Information on Aloe Vera Plants
- This plant is found all over the world, and its original native habitat is unknown. It has been given many names by people in differing nations, claiming it for their own. Many horticulturists believe the plant is native to the Mediterranean, while others believe it came from South Africa. The people of Barbados named it after their island. The common names of the plant are: true aloe, medicine plant, burn plant and Barbados aloe. It is known by two scientific names: aloe vera and aloe barbadensis. In Arabic, "aloe" is the name given the plant, while "vera" means true or genuine. The name barbadensis means "from or of Barbados."
- Aloes have about 250 species; Aloe vera is one of the species. Other species include Aloe africana, Aloe ballii and Aloe dinteri. These do not have the medicinal properties of Aloe vera. They are members of the lily family and are related to common plants such as asparagus, lilies and tulips.
- The perennial succulent grows best in well-drained soil with partial to full sun and minimal water. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 11, where the average annual minimum temperature ranges from 10 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It will not grow in heavy frost or snow. The young leaves are spotted or variegated but mature to an even green color. The plant grows up to 4 feet tall and has spear-like leaves that grow up to 2 feet tall. Flowers bloom on plants that generally are four years old or older from spring through summer in clusters of yellow.
- The aloe vera gel found in the inside of the leaves has been used as a medicinal plant for thousands of years by many different cultures. It is used as a household remedy for minor cuts, burns and skin conditions. A research paper from the University of Maryland Medical Center explains the properties of the plant: "Although aloe is 99 percent water, aloe gel also contains substances known as glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoproteins speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation, while polysaccharides stimulate skin growth and repair. These substances may also stimulate the immune system."
- The simplest way to use the aloe vera gel is to break off a piece of the leaf and squeeze the liquid onto the skin. The inner gel, which is the most potent part of the plant, can be accessed by splitting the leaf in two lengthwise and scooping out the gel. It can be refrigerated up to a year and reapplied to the skin as often as necessary.
- Medical practitioners consider gel from the aloe vera plant to be safe when applied to the skin for the treatment of minor burns, scrapes or skin conditions. Cover the burn or scrape with a thin layer of fresh aloe vera gel and gently rub the gel in. It should not be used for deep wounds. In the past 10 years, medical practitioners have advised against taking the gel internally because it can trigger side effects such as cramps and diarrhea.