Basic information about aloe vera--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Aloe vera's use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egyptian civilization, where the plant was depicted on stone carvings. Known as the "plant of immortality," aloe was presented as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.

Common Names--aloe vera, aloe, burn plant, lily of the desert, elephant's gall

Latin Names--Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis

Aloe Vera