Aloe vera is one of those plants almost everyone has at home—on a windowsill, balcony, or terrace. It’s not only admired for its elegant, decorative appearance but also for its countless health and healing benefits. This resilient plant has earned its place in homes around the world for centuries, and for good reason.

The Origins and Nature of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera belongs to the Liliaceae family, the same family as onions and garlic. Native to South America, South Africa, and the Mediterranean, it has adapted perfectly to different climates, from dry, arid deserts to warm, coastal regions. One of its most remarkable features is its ability to retain water in its thick, fleshy leaves, allowing it to thrive even in drought conditions.

There are around 350 species of aloe in nature, but the most famous and beneficial is Aloe vera barbadensis miller. Over the years, it has been the subject of numerous scientific studies, many of which confirm its impressive medicinal properties.

The Many Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a true miracle of nature, used both externally and internally for healing, soothing, and maintaining good health.

Externally, its gel has long been valued for its ability to:

• Relieve itching, irritation, and skin lesions

• Heal scrapes, ulcers, burns, and sunburns

• Calm inflammation, psoriasis, and eczema

• Soothe insect bites and minor wounds

Internally, aloe vera juice and extracts can be consumed as natural remedies with incredible effects:

• Antioxidant and antibacterial properties help cleanse the body of toxins

• Digestive and laxative benefits promote regularity

• Immune-boosting effects strengthen the body’s defenses

• Antiviral action can assist in fighting infections

Some studies have even suggested potential benefits for cancer therapy, particularly as a complementary aid during radiotherapy treatments, thanks to its tissue-repairing and cell-protective effects.

Aloe vera can be taken orally starting from around the age of 12, but like any natural product, it must be used carefully. It has certain contraindications, especially for those suffering from gastritis, colitis, or diverticulitis. It is not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menstruation, as it can stimulate blood flow.

Growing Aloe Vera at Home

One of the best things about aloe vera is how easy it is to grow. It thrives indoors or outdoors, requires little water, and almost no special care—making it perfect for those who don’t consider themselves skilled gardeners.

Unlike many other plants, aloe vera actually prefers less water, not more. Overwatering or allowing water to stagnate in the soil can cause the roots to rot and kill the plant. In fact, the drier the soil, the better it tends to grow.

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This natural resilience makes aloe vera almost eternal—it regenerates easily and can live for years with minimal attention.

How to Nourish Aloe Vera Naturally

Even though aloe vera is a strong and self-sufficient plant, its soil still needs nutrients from time to time to remain fertile. While many people immediately reach for store-bought fertilizers, there’s a much simpler, more natural way to feed your aloe: egg shells.

After boiling or cooking eggs, don’t throw away the shells. Instead, clean and blend them into a fine powder. This powder is an excellent natural fertilizer because eggshells are rich in calcium, and they also contain trace amounts of keratin—a protein that is essential for healthy skin, nails, and hair.

Keratin also plays a role in maintaining bone strength, regulating cholesterol levels, and balancing blood pressure. It’s a small but mighty nutrient powerhouse.

How to Use Eggshells on Aloe Vera

To use eggshells as plant food, simply sprinkle about one tablespoon of powdered shell over the soil around your aloe vera. Gently mix it into the top layer of soil, then water the plant lightly to help the nutrients absorb.

The remaining eggshell powder can be stored in an airtight container for several days, as long as it’s kept away from heat and humidity.

This natural fertilizer can also be used for other plants in your home or garden—it provides strength and resilience, helping them grow greener and healthier. Some even use crushed eggshells as a supplement for pets or, in specific cases, as a calcium booster for people under professional guidance, including pregnant women.

How to Repot and Strengthen Aloe Vera

When repotting or propagating aloe vera, prepare a mix of loose, well-draining soil with a bit of eggshell powder added in. At the bottom of the pot, place small pebbles or gravel to ensure proper drainage and prevent water stagnation.

Next, plant the aloe root and water gently. Within a few weeks, you’ll notice new, strong growth. For best results, apply the eggshell mix about once a month—always followed by watering to aid absorption.

The Garlic Trick: Another Natural Booster

If you want to take things a step further, there’s another traditional method that works wonders: garlic water. Just like eggshells, garlic offers nutrients that boost plant health and immunity.

To make it, crush two cloves of garlic into a paste, then add a small amount of water. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove solids, and dilute the resulting liquid with one liter of clean water.

Use this garlic-infused water to water your aloe vera once a month. It strengthens the roots, enhances growth, and even helps keep pests away naturally.

A Timeless Green Companion

Aloe vera is more than just a decorative plant—it’s a living pharmacy, a beauty secret, and a symbol of resilience. It thrives with little care, rewards you with natural healing power, and even multiplies effortlessly, making it one of the most rewarding plants you can grow.

With just a bit of natural nourishment—like crushed eggshells or garlic water—you can keep your aloe vera strong, healthy, and vibrant all year round. It’s yet another reminder that nature often gives us everything we need, right at home, in the simplest and most sustainable ways.