This time of year, aloe vera is an important plant to make sure you have on hand.
Aloe Vera is said to have a number of medicinal uses. One of the most popular is for treating sunburns or skin irritations. It is also found in many cosmetics and health drinks.
The aloe plant is thought to have originated in Africa and been spread throughout the world by humans who found it useful.
Aloe grows well here in Hernando County. Because it is a succulent, it can withstand minimal water availability and makes a great addition to any rock garden.
If you find yourself with a sunburn, just cut off a leaf. Make sure to trim the prickly toothed edges of the leaf to make handling it easier. Then slice a portion of it through the middle, separating the top of the leaf from the bottom. This exposes the gelatinous interior of the leaf which you can apply directly to your sunburn.
If you don’t use the entire leaf all at once, just wrap it in some plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to apply later.