What is aloe vera?

This is all about Aloe Vera.

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 80–100 cm (31-39 inches) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are lanceolate, thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with a serrated margin. The flowers are produced on a spike up to 90 cm (34') tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2-3 cm long.

Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant in European gardens since at least the 15th century, the species is popular with modern gardeners as it has interest as a medicinal plant and survives in areas of low natural rainfall.

Aloe vera has been long known as for it's great healing properties. Some studies show that it heals wounds by increasing the rates of healing. Oral intake of aloe vera has been linked with improved blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. It also effects lowering the blood lipids and controllin hyperlipidaemia. Extracts of aloe vera can inhibit the growth of fungi that cause tinea however, evidence for control beneath human skin remains to be established. Compounds extracted from aloe vera have been used as an immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in cats and dogs. However in humans, injection of aloe vera extracts to treat cancer has resulted in the deaths of several patients. Some cosmetics use aloe vera in their products. Some biofuel supposely has aloe vera in them too. There are also a lot of food today that contain aloe vera. I'm sure you have seen quiet some aloe vera drinks out there.