Aloe tree

Which plant to choose?

It all depends on what exactly needs to be obtained in the end. Since the healing properties of plants are approximately the same, it does not matter which one to choose. It's a good idea to have both flowers at home. They are unpretentious and require only periodic watering. At the same time, they tolerate drought well.

Thus, common aloe and vera are excellent plants to grow. At home, they do not reach large sizes. Low maintenance requirements allow you to possess several varieties of this crop at the same time. However, aloe vera seeds or sprouts are slightly more expensive in specialty stores.

The main differences between Aloe Vera and Stoletnik

Although both plants belong to the Asphodelic family, they are different:

1. Appearance: The Vera variety has a small pillar, and it seems that the rosette leaves grow directly from the ground. The centenary has a stiff pillar, from which the leaves are already branching.
2. Color. The tree-like aloe has a solid green color, and the vera is light, with dark blotches (dots).
3. In medicine, the agave is used for external treatment. And the juice and pulp of faith can be taken orally.
4. The life span of aloe vera is 5-20 years, subject to normal care, and the agave is 100 (hence the name).
5. The size and shape of the leaves. In the tree-like one, they are narrow, and in the vera, they are wide and spade.

Aloe is a plant species that includes more than 100 names, among which there are faith, agave, and many others. Do not confuse these species with each other, because they are different plants.

The first use of aloe for medicinal purposes dates back to the days of Ancient Egypt. Found documents mention the juice of this plant as one of the ingredients in at least 10 balsamic recipes.

And today, many varieties of aloe are often used in traditional medicine. Their healing properties save many in the absence of medicines. The chemical composition of this plant is very rich. The culture contains a large amount of a wide variety of vitamins and minerals (potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, etc.). So, the juice and pulp of this "home helper":

• promote rapid tissue regeneration in case of wounds and cuts;
• widely used in the treatment of bacterial infections (staphylococcal infections, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, and others);
• effective in diseases associated with the bronchi, as well as conjunctivitis of the eyes.

Hair masks made from aloe juice make the strands softer and stronger. By combining the juice of this plant with other components, you can make masks for a variety of purposes - to strengthen, protect, moisturize the strands, to fight dandruff, grease, etc. To make your hair always look healthy, just add the plant juice to shampoo or balm ...

In addition to juice, you can also use pulp, which has no less useful properties. Leaves with slightly dry tips are a treasure trove of healing microelements. Before using the leaves for medicinal purposes, they must be placed in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, and then rinsed with warm water.

Having an almost identical internal structure, agave and aloe vera differ only in the effectiveness of use in certain areas. Unlike agave, aloe vera is often used by mouth. Plant:

• helps with upset stomach or intestines;
• helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system;
• effective for enhancing immunity;
• normalizes blood sugar levels (however, contraindicated for diabetics);
• helps with stomatitis and bleeding gums (used when rinsing the mouth).

Medicinal types of aloe

The genus of aloe is numerous xerophytes and succulents. Perennial plants in nature are found in the form of herbaceous leafy, shrub and even tree-like forms. There are a lot of varieties of aloe, but they all come from the tropics of southern Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula.

The main feature of aloe is its thick, xiphoid leaves. It is in them that the plant accumulates moisture, which allows it to survive drought and other disasters of nature. Under difficult weather conditions, aloe closes the pores of the skin, due to which the water accumulated in the leaves remains for quite a long time without evaporating and drying out the plant.

Various types of aloe can be found on sale, but many of them are decorative flower forms. Only two types have healing qualities - Aloe Vera and Aloe tree.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera (Aloe vera) - one of the types of plant, which would be more correct to call aloe present. But both names are used equally.

Aloe is a short-stemmed succulent plant. Thick, fleshy leaves form a dense rosette, which naturally grows up to 60 cm in diameter. Aloe vera leaves are gray with small spots on the surface. The edges of the leaf plate are covered with small thorns. The root system is poorly developed. Aloe vera flowers are tubular, of different shades of orange, but you can see them only in natural conditions - your "doctor" will not want to bloom on the windowsill.

Aloe tree

Aloe tree (Aloe arborescens) can look like a tree or shrub and in nature often reaches five meters in height. The trunk is covered with long fleshy leaves with soft thorns along the edges. In an adult plant, the lower leaves fall off, and the bare trunk is covered by numerous basal offspring, making the aloe look like a spreading bush.

During the flowering of the aloe, a long panicle appears with bright orange flowers. When kept at home, it rarely blooms, and the size of a houseplant is much more modest.

Aloe vera Alberto Alvarez-PereaAloe arborescens (Aloe arborescens). Uhlig kakteen

The main differences between plants

Despite the fact that the cultures belong to the same species, they have many differences. Therefore, it is worth considering them in more detail. This will allow you to understand which culture can be used for treatment, and which is suitable only for decorative purposes.

Appearance with photo

The centenary has the following appearance:

• leaves are green, have small thorns to save moisture in natural conditions;
• leaves gradually taper, can be about 15 cm in length;
• the root system is very branched;
• the plant itself can be up to 80 cm in height;
• in the natural environment can be found on the Arabian Peninsula and in Africa;
• there are a large number of lateral processes.

As for aloe vera, its characteristics are as follows:

• leaves are green, but with a bluish tinge;
• leaves are wider in the middle and gradually taper, they have small thorns;
• the plant is a large bush;
• height about 50 cm;
• lives in its natural environment on the Arabian Peninsula;
• the bush grows sprawling, but gives a small number of lateral shoots.

Thus, if you look closely, it is difficult to confuse these two plants. They are radically different purely outwardly. However, caring for them should be peculiar. Flowers are unpretentious, but you need to water them periodically, as well as perform some other actions.

Discovery history

The version of the origin of these plants is very long. It is believed that aloe vera is older (according to written evidence). So, the ancient Sumerians knew about its healing properties and actively applied knowledge in their lives. However, the flower grew exclusively in its natural environment, it was not specially grown at home. This is evidenced by a clay tablet, which historians date back to 2100 BC.The ancient Egyptians also have information about this culture. They first wrote about him around 1550 BC. It lists 12 ways to use the plant for medicinal purposes.

There is also a hypothesis that aloe vera is depicted on an ancient temple of the Egyptians, which is more than 6,000 years old. However, it has no conclusive evidence. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates also appreciated this plant, which was imported from Egypt.

As for the common aloe, the Egyptians also knew about it. They used it for the following purposes:

• for disinfecting wounds;
• during the mummification of the bodies of the dead;
• for the treatment of a number of other diseases.

Beneficial features

Both types have many useful properties, and they are about the same. However, the Vera variety is also used in cosmetology for the preparation of various creams. They protect the skin, nourish it, and also help get rid of some abrasions and scars.

But if you use only the juice or pulp of these crops, then you can achieve the following types of healing effect:

1. Treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases (it is necessary to dilute the juice with other ingredients and take it orally).
2. Treatment of diseases of the oral cavity. You also need to prepare the solution yourself and rinse your mouth with it. However, drinking this solution is prohibited, since it has a high concentration of plant sap, which in its pure form is poison.
3. Hemorrhoid therapy. There are many types and uses of juice.
4. Treatment of various skin diseases. This requires applying the pulp of the flower to the sore spot. In this case, the wound is disinfected. However, one must be careful not to burn the soft tissues.
5. Strengthening the body's immune system.
6. When the juice is consumed in a diluted form, the metabolism is normalized, and the amount of sugar in the blood decreases.
7. Preventing heartburn.

Application

Agave and aloe vera can be used in almost the same way. In principle, all the beneficial properties mentioned above are relevant for both cultures.

However, faith can also be used for the following purposes:

• to get rid of purulent boils;
• to reduce irritation from insect bites;
• to restore hair follicles and accelerate hair growth;
• to improve complexion;
• to slow down the aging process;
• in the treatment of varicose veins;
• for the healing of psoriasis.

Contraindications

It is not always possible to use the juice and pulp of these crops for treatment. There are several contraindications, which include:

• diabetes;
• disruption of the blood vessels;
• hypotension;
• pregnancy.

Where is aloe vera used?

The plant is used in various fields:

• cosmetology;
• medicine;
• industry.

The beneficial properties of aloe are scientifically proven. This allows us to classify it as one of the plants recommended for use for the treatment and prevention of certain diseases. Regardless of the method of application, there are a number of contraindications. Therefore, before use, you must make sure that such treatment does not harm the body.

Cosmetology

Aloe is an important ingredient in many cosmetics. Healing masks, creams with the extract of this plant are ideal for people with skin prone to allergic reactions. And hair masks based on it have a regenerating effect, improve blood flow and stimulate hair follicles.

According to cosmetologists, effective aloe-based products are:

• mask for dry dehydrated skin. Mix juice, oil (grape or peach), oatmeal and honey. Insist for 10-15 minutes. for swelling, apply for half an hour. Then rinse with water. Apply at least twice a week;
• moisturizing anti-wrinkle mask. Mix fresh gel with honey 1: 1. Apply for half an hour. Wash off with water;
• remedy for alopecia and dandruff. Aloe in combination with special products helps to get rid of seborrhea and dandruff, and also reduces hair loss. For this, the gel prepared from the leaves of the plant is rubbed into the scalp 2-3 times a week. The recommended course is 2 months.

Important! Before using such funds, you must consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist. Since the presence of some forms of the inflammatory process of the skin is a contraindication to the use of plant-based products.

Medicine

Aloe gel has a positive effect on:

• the immune system;
• Gastrointestinal tract;
• cardiovascular system;
• skin;
• nervous system.

Juice and medications based on it have a bactericidal effect. Therefore, they are often used in the treatment of the following bacteria and infections:

• staphylococci;
• typhoid, dysentery, diphtheria bacillus;
• streptococci.

In addition, aloe gel is also used for various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Food industry

Agave leaves are widely used in many industries, including the food industry. So, aloe gel extract is used in the manufacture of:

• juices and juice drinks;
• dairy products (milk, kefir, yoghurts, etc.);
• tonic drinks.

Peculiarity! To process the plant, whole leaves and their inner part, which contains a gel, are used. Modern technological processes make it possible to process raw materials while preserving their useful properties as much as possible. Due to this, food products prepared with the addition of aloe are saturated with vitamins and microelements.

Aloe and agave - what's the difference? Medicinal properties and features

There is one unique plant, very unpretentious and accessible to absolutely everyone. It has excellent healing properties that magically promote rapid healing of wounds and cure from various chronic diseases. This is the familiar aloe.

At home, two varieties of plants grow - aloe vera and tree-like (familiar to all "agave"). In terms of their chemical composition, both of them are approximately the same, but there are some differences. How are agave and aloe vera different? How are they useful and how are their harm manifested? Answers to these questions and many others can be found in this article.

Places of growth in nature

Before we find out what is the difference between aloe and agave, consider the habitat of the plant in natural conditions.

In the wild, it grows in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. A plant brought to many countries with a tropical climate has taken root well. Semi-deserts and deserts, stony soils, as well as areas with dry shrubs - all these are the favorite habitats of this amazing plant.

As a plant, indoor aloe is grown in almost all countries of the world, as it is recognized as medicinal even in traditional medicine. On an industrial scale, the plant is cultivated in places where it normally grows outdoors.

What is the difference between aloe and agave? This is one and the same plant, only, as noted above, aloe is of several types. The centenary is one of its varieties.

general information

How is aloe vera different from aloe? As noted above, this is also one of its varieties. And all species have some kind of peculiarity.

The homeland of aloe is the southernmost tip of southern Africa. It is there, in favorable natural conditions, the plant grows up to 3 meters in height. The home environment does not quite correspond to the native climatic conditions, therefore it grows much smaller in size and practically does not bloom. In connection with the latter, the people called him a century-old.

Their external differences are insignificant. Aloe vera has a shorter trunk and its leaves are directed upwards, and the appearance of the tree-like variety corresponds to its name - it resembles a tree with a sufficiently developed trunk. More details about the differences will be described below in the article.For all of us, the agave, which is often found on home windowsills, is more familiar.

Description of aloe

Aloe is a succulent evergreen plant (Asphodel family) of the genus Aloe. Among the people, it is more often called an agave. The plant is cultivated at home as a medicinal and ornamental plant.

Under natural conditions, it looks like a tree, strongly branching and sometimes reaching 5 meters in height. In domestic conditions, the plant rarely exceeds a height of 100 cm, and grows like a bush.

Its cylindrical root is highly branched, gray-orange in color. When grown in a pot, the trunk is almost absent.

The alternate fleshy leaves are greenish-gray, with a prickly jagged edge. The surface is matte, smooth. The inner part of the leaves contains a special gel-like structure that the plant needs as a reserve of liquid. For humans, it is of value due to its good medicinal properties. Leaves can be up to 60 cm long.

Bell-shaped flowers are large, tubular, drooping, collected in axillary inflorescences up to 50 cm in size. The flowers are white and sandy with a distinct orange midrib on the petal. Aloe bloom is rare even in nature, but practically does not occur under domestic conditions. Fruits are cylindrical boxes.

Diseases

If the growing conditions are violated, symptoms appear that indicate the development of the disease.

Curling of leaves is most often observed. For this to happen, you need to wipe them with a damp cloth.
Leaves begin to turn yellow with excessive moisture.
Drying of the tips is a sign that the agave needs to be transplanted into a new pot.
Dry rot has practically no external manifestations, aloe just begins to dry out from the inside

For prevention, treatment with antifungal drugs is recommended.
There is not enough room for the roots and the plant does not receive enough nutrients.
Attention. Root rot occurs against the background of excess watering and low air temperatures.
The plant can be saved only at the initial stage of the development of the disease.

Similarities Between Agave and Aloe Vera

These are very similar plants in their chemical composition. They have long been used in medicine, both in official and folk medicine. Both plants are powerful antioxidants, so they do an excellent job with inflammation, fight bacteria, and heal wounds perfectly. For medicinal purposes, take only the pulp or juice of the leaves.

Aloe is a complex of vitamins, trace elements, amino acids, carbohydrates.

Like any herbal medicine, they have contraindications for use. Both plants acquire useful properties only in the seventh year of their growth.

Home healers: aloe vera and agave

Not only decorative, but also medicinal properties are appreciated in aloe. In this respect, two types are unsurpassed: tree (well-known agave) and Barbados (aloe vera).

The first plant has been well studied by domestic biologists and pharmacologists: it has no equal in the treatment of diseases of many organs and systems. In the southern regions of the country, it was grown outdoors in specially designated areas. The centenary has a rather thick developed stem, from which elongated xiphoid smooth leaves of a gray-green hue, framed by soft thorns, extend. In length, the plant is capable of stretching up to 1 m or more. In its wild native nature, it blooms quite often, which cannot be said about domestic representatives.

Aloe vera is a rarer species for us, although it is considered by many to be the twin of the agave. There really is a similarity between these representatives of the flora. Both plants have powerful medicinal properties and are almost identical in biochemical composition. The appearance of the Barbados has differences, albeit implicitly.Its stem is short, the leaves are triangular, much wider than that of the tree - about 10-15 cm and less elongated in length. In the wild, aloe vera grows up to 60–80 cm. The ornamental plant is several times smaller. But people who are little knowledgeable in botany are more likely to confuse the aloe vera and the agave, what is the difference between them, only an experienced eye can catch at first glance.

Aloe juice, which is contained in the lateral tubules of the leaves under the skin, and a gelatinous transparent gel that fills the inner part of the leaves is of medicinal value.

There is no unanimous opinion on issues related to the medicinal properties of plants. Each succulent has its own supporters. Some argue that aloe vera copes with various health problems much better and is real, as evidenced by its Latin name - vera. Opponents argue that the agave has a higher concentration of biostimulants and minerals.

Pharmaceuticals do not recognize the fundamental difference between aloe vera and agave, given the strong medicinal qualities of both types, allowing preparations from them for internal and local use.

But there is an important therapeutic difference between aloe vera and the agave: the leaves of the first are more massive and wider than those of the second and contain a lot of gel substance, in the tree-like structure there is a higher concentration of juice. For this reason, in cosmetology, where gel is more needed, the use of the Barbados type is considered more reasonable.

You can distinguish aloe vera from an agave by the leaves: in a "real" plant, they are of a rather bright shade, collected in dense rosettes, the stem is short or completely absent. Tree-like

Other species, both wild and ornamental, also contain biologically valuable substances and have medicinal properties that have not yet been sufficiently studied.

Aloe vera - description of the species

Aloe vera (present), according to the structure of the leaves, belongs to succulents. The native land of the plant is the islands of Barbados, Curacao, the south of the Arabian Peninsula. It is also found in Egypt, the Canary Islands, and in many warm countries it is specially grown for medicinal purposes.

Aloe vera forms a rosette from the leaves on a barely visible stem. The sheet itself has a wide base and a pointed top. Their thickness is about 1 cm due to the moisture accumulated inside, resembling jelly in consistency, and sharp thorns form along the edges.

The color of the leaves is green with small yellowish specks. The diameter of aloe in natural conditions reaches half a meter. In the vastness of the desert, it can bloom with orange tubular inflorescences; such a phenomenon cannot be observed in an apartment.