Aloe Vera Plant

Medicinal Aloe Vera plants can be found in households all over the world, because they are known to be a medicinal herb. They differ from other plant, in that they do not have any naturally occurring populations, although closely related Aloes do occur in northern Africa. Presently the aloe vera plant is cultivated and manufactured for commercial use and profit. That is what makes it rather unique in relation to the majority of other household plants that still grow naturally outdoors.

The Aloe vera plant is believed to have many properties, ranging from the soothing of burns, the promotion of faster healing to the treatment of diabetes. As the stalks include several medical compounds, including acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones and anthraquinones and lectins; aloe tends to be added to a wide range of natural Aloe Vera products to entice users to purchase them.

The best gardening temperature conditions for aloe vera to grow are zone 8 through zone 10. It does not require much water and can be grown both indoor or outdoors. Aloe does not tolerate snow or frost and will die under such conditions. If you want to keep aloe in colder climates, it must be kept indoors or in a greenhouse to prevent frost from killing it. The aloe vera plant visibly resembles the cacti family and has a very tender stalk that is moist on the inside. Since it is most acclimated to dryer climates, over watering is the most common mistake that people make in caring for them. The aloe plant should not be watered until its soil has gone dry, making it one of the easiest plants to take care of, so it is important to pay attention to the moister level in the soil. The soil used for potted aloe vera should be compatible with good drainage, as too much sitting water will cause root rot.

Many people grow these plants at home and use them as a quick treatment for small cuts or burns. The healing rate process has not been calculated or agreed upon however, it is still something this marvelous plant does provide. Studies have been conducted to observe the healing rate with various factors, such as the type of wound inflicted, it’s severity and how it was bandage after applying aloe vera to it. In some studies, healing rate is increase from aloe vera. In certain forms, the aloe vera is safe to ingest too.

Even though there is no scientific evidence that is agreed on by all, of the healing elements found in the aloe vera plant, it is a very popular and sought after additive in a variety of cosmetics, shampoos, lotions and certain soap manufactured products. However, the gains garnered from the presence of aloe in these products is based on belief, not on scientific proof.

The aloe vera gel found in the plant, is believed to have originated in Africa, with cousins of the aloe vera plant still surviving to date. There are references to aloe in the bible, which makes it one of the oldest documented species of plants known.