Introducing Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera, the true aloe, is properly called Aloe Barbadensis Miller. Medicinally, it is the most powerful of all the aloe varieties – of which there are some 350 in the world.

Although the aloe plant looks like a cactus, it is actually a succulent and, being a member of the lily family, it is related to onions, garlic and asparagus.

All aloes originated in Africa, but they have spread across the world wherever they have found the right climate and conditions – sunny, dry places where there is never a hint of frost (aloe’s worst enemy).

NATURAL PROTECTION:

Aloe vera is a very successful plant, well protected against its enemies – rodents, insects and birds. Just below the rind of the plant is a very bitter noxious sap that deters any animal that tries to eat it.

Aloe plants can reproduce both sexually and asexually, depending upon the conditions, and they can survive for several months without water. Aloe has the ability to shut itself down and close its stomata (little holes in the leaves) through which it normally loses water vapour.

HEALING PLANT:

Aloe has achieved some remarkable nicknames from around the world. These include:

Medicine plantMiracle plantSilent healerWand of heavenBurn plant

The name ‘burn plant’ owes its origin to aloe’s remarkable ability to relieve burn pain; anyone who has had freshly expelled gel from the leaf smeared over sunburnt skin will testify to this. Indeed aloe contains remarkable pain-relieving properties, which work almost instantaneously. Further applications of the leaf gel also help to speed up the healing of the damaged skin.

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS:

There are many uses for topically applied aloe – a fact well known to the cosmetic industry. A number of products today use the tag ‘with aloe vera’, ranging from make-up and bathing products, through to washing powder and detergents. As well as being applied topically, the gel or juice of aloe vera can also be drunk as a tonic.

With so many applications for this versatile plant, it should come as no surprise that aloe vera has remained popular throughout history.