Aloe is one of the deservingly popular plant. Nearly everly cosmetic counter carries shampoos and skin creams containing aloe vera.
Aloe''s value lies in its ability to regenerate damaged tissues, which it does with dramatic swiftness.
The plant originated in the Cape Verde Islands (in the Atlantic West of Senegal) or thereabouts and by early historical time sit had appeared in Egypt, Arabia and India.
Aloe that was used to embalm the body of Christ, according to John 19:39, was possibly Aloe vera or a closely related species.
The Roman naturalist Pliny, writing in the first century A.D., cited many
uses for Aloe. The
fresh juice for external application to heal
wounds, bruises and irritations; and a leaf extract to be taken internally as a tonic, purgative and jaundice remedy. Modern medicine has found new uses for aloe-for example, for example as a salve for the treatment of radiation
burns.
Many people keep a pot of the plant growing on the kitchen windowsill. The fresh juice squeezed from a broken aloe leaf provides instant relief for minor burns and wounds.
Habitat: Dry, sunny places; sandy soils
Range: Native to Africa and the Mediterranean area, aloe was early introduced to North America and continues to be cultivated in California, Texas, Florida and Arizona as a house plant.
Identification: A succulent perennial with a rosette of narrow, prickly –edged, fleshy leaves filled with bitter juice, aloe produces a single leafless stalk growing 2-3 feet tall, which terminates in an elongated cluster of downward pointing yellow to orange red flowers.
Uses: The sticky fresh juice of aloe leaves serves as an emollient (skin softening) ingredient tin many shampoos, skin lotions, creams and salves.
It is also used for minor wounds and burns, both in home use of the fresh juice an din pharmaceutical products.
A resinous extract from the dried leaves has been administered internally as a strong laxative. Research indicates that these uses are valid.