The Aloe vera plant is an African succulent that is popular in folk remedies. Today, you can find Aloe vera outside Africa since it is a popular garden plant, especially in dry areas where gardens must be created with the climate in mind. Aloe vera is also commercially cultivated all over the world to be used in folk medicines. Outside Africa, you will find the largest Aloe vera farms in the Mediterranean region, the United States, the Caribbean and Japan. An Aloe vera plant will also do well indoors, but keep in mind that it can grow very large and need re-potting.
Just like all the other succulent plants, the Aloe vera can store large amounts of water. This is an adaptation to a life in regions susceptible to droughts. Wild Aloe vera is commonly found in regions that experience large temperature differences between day and night. When the dew falls, the Aloe vera can absorb the moist and use it to survive. The Aloe vera will store water in its large fleshy leaves. Inside an Aloe vera leaf, you will find a clear jellylike liquid. This liquid forms the base of the Aloe vera juice that is so popular in folk medicine. If you grow your own Aloe vera plant, you can use the...