended retail prices:

Bra - $49.95
Brief - $18.95
G-string - $16.95
Cami - $39.95

Copyright CTC Productions 2003