Aloe, native to Africa, is also known as "lily of the desert", the "plant of immortality", and the "medicine plant". The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites.
Aloe Vera is also known as A. vulgaris Lam or A. barbadensis Mill. It is described as Aloe which is mainly found in northern Africa. It is a very short-stemmed or stemless plant which can grow upto a height of 80-100 cm tall which spreads for balancing and root sprouts. The leaves of aloe vera are thick and fleshy, lance-shaped leaves and they are always green and grey-green in colour.
Aloe vera is a clump forming perennial with rosettes of thick, fleshy, spiky, gray-green leaves, young specimens being red spotted and the plant bears yellow tubular flowers in summer. Aloe vera contains calcium, amino acids, sodium, vitamins, nitrogen, enzymes etc.
Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been used as an oral laxative.
Aloe vera is a perennial, drought-resisting, succulent plant belonging to the Lily (Liliaceae) family which, historically, has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. The plant has stiff grey-green lance shaped leaves containing clear gel in a central mucilaginous pulp. Clinical evealuations have revealed that the pharmacological active ingredients are concentrated in both the gel and rind of the aloe vera leaves. These active ingredients have been shown to have analgesic and antiinflammatory effects.
There is strong scientific evidence in support of the laxative properties of aloe latex, based on the well-established cathartic properties of anthroquinone glycosides (found in aloe latex). However, aloe's therapeutic value compared with other approaches to constipation remains unclear.
Aloe Vera is a succulent that belongs to the liliaceae family. It is one of the 250 known species of aloes, referred to by the scientific terms of Aloe Vera and Aloe arbadensis. Called Ghrita Kumari in Sanskrut, it is commonly known as Aloe, Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe, Sabila and Pita Sabila. Akin to cactus in appearance, it grows naturally in Africa, America, Europe and Asia. The ideal environment for cultivating Aloe Vera is a tropical climate and low rainfall.
Erect perennial, originating from North Africa and the Mediterranean, with thick, very succulent, dagger shaped 30- 80cm long leaves, encircling a thick, central stem. The oldest and largest leaves are at the base, with leaves in the centre of the rosette formation being younger and smaller. Mature leaves can be 2-2.5cm thick and 6-10cm wide at the base, gradually tapering to a point at the apex.
Aloe vera is mostly used for skin conditions. Some people with cancer use Aloe vera to help heal and soothe burns caused by their radiotherapy treatment. There is some evidence to support its use for minor skin problems and burns.
