Aloe

Genus: Aloe
english name: aloe

Family: Asphodelaceae
Compounds: beta-carotene, minerals, amino acids and the important antioxidant vitamins (A, C, E and B1, B2 and B3) and polymeric polysaccharides
Parts used: leaves
Properties: moisturizes skin (has water retention property and gives a cooling effect), Anti-pyretic (reduces heat), anti-inflammatory and anti pruretic (stops itching/ burning)
Uses
internal uses: the drug usually referred to as ‘bitter aloes’ is a powerful purgative (agent that causes the body to expel impurities); the aloe vera improves immune system
external uses: emollient is still used to smooth wrinkles, heal skin irritations, soothe burns (including sunburn) and draw out infection from wounds. Aloe contains magnesium lactate, an itch inhibitor bringing in relief to insect bites, acne, sunburns and rashes. Aloe effectively treats warts and also lesions inside and outside the mouth. Its healing quality can even cure psoriasis.

The name comes from the Arabic “Alloeh”, meaning bitter because of the bitter yellow liquid that is found between the gel and the leaf skin. The plant is native to Africa and is common in South Africa's Cape Province and the mountains of tropical Africa, and neighbouring areas such as Madagascar, the Arabian peninsula and the islands off Africa. Aloe is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century. Aloe vera are widely used in the cosmetics and alternative medicine industries, being marketed as variously having rejuvenating, healing or soothing properties. Aloe barbadensis miller is the aloe vera plant used in most commercial products.

Aloe Vera has been valued for thousands of years for its remarkable healing and regenerative properties. Queen Cleopatra and Nefertiti used it in their beauty regimes. Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the island of Socroto to secure the aloe grown there to use for the wounds of his soldiers. Native Americans recognized it as the "Burn Plant," "Medicine Plant," the "Mystery Plant" that heals itself. The succulent leaf of the Aloe Vera plant is one of nature's best kept secrets. When cut or broken, it immediately seals off the vital juices inside and appears to heal the wounded leaf.