Background:
Aloe was used by the Greeks and imported to Europe and East India. Aloe is mentioned in many ancient script, including the Bible as it is reported to have been used to preserve the body of Jesus Christ. Aside from being a religious symbol, it also held value as an incense.
Aloe is used as an ornamental plant and has been used in place of soap in Jamaica. Others prefer to use it as a cleaning element to scrub utensils or as a thread once the material inside the leaves are dried and spun.
Applications: Beauty
Beauty: Historically, Cleopatra was said to have used Aloe in her beauty regimen.
Description: Aloe is grown in the tropics and is native to Africa. It's cultivated as a potted plant. They have been known to grow up to 60 feet in height with stems as much as 10 feet in circumference.
The plants are perennial and woody with branches that produce fleshy leaves that protrude from the upper part of the root. There are several varieties of Aloe plants, each with a slightly different appearance.
When it's harvested, the leaves can be broken off to expose the oozing gel from the leaf. The leaves are cut and drained so that the gel can be collected and processed for use. If dried, the liquid inside the leaves is known as "bitter aloes."
Safety: Should not use Aloe orally if pregnant, nursing, or menstruating. Bitter juice from the base of the Aloe leaves should not be applied directly to the skin.
