The plant looks like a cactus in a leafy form. It is a bunch of thick leaves with thorns at the edge of them. It is of the Asphodelaceae family. Its scientific name is also Aloe Vera. Aloe vera derives from an Arabic word “Alloeh” which means “Shinning Bitter Substance” and “vera” in Latin means true. It was called “The Plant of Immortality” by the Egyptians while it was regarded as “Universal Panacea” by the Greek scientists. It originates from Arabian Peninsula but grows wild in Tropical Regions and now is found in the whole world. it can grow up to 12 to 20 inches in length. It is grown for medicinal and other uses like:
- In cosmetics
- Curing wounds, skin diseases, burns, sunburns, frostbites, acne, psoriasis, eczema, and insect bites. (gel)
- Improves skin and prevents wrinkles
- Reduces constipation
- Treats canker sores
- Reduces dental plaque
- Accelerates the healing of burns
- Antioxidant and antibacterial properties
Aloe Vera is widely grown as an ornamental or medicinal plant. The plant has also won the Horticulture Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Its botanical name is “Aloe barbadensis miller”. It is known to us that the queens Cleopatra and Nefertiti used it as a part of their regular beauty regimes and Alexander the Great and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldier's wounds.