There are over 250 species of Aloes in the world, mostly native to Africa. They range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants.

Although most Aloes have some medicinal or commercial value, the most commonly known is the Aloe barbadensis… better known as Aloe vera. All Aloes are semitropical succulent plants, and may only be grown outdoors in areas where there is no chance of freezing (USDA zones 10-11).

However, they make excellent house plants when they are given sufficient light. Potted Aloes benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Older specimens may even bloom, producing a tall stock covered with bright colored coral flowers. Aloe flower nectar is a favorite of hummingbirds!

History shows that Aloe was used by Cleopatra as a cosmetic aid for her skin, which was said to be of legendary beauty. This places the plant in use at least as early as 1500 BC. Arab traders spread it far and wide around the 6th century, trading it as far as Asia.

It is said that Alexander the Great conquered areas where the plant grew so that he could use the medicine for his soldiers, other reports state that he kept one particular island for growing aloe for his soldiers. Mention of this remarkable plant is made in 12th century German medical records as well as in the Compendium of Materia Medica to the Chinese Ming dynasty.

The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote of using it externally for treating wounds of all sorts. Columbus carried it on board his ships during his ocean voyages. To confuse matters even more thoroughly, there is still another product called aloe that is entirely different from the two just described.

That is the aloe of the Bible, the so-called lignaloes or aloe wood, a fragrant wood from an entirely different plant that was once used as an incense. It has nothing to do with the aloe we are discussing except that some persons try to glamorize aloe gel by incorrectly ascribing to it a biblical origin.

The names may be the same, but the plants referred to are not. Actually, aloe latex has been used as a laxative for about eighteen centuries, but neither it nor aloe gel is referred to in the Bible.

Aloes are used worldwide in natural beverages and traditional remedies, the soothing aloe vera plant has been employed — both topically and internally — for about 4,000 years to support health, stamina, and vitality. Research is beginning to validate many traditional uses of this succulent plant, including its internal use to support gastrointestinal health, a strong immune system, and normal blood sugar levels, and to help prevent inflammation.

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