Aloe vera is a mucilaginous gel within the leaf of the spiny Aloe barbadensis Mill. plant.
Aloe gel includes minerals, vitamins, monosaccharides, polysaccharides (acemannan), and enzymes. Aloe gel has been used to treat inflammation for more than 2500 years. The fresh gel is traditionally used for minor burns and sunburns, and for minor cuts and scrapes. Aloe vera juice used as a beverage is said to aid digestion and to reduce the effects of arthritis, stomach ulcers, diabetes and a variety of other conditions.