Aloe vera

INTRODUCTION

• Aloe vera belongs to the family Liliacae and is mainly cultivated for its thick fleshy leaves from which the yellow resinous latex or yellow sap or anthraquinones (the bitter yellow liquid between the leaf rind and gel) exudes and can be used as a laxative or purgative. If it is not processed properly it turned out to be poisonous. Nearly there are about 150 species in Aloe vera and these species belong to the succulent family like any other lilies or onions. In India Aloe Vera has been referred to as "kumari’ in Ayurvedic treatments where it was popularly used to treat the sore eyes, abrasions and wounds.

ORIGIN

• African Continent

SPREAD

• Aloe is grown largely in South Texas, USA, Mexico, India, South America, Central America, Australia and Africa.

FAMILY

• Liliaceae

COMMONLY CALLED AS

• Miracle plant, Healing plant, Plant of immortality, Fountain of youth.

COMMON VARIETIES

1.   Aloe Barbadensis Miller,
2.   Aloe Saponaria,
3.   Aloe Chinensis,
4.   Aloe Variegata,
5.   Aloe Forex,
6.   Aloe Lalifolia and 
7.   Curacao Aloe

• Of these the most popular is Aloe Barbadensis Miller which has most therapeutic value and referred to as ‘True Aloe’. After all the research, it has been accepted that Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the best, as it is the most consistent of all varieties.

CLIMATE

• Aloe is grown in warm tropical areas and cannot survive freezing temperatures.