Aloe Vera Farming Practice: Introduction

Aloe barbadensis Mill. popularly known as Aloe Vera originated in the warm, dry climates of Africa. However, because of its wide adaptability as well as its importance as medicinal plants, it is well distributed.

The virtues of the plant have been recorded by many great civilizations, from those of Persia and Egypt in the Middle East, to those of Greece and Italy in Europe, to those of India and the African continent. The plant is widely known in Asia and the Pacific, and is found in the folklore of the Japanese, the Philippines and the Hawaiians. The Spanish used Aloe, and carried it with them to their new world colonies in South America and the Caribbean. In each age, on each continent, in each culture, Aloe vera has drawn the attention of the most sophisticated minds.

In India, it is grown commercially for its high demand in cosmetic industries as well as in Indian System of Medicines. The succulent leaves are economic part of this plant. Aloe is known by several names in India as Ghrit Kumari, Kunvar pathu and Indian Aloe. Its multifarious uses as medicinal plants, vegetable, pickle making etc. has inspired growers for commercial cultivation in many parts of the country. The gel produced from its mature leaves is used in cosmetic industry for preparation of shampoo, face creams and moisturising agents.

The characteristic bitter taste of Aloe vera leaves possesses many medicinal properties. the leaves are alterative, stomachic, aphordisiac, cathartic, emmenagogic, astringent, antidotal, anthelminitic and hepatic stimulant. After removing the skin of leaves, they are given in fevers, enlargement of liver, spleen and other glands, skin diseases, gonorrhoea, constipation, menstrual suppression, piles, jaundice, rheumatic diseases and for treatment of burns and bruises.