Aloe  ( aloe vera )

 

Aloe is native to Florida, though there are nearly 200 species, most of which grow in southern Africa. Aloe has gained much recognition in recent years as a healing herb; found now as a houseplant in many a kitchen for instant relief of burns.

 

Physical Description: 

Aloe looks much like a succulent cactus. Its leaves are usually elongated , frequently pointed, sometimes blotched or mottled.     Some of them have spiny teeth on the leaves, and the flowers tend to be found on a single leafless stalk in clusters.

Depending on the species, they can be in simple or in branched clusters. Also depending on the species, they can range from miniature house plants to a species which grows to 65 feet. Note, there is a plant referred to as American Aloe which is not a true aloe but a member of the agave family.

 

Aloe is most well known for its use in soothing burns by using its fresh juice. Note it also can soothe some insect bites. It can also be used externally as a dried powder which is applied to open running wounds (thickly) then covered with clean gauze. It absorbs the fluid, and encourages healthy tissue growth. Internally it can be used as a cleanser (purgative, that is strong laxative, doses of .3 to 1 gram used for this purpose) and an emmenagogue (bringing on menses when they are delayed or suppressed, doses of up to .2 gram for this purpose). Aloe should not be used internally by pregnant women or by folks with hemorrhoids.