Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) is a species of succulent plant of the genus Aloe. It grows wild in tropical climates around the world and is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. It is also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant.

Its scientific name is Aloe vera and it can be purchased at natural food stores, compounding pharmacies and some street fairs and markets. In addition, this plant can still be easily grown at home as it does not need special care.

It is used in many consumer products, including beverages, skin lotions, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburn. There is a lot of scientific evidence on the effectiveness or safety of Aloe vera extracts, whether for cosmetic or medicinal purposes, but such positive evidence is sometimes contradictory to other studies.

Benefits of Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

In addition to being a great ally for hair and skin health, aloe can also be used to treat problems such as muscle pain, burns, wounds, flu, insomnia, athlete’s foot, inflammation, constipation and digestive problems.

Important: check if the aloe vera is the Barbadensis miller type, as this is the most suitable for human use, while the others can be toxic and should not be consumed. Oral ingestion of Aloe vera, however, can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhoea, which in turn can decrease drug absorption.

Synonyms of Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe Vera, Aloe Vera, Caraguatá, Apothecary Aloe or Garden Aloe.

Descriptive Summary of Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Warm climate region plant. Leaves almost triangular, thick, succulent – yellowish sap, mucilaginous and gummy, with a strong odor; edged with soft serrated spines. From the center of the leaves, a stem grows at the end of which yellow flowers are born, similar to angelica. Fruits ovoid, capsular, full of small seeds.

Cultivation of Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe vera is widely cultivated as an ornamental, being popular among modern gardeners as a medicinal plant and for its interesting flowers, shape, and succulence. This succulence allows species that have it to survive well in areas with little rain, making it ideal for gardens with low water use. The species is from a hardiness zone, and is intolerant of heavy frost and snow. It is relatively resistant to most insect pests, although mites, insects and aphids can cause a decline in plant health. This plant won the “Garden Merit Award” from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Used part: Leaves, pulp and sap.