Aloe is a genus containing about 500 species of flowering succulent plants. The most widely known species is Aloe vera, or "true aloe", so called because, though probably extinct in the wild, it is cultivated as the standard source of so-called "aloe vera" for assorted pharmaceutical purposes. Other species, such as Aloe ferox and Aloe arborescens also are cultivated or harvested from the wild for similar applications.

Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharide, and fatty acids- no wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies. The bulk of the Aloe Vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water.

Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12.

Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe Vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.

Estimates of the amino acids found in aloe range from 18-20 amino acids, with all 8 essential amino acids.

Aloe contains three plant sterols, which are important fatty acids- HCL cholesterol (which lowers fats in the blood), campesterol, and B-sitosterol. All are helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and acid indigestion. Other fatty acids include linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and  stearic.

 

Man has used aloe therapeutically for over 5000 years. The list of benefits and effects for this miraculous plant are many.

Chinese, Ayurvedic, Greek Egyptian Mesopotamian Jewish and Islamic medical literature all assert the wonders of aloe vera both in internal and external use. Aloe vera leaves exude a gel which is said to ease pain, reduce swelling, treat wounds, induce sleep, loosen the belly, heal bruises and mouth irritations, cleanse the stomach, reduce constipation soothe boils and many many others.