Aloe refers to the variety of plants that contain a lot of water and are native to the arid parts of Africa, especially in the south. Vera is a specific species that is widely used for medicinal purposes.

Commonly known as Aloe vera, the plant can be separated into two basic products: gel and latex. Aloe vera gel is the leaf pulp or mucilage, a thin clear jelly-like substance obtained from the parenchymal tissue that makes up the inner portion of the leaves. The gel contains carbohydrate polymers, such as glucomannans or pectic acid, plus various other organic and inorganic compounds. Aloe latex, commonly referred to as “aloe juice,” is a bitter yellow exudate from the pericyclic tubules just beneath the outer skin of the leaves.

For pharmaceutical use as a laxative, the juice is often dried to produce “aloe” granules that are dark brown from exposure to air. The terms “gel” and “juice” are not clearly defined by manufacturers and often are confused by consumers.

The most common use is to soothe different skin ailments, and burns. If you do grow your own Aloe Vera plant, when you burn yourself, or get stung by an insect, cut one of the leaves open near the base and drip the sap onto the wound. This will soothe a lot of the pain and prevent blistering.

When growing an Aloe Vera plant, remember it is over 95% water, so if placed outside in the bitter British weather, it will freeze and die. It requires full sunlight (direct or indirect), and to be planted in a light, sandy soil. Although Aloe Vera has such a high water content, too much water can be fatal.

Your aloe vera will quickly start to grow small “pups” that cluster around the bottom of the plant’s base. After reaching baby finger size, the pups can be removed and started on their own, or left to increase the overall size of your plant.

When watering the plant, soak the soil, and then wait until it is bone dry until the next watering.

Inexpensive and easy to grow, aloe vera makes a good plant for the beginning gardener, requiring little care other than protection from frost. Keep it indoors over winter if you experience freezing temperatures in your area, and put it out in spring, being sure to bring it back in before the first fall frost. A large pot of aloe vera makes a good focal point for a deck or patio.