Aloe, also written Aloë, is a genus containing about four hundred species of flowering succulent plants.
The genus is native to Africa, and is common in South Africa's Cape Province, the mountains of tropical Africa, and neighbouring areas such as Madagascar, the Arabian peninsula, and the islands off Africa.
The APG II system (2003) placed the genus in the family Asphodelaceae. In the past it has also been assigned to families Aloaceae and Liliaceae. Members of the closely allied genera Gasteria, Haworthia and Kniphofia, which have a similar mode of growth, are also popularly known as "aloes". Note that the plant sometimes called "American aloe" (Agave americana) belongs to Agavaceae, a different family.
Most Aloe species have a rosette of large, thick, fleshy leaves. The leaves are often lance-shaped with a sharp apex and a spiny margin. Aloe flowers are tubular, frequently yellow, pink or red and are borne on densely clustered, simple or branched leafless stems.
Many species of Aloe appear to be stemless, with the rosette growing directly at ground level; other varieties may have a branched or unbranched stem from which the fleshy leaves spring. They vary in colour from grey to bright-green and are sometimes striped or mottled. Some Aloes native to South Africa are arborescent. [1]
Uses
Aloe species are frequently cultivated as ornamental plants both in gardens and in pots. Many Aloe species are highly decorative and are valued by collectors of succulents. It is claimed to have some medicinal effects, which have been supported by scientific and medical research - see references on article on Aloe vera.
Historical uses
Historical use of various Aloe species by humans is well documented, though the species of Aloe used and their clinical effectiveness remain unknown.[2]
Of the 300 species of Aloe, only a few were used traditionally as a herbal medicine. This includes Aloe perryi (found in northeastern Africa) and Aloe ferox (found in South Africa). But the most popular species is Aloe vera. It was and still is the most commonly-used type of Aloe. The Greeks and Romans used Aloe to treat wounds. In the Middle Ages, the yellowish liquid found inside the leaves was favored as a purgative.[citation needed]
Some species, in particular Aloe vera are used in alternative medicines and in home first aid. Both the translucent inner pulp and the resinous yellow exudate from wounding the Aloe plant are used externally to relieve skin discomforts. Systematic reviews of randomised and controlled clinical trials have provided no evidence that Aloe vera has a strong medicinal effect.[3][4] Other research however suggests Aloe vera can significantly slow wound healing compared to normal protocols of treatment.[5]
Today, the gel found in the leaves is used for soothing minor burns, wounds, and various skin conditions like eczema and ringworm. The use of this herbal medicine was popularized in the 1950s in many Western Countries. The gel's effect is nearly immediate; it also applies a layer over wounds that is said to reduce the chance of any infection.[5]
There have been very few properly conducted studies about possible benefits of Aloe gel taken internally, since the extract is toxic, yet it has been found to be anti-carcinogenic.[citation needed] Data also suggest that components of Aloe inhibit tumor growth.[6] There have been some studies in animal models which indicate that extracts of Aloe have a significant anti-hyperglycemic effect, and may be useful in treating Type II diabetes. These studies have not been confirmed in humans.[7]
On May 9, 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule banning the use of Aloe and Cascara sagrada as laxative ingredients in over-the-counter drug products.[8]
[edit] Chemical properties
According to W. A. Shenstone, two classes of aloins are to be recognized: (1) nataloins, which yield picric and oxalic acids with nitric acid, and do not give a red coloration with nitric acid; and (2) barbaloins, which yield aloetic acid (C7H2N3O5), chrysammic acid (C7H2N2O6), picric and oxalic acids with nitric acid, being reddened by the acid. This second group may be divided into a-barbaloins, obtained from Barbados Aloe, and reddened in the cold, and b-barbaloins, obtained from Socotrine and Zanzibar Aloe, reddened by ordinary nitric acid only when warmed or by fuming acid in the cold. Nataloin (2C17H13O7·H2O) forms bright yellow scales. Barbaloin (C17H18O7) prismatic crystals. Aloe species also contain a trace of volatile oil, to which its odour is due.[citation needed]
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Aloe Vera!
Benefits of Aloe Vera to the Skin
Aloe vera provides numerous benefits to the skin and they are:-
- Aloe vera is beneficial for cracked and dry skin.
- Aloe vera is helpful for frostbite, burns, insect bites, blisters and allergic reactions.
- All the aloe vera products are used as a part of skin treatment regimen and keep the skin healthy.
- Aloe vera products contain the highest concentrations of healing agent which is beneficial for the skin.
- It makes the skin smooth and glowing.
- Aloe vera oil can be used on the dry skin to make the skin normal and shiny.
- Aloe vera is used for treating various skin conditions such as eczema, burns, psoriasis, inflammations, wounds etc.
- It is an excellent skin moisturizer that keeps the skin flexible by giving oxygen to the cells which in turn increases the strength and synthesis of skin tissue.
- The products of aloe vera are very popular among the customers due to the moisturizing properties which are best for the skin or skin disorders.
- Aloe vera improves the ability of the skin so that it can hydrate itself.
- It is helpful in removing dead skin cells and has the ability for effective penetration and transports healthy substances through the skin.
- It is beneficial for the cosmetic products such as make up, anti-wrinkle creams, facial masks, skin conditioners and lipsticks.
- Aloe vera is useful for preventing the aging of the skin.
- Aloe vera gel is helpful in improving the lesions.
- It lightens dark spots on the face and reduces the intensity of pigmentation.
So, aloe vera provides various benefits not only to the skin but other benefits also such as in the treatment of various diseases and is also beneficial for other purposes.
taken from http://www.mauritasaloevera.com/Aloe-Vera-Benefits-Skin.htm
I am starting to love this plant! Because it HEALS MY PIMPLE REAL QUICK!!! love it!! hahaha. 
Go get one Aloe Vera Gel if you need some healing aid for pimples or ulcers! highly recommended
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