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The Hindu : Grow aloe vera and benefitThe west is now discovering the value of aloe vera; and of course, as always, we follow the bandwagon and are rediscovering the medicinal plant that our ancestors prized, but we had lost sight of. The sap of aloe vera helps heal cuts and bruises, helps offset acne and its scars, moisturises and enhances skin complexion and hair quality, and cures a host of disorders when imbibed orally under medical supervision.The sap of aloe vera contains almost 20 amino acids, vital minerals including calcium, magnesium and sodium, enzymes, vitamins, polysaccharides, nitrogen and other components.The good 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!Easy to growOur warm tropical climate suits it, and aloe vera 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, it will not perish if you forget to water it or leave town for a week. But generally, watering the plant every alternate day will suffice.PropagationYou 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, cut the tip of the plant’s fleshy leaves on a daily basis or whenever you want.HEMA VIJAY…More