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Aloe Vera, a well-known medicinal plant, grows up to 2 feet annually. This plant has either no stem or a very short one and typically reaches a height of 24 to 40 inches, with leaves that are about 4 inches wide. These thick, fleshy leaves are green to grey in color. Inside the leaves, a gel-like substance can be found after peeling. Aloe Vera leaves are not only used medicinally but also in the preparation of pickles, vegetables, and chyawanprash. The leaf edges are serrated, with small white thorns along the margins.
Aloe Vera belongs to the species Aloe barbadensis miller, which is widely recognized for its medicinal properties.
Uses
In Ayurveda, Aloe Vera is known as a natural coolant with a bitter-sweet taste and purgative effects:
Aloe Vera detoxifies the blood, calms Pitta dosha, and is beneficial for many skin diseases. It is also known for improving eyesight and has natural anti-aging properties. Aloe Vera gel is widely used for hair care, and its flowers help balance Vata and Pitta doshas, as well as treat intestinal worms.
Cultivation
Aloe Vera is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers. It thrives in warm, tropical climates but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Once planted, it can yield harvests for up to 5 years.
The plant grows well in a variety of soils, with sandy loam being ideal for dryland management. It is cultivated across most of India, even in drought-prone areas, and is best suited for arid and semi-arid regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. While Aloe Vera can grow in marginal soils, faster growth is observed in moderately fertile soils. Well-drained loam to coarse sandy loam soils with a pH up to 8.5 are optimal for commercial cultivation.
Species
The Aloe barbadensis miller variety is the most commonly cultivated species in India, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Marketing
Aloe Vera is in high demand, making its marketing relatively easy. Many Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies purchase fresh Aloe Vera leaves. Landson Agro Farms Pvt Ltd also offers a Buy Back agreement for those looking to sell their Aloe Vera produce.
Harvesting
Aloe Vera leaves can be harvested within the first year of cultivation. Using a sharp tool, all but three leaves can be cut, ensuring a continuous yield from the plant.