Aloe Vera’s Real Name
Some people refer to all smallish aloes with green leaves and white spots as aloe vera, but there are differences in the chemical compounds within the various aloes even though some may look alike.
The difference between Aloe and Aloe vera is that Aloe vera belongs to a huge family of aloe plants. There are around 420 species of aloes varying from massive African tree aloes, Aloidendron barberae that grow to heights of 60-feet, to the tiny Aloe descoingsiia, a native of Madagascar, that will only reach a maximum of 3 inches.
Aloe barbadensis miller is the botanical name for aloe vera, which has become a household name globally, due to its proven healing properties.
If using aloe vera juice, ensure you have the right plant because, while aloe extract from various other members of the aloe family can be used for a number of applications, it is not aloe vera, the plant that has caught the attention of the public for its soothing properties for use in cosmetics and medicine.
While the chemical makeup of juice from various aloes is similar in some respects, scientists warn against substituting the juice from another type of aloe as it may not give the same results as when you use aloe vera.
The reason is the amount of saponins may vary, as well as anti-oxidants, and vitamins like A (beta-carotene), C, and vitamin E. Aloe vera also contains vitamin B12, one of the very few plant-based sources of this very necessary vitamin to keep blood and nerve cells healthy.
Now, aloe arborescens and aloe ferox, to name just two aloe species, have very similar qualities and by some reports are superior, so one wonders why people are using aloe vera instead. It could come down to the following three reasons:
We are not going to go through all the species, just the three most commonly used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
Aloe ferox grows six feet tall, or more. It is used in traditional medicine in Africa and commercially worldwide. Originating from South Africa, the plant is now widely spread.
The bitter aloe juice is used in preparations used to discourage people from biting their nails, and is also used as a laxative, although continued use is not advised as it may lead to irritation in the pelvic region.
Like aloe vera, the juice from the core of the leaves of aloe ferox is also used in treating burns, wounds, lacerations and other skin irritations, when applied as a poultice. However, scientists have identified certain compounds within aloe vera that do not occur in the same combinations in other aloe species.
Aloe Arborescens is an upright growing aloe with a central stem and branches developing off it at various angles, forming something of a tree – hence the ‘arbor’ in the name.
It can grow to over 4 meters in height in its native tropical to subtropical regions, and is commonly used in skin preparations as well as for sunburn.
Also known as the stone aloe, this is an attractive plant with greyish leaves and upright crimson flowers in a candelabra shape. The gel from the leaves of this aloe is also good for sunburn, and for healing small wounds.
The plants have narrow leaves that form an elongated triangle with serrations on the edges. The leaves tend to grow more upright, and are a fresh pea green color rather than the gray green of some other aloe species.
The plant is quite small – growing about 12 to 24 inches tall, and tending to produce plenty of ‘pups’ so it tends to form a clump.
No, while there are lots of aloe species there is only one aloe barbadensis miller, so don’t believe articles that list x types of aloe vera. Aloe species yes, aloe vera no – unless you are one of those who call all aloes types, aloe vera, which is botanically incorrect.
Aloe vera is found growing wild in the drier regions of Africa, and Asia, and is now also found in America, and Europe.
Most nurseries stock aloe barbadensis miller (aka aloe vera), which grows outdoors in USDA zones 8 to 12. It can also be grown outside in containers during the summer in colder zones, but will need to be taken indoors in the winter in zones 7 to 5.
The extraction of the juice involves a sharp knife and slitting the leaves carefully to peel them back and reveal the clear gel. Watch this video to see exactly how to extract the juice from the leaves of your aloe vera plants:
According to an article published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology the aloe vera plant’s inner clear gel is composed of amino acids, lipids, vitamins, sterols and glucomannans, which account for its healing properties.
The middle layer has the bitter yellow sap, and outside is the thicker rind of the leaf that protects it from the weather. You do not need the whole plant for medicine and cosmetics – just cut off the required number of leaves, so it can continue to grow and produce new leaves.
So now you know the difference – basically aloe vera is a synonym for aloe barbadensis miller – the only true aloe vera.
As a child I wanted to grow up and marry a farmer… simply because it was so different from my life right on the shores of the ocean. Well, I didn’t marry a farmer but a surfer instead. The urge, however, to grow stuff and make great food for a big family never left. We are on acreage with a sea view and easy access to fresh caught crayfish and other seafood – the best of both worlds. As an artist and writer I enjoy creating new recipes, tweaking traditional ones, and sharing the results not only with family and friends, but online.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Privacy Policy and Privacy Notice
The Homesteading Hippy is a participant in the Amazon Services L.L.C. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The information provided on The Homesteading Hippy is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
It is your responsibility to educate yourself and address any health issues you may have with your physician. Please seek professional help when needed.
Aloe Vera’s Real Name
Research & References of Aloe Vera’s Real Name|A&C Accounting And Tax Services
Source