Many popular herbal remedies are derived from the aloe plant. Native to Africa, the aloe vera plant is also called the "lily of the desert", "plant of immortality" and, appropriately, "medicine plant." The bitter liquid that comes from the plant is the basis of the name "alloeh", which translates in Arabic to "bitter taste".

The Herb

The aloe vera plant belongs to the family Asphodelaceae with about 400 known species currently grown. Classified as succulent plants, aloe grows in the more arid parts of Africa and in the mountains of tropical Africa. The most distinguishing part of the aloe vera herbal plant is its leaves which are large, thick, and fleshy. The leaves are shaped like lances with a sharp apex and spines lining their margins.

Ancient History

Historians have traced the use of aloe vera as an herbal or medical treatment as far back as 1500 BC. These ancient Egyptians used the plant to treat parasites, burns and infections.

Aloe Believed to Aid Healing

Many believe that the juice of the aloe vera plant yields certain substances, called aloes, which are good purgatives. Great care must be taken before ingesting the aloe plant as some species, including the Aloe venenosa, can produce poisonous juices. Most species, however, including A. vera, chinensis, perryi, socotrina and vulgaris, contain aloes that provide soothing, therapeutic benefits.

Thorough research has been done on the aloe vera plant since the 1930s. Studies indicate that the clear gel of the aloe vera herbal plant has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers, and burns. By coating the affected areas with the gel-like substance, the wound is safeguarded from infection-causing bacteria and other micro bodies, thus speeding up the healing rate.

Herbal Juice

Like most succulents, the aloe vera plant is composed of about 96 percent water. The remaining 4 percent consists of active ingredients including essential oils, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and glycoproteins. The many active constituents present in the aloe vera plant have prompted many modern healers to implement it into their liquid health treatments. The aloe vera herbal juice is usually combined with other medicinal plants in order to increase its potency. Those who use it believe that the juice of the aloe vera produces a relieving effect on digestive tract irritations caused by peptic ulcers, colitis and other digestive disorders.

Aloe Vera Supplements

The many naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals make aloe vera the ideal herbal food supplement. It helps aid digestion, and can assist in lymphatic and blood circulation. Aloe vera herbal supplements are also believed to improve liver, kidney and gall bladder functions.

With at least three fatty acids, the aloe vera plant also presents anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, aloe vera herbal supplements can be helpful for those with colon, stomach and small intestine difficulties. By naturally alkalizing digestive juices and preventing excess stomach acids, aloe vera supplements can help to prevent these common causes of indigestion.

When discomfort hits you next, why not grab a piece of aloe? It is easy to grow, and looks very nice in the bathroom, for example. Modern medicine cabinets would all benefit from the healing properites of this ancient plant.