As a multi-purpose medicinal herb, the aloe vera plant is commonly used in hundreds of households around the world. Unlike some types of plants, the plant no longer grows in the wild. It is thought to have originated from the country of Africa, with relatives of the plant still living up to this day. You can also find references of the plant in the Bible, which makes it one of the oldest documented species of plants known to man. Nowadays, it lives in captivity or cultivated by many people for commercial purposes(especially in their own home herb garden). This fact alone makes this plant quite unique compared to the other household plants found in the wild.
The plant has a lot of properties, from soothing burns, promoting faster healing, to the treatment of diseases like diabetes. Due to the special compounds in the plant, which include lectins, anthraquinones, anthrones, anthraquinone C-glycosides, polymannans and acetylated mannans, companies would add aloe to their various products as an additional attraction for buyers.
It is an exceptional plant, growing in zones 8-10. It can be used as an ornamental plant for low-water gardens, and can also be placed indoors. This plant does not do well in the cold weather, and will die under such temperature. If you would like to keep the aloe vera in colder climates, it must be kept indoors or in a greenhouse so as to prevent the frost from destroying it. Being a succulent plant, it resembles cacti and other common desert plants. As the plant is used to warm climates, too much water will destroy it. As it is one of the easiest plants to take care of, it should not be watered until its soil will run dry. Only soil with good drainage should be utilized in putting the plant in herb gardening pots, because having too much sitting water will cause the root to rot.
When grown and cultivated at home, the plant is typically used for treating cuts and burns. There are conflicting studies on how it affects the healing rate. There are some indicators that the rate of healing may be dependent on the type and depth of the burn, and how it is bandaged. Some studies would say that the healing rate is slowed from the plant. The plant may also be digested as a general cure.
Despite the lack of scientific proof on its healing capabilities and other properties, it has garnered a great reputation among the people, granting the plant a place in lotions, soaps, shampoos and a wide variety of cosmetics. But, the gains garnered from the presence of aloe in such products are just based on belief, and not on concrete scientific research and evidence. But still, with its great properties, the aloe vera truly is one worthy addition to your own herb garden at home.
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