ALOE VERA IN TENERIFE

Aloe vera in Tenerife has been used since the time of the Guanches as a medicinal remedy for wounds, but this succulent has much more to offer.

Many tourists who visit the island return home with some product derived from aloe vera. This is not surprising, as this houseplant thrives exceptionally well in Tenerife’s climate. Plenty of sun and minimal water in the soil create the ideal conditions for the plant to flourish in this subtropical environment.

The Miracle Plant

Aloe vera is a houseplant known worldwide for its use in the pharmaceutical industry, earning it the nickname “miracle plant.” Its blue-green leaves, lined with small spines, give it a resemblance to a cactus, though it is not one. Aloe vera is a succulent, meaning it stores water and moisture in its leaves.

The plant has no trouble with varying light intensity and can grow even in areas with limited sunlight. Aloe vera is primarily cultivated for its sap, which is processed into various cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. The plantations are often located on the mountain slopes, where they are irrigated at regular intervals.

Asphodelaceae Family

Aloe vera is a common plant on Tenerife and is even cultivated on a large scale for use in creams, ointments, and other natural remedies. The healing properties of its sap make it a valuable ingredient for various treatments.

Aloe vera belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It has a short, woody stem of 30-50 cm that forms offshoots at the base or branches out. Its leaves are often densely packed, blue-green, and highly succulent, measuring 40-50 cm in length and 7-8 cm in width at the base before tapering to a point. The underside of the leaves is rounded, and their edges are lined with widely spaced, triangular, pale green, horn-like teeth.

The plant’s clustered inflorescence can grow up to 90 cm tall. There are varieties with red or yellow flowers. The young, unopened flowers point upward, while older flowers bend downward with their cylindrical, fused corollas, giving the inflorescence a pyramid-like shape. Inside the slender flower tube are six hidden stamens. The ovary consists of three carpels and develops into a capsule fruit.

Aloe Vera Around the World

Originally from the Arabian Peninsula, aloe vera is now found in various regions, including the Mediterranean, Indonesia, the Dutch Caribbean, and the West Indies. Large aloe vera plantations also exist in Barbados and Mexico.

The plant’s sap is widely used as a remedy for wounds and sunburn, making it a key ingredient in cosmetics. Its gel-like inner flesh is processed into beverages. The extraction process involves cutting the leaves and collecting the dripping sap, which is then air-dried. Once the thick leaves are stripped of their green outer layer, they reveal a jelly-like interior.

Aloe vera is used to produce anti-scar creams and accelerates wound healing. After sun exposure, it hydrates the skin and provides a cooling effect, making it an excellent aftersun remedy. If you have sensitive skin and often experience stinging eyes after removing makeup, aloe vera can offer a gentle, eco-friendly solution. Simply apply the sap to a cotton pad and softly wipe away your makeup. Aloe vera cleanses the skin while keeping it soft and hydrated.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Aloe vera nourishes the skin with essential minerals and has antibacterial properties, making it an excellent face wash for preventing acne.
Exfoliation is an often-overlooked step in skincare, yet it is crucial for maintaining elastic and hydrated skin. By removing dead skin cells, your skin becomes more receptive to other creams and treatments. For a natural exfoliant, mix aloe vera sap with a pinch of baking soda to create a skin-friendly scrub.

Aloe vera contains an anti-inflammatory compound called beta-sitosterol, which can help combat bad breath. Drinking half a glass of pure aloe vera juice daily can provide a “minty fresh breath.” If you dislike the taste, mix it with half a glass of apple juice. However, be mindful of the recommended dosage, as excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.

Vitamins and Health Benefits

You can also make your own face mask by blending aloe vera sap with a small amount of pureed cucumber and one egg white. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and voilà—your skin will be hydrated and refreshed in no time!

Additionally, drinking aloe vera juice daily can be a beneficial addition to your diet. The plant is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. It is also packed with antioxidants, fibers, and amino acids. Aloe vera can rejuvenate the skin, soothe irritable bowels, and give your immune system a boost.

In Tenerife, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy life—including the incredible benefits of aloe vera.