As a multi-purpose medicinal herb, the plant is commonly utilized in many households worldwide. Unlike some types of plants, the aloe vera no longer grows in the wild. The aloe vera is said to have its origins in Africa, with its relatives still living up to the present day. The plant can also be found in the Bible, which makes it one of the oldest documented species of plants known to man. Nowadays, this plant lives in captivity or grown by people for domestic purposes (for example, in the herb garden at home). This makes the aloe vera quite unique compared to household plants that can be found in the wild.

The aloe vera has a lot of properties, from soothing burns, promoting faster healing, to the treatment of diseases like diabetes. Because of the plant's special compounds (which include polymannans, acetylated mannans, anthrones, anthraquinone C-glycosides, lectins and anthraquinones), companies tend to add aloe to their products' ingredients so as to entice users to buy them.

The aloe vera is a succulent plant (or fat plant) that lives in the zones 8 to 10. It can be used as an ornamental plant for low-water gardens, and they can also be put inside the house. It doesn't do well in the cold, and will eventually die if left in such a condition. For those who want to keep the plant in the cold, it is a must to keep it indoors or in a greenhouse so as to prevent the frost from killing it. Being a succulent plant, it looks like the cacti, as well as other plants. As the plant is suited for acrid climates, too much water exposure will kill it. As it is one of the easiest plants to take care of, it shouldn't be watered until the soil runs dry. Only dirt with good drainage should be used in potting it, as having a lot of sitting water will rot the root.

When grown at home, the plant is typically used for treating cuts and burns. Studies come into conflict when it comes to analyzing how the plant would affect the rate of healing. There are indicators that would say that the healing rate may be dependent on the depth and type of the burn, and the manner that it's bandaged. Some studies would say that the healing rate is slowed from the plant. The aloe vera may also be digested as a general cure.

Despite the lack of data on its healing capabilities and other properties, it has gained great reputation among the people, granting the plant a place in soaps, lotions, shampoos and a wide selection of cosmetics. But the gains garnered from the aloe vera's presence in these products are solely based on belief, not on any kind of scientific proof. But still, with its great properties, the aloe vera truly is one worthy addition to your own herb garden at home.