| Latin: | Aloes barbadensis |
| English: | Aloe vera |
| French: | Aloe vera |
| Part used: | Gel from the leaf |
| Family: | Asphodelaceae |
| Origin: | India |
History and Origin
Aloe barbadensis is a succulent plant of the Asphodelaceae family that has multiple virtues. Aloe vera is of uncertain origin, but the plant has long been naturalized and cultivated throughout the warm regions of the world such as the Mediterranean region, North Africa, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. It is also widely used as a houseplant throughout the world. It has been used since ancient times. Its tough leaves contain a gel used mainly in cosmetics as a skin healer.