Plants are constantly used throughout the world for many things. Aloe Vera is one of many commonly used and is one of the first mentioned plants. The Aloe Vera plant has been around since before biblical times, originating in Egypt and the Middle East (5). Today there are around 250 species of aloe grown throughout the world. It can be found in India, Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia, Pacific Rim countries, South America, Central America and Africa (6). In each country, many people use this plant in various ways. It can be used for health purposes, beauty, medicinal reasons, and skin care (6). It is also known that it can be more helpful to elderly as well as those with lower immune systems. It is often said that Alexander the Great is accredited
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It can be found in dry regions and does not require ample amounts of water. It is often grown in warm tropical places because it cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Aloe is typically found in multiple types of soil including, sand, rocky soil, and even the rich soil in the grass. It is more common to be out in the open unless there are excessive amounts of sun. It can have beautiful, tubular yellow flowers that begin to bloom in the spring (4). Aloe Vera plants grow upwards from the base and are attached at the stem (1). A mature Aloe plant can become as large as 4 feet tall, although the average plant tends to be between 28 and 36 inches (6). Aloe Vera’s main component is water (2). The plant generally contains twelve to sixteen leaves. The leaves are very thick and contain the gel-like substance making them weigh up to three pounds. This gel substance can have a very bitter taste and can be used raw …show more content…
It is used to treat skin conditions and wound healing often on dermatitis, burn injuries, surgical wounds and psoriasis (1). Another form of aloe is also used called aloe latex. It is used to treat many conditions such as constipation, and Diabetes Mellitus. This latex form of the Aloe Vera is used as a laxative in those who suffer constipation, but can also be a dietary supplement. In Diabetes Mellitus, it is used to decrease blood glucose levels and have a positive effect on cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels. Not only can it be useful in those ways, but it is also known that Aloe Vera is used as an antiulcer and antitumor treatment (1). It is also often used as an antiseptic that can hinder the presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi (3). These are just a few of many things that Aloe Vera is commonly used for in our lives and throughout the medical field (1). Aloe Vera has been around for years and is still used for numerous treatments today (2). Personally, I have grown up around the use of aloe for burns and sunburn. As kids, we would come home from the beach and that would be the first thing mom would tell us if we were sunburnt. It has always been helpful to me for those sole purposes, but I have never realized how many other things it can be used for and found
It can be found in dry regions and does not require ample amounts of water. It is often grown in warm tropical places because it cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Aloe is typically found in multiple types of soil including, sand, rocky soil, and even the rich soil in the grass. It is more common to be out in the open unless there are excessive amounts of sun. It can have beautiful, tubular yellow flowers that begin to bloom in the spring (4). Aloe Vera plants grow upwards from the base and are attached at the stem (1). A mature Aloe plant can become as large as 4 feet tall, although the average plant tends to be between 28 and 36 inches (6). Aloe Vera’s main component is water (2). The plant generally contains twelve to sixteen leaves. The leaves are very thick and contain the gel-like substance making them weigh up to three pounds. This gel substance can have a very bitter taste and can be used raw …show more content…
It is used to treat skin conditions and wound healing often on dermatitis, burn injuries, surgical wounds and psoriasis (1). Another form of aloe is also used called aloe latex. It is used to treat many conditions such as constipation, and Diabetes Mellitus. This latex form of the Aloe Vera is used as a laxative in those who suffer constipation, but can also be a dietary supplement. In Diabetes Mellitus, it is used to decrease blood glucose levels and have a positive effect on cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels. Not only can it be useful in those ways, but it is also known that Aloe Vera is used as an antiulcer and antitumor treatment (1). It is also often used as an antiseptic that can hinder the presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi (3). These are just a few of many things that Aloe Vera is commonly used for in our lives and throughout the medical field (1). Aloe Vera has been around for years and is still used for numerous treatments today (2). Personally, I have grown up around the use of aloe for burns and sunburn. As kids, we would come home from the beach and that would be the first thing mom would tell us if we were sunburnt. It has always been helpful to me for those sole purposes, but I have never realized how many other things it can be used for and found