Aloe vera is native to northern Africa, though it can now be found in Asia, Europe and parts of the Americas. It belongs to the lily family and is a short and stocky plant, similar to Agave plants or succulent cacti.  Aloe vera leaves are fleshy and soft with a lanceolate shape. The color varies from green to a gray-green.

Aloe vera is believed to have numerous health benefits. The plant can be separated into two distinct components: the gel and the latex.  The gel is made up of mucilage (leaf pulp) from the cells that form the innermost portion of the leaf. Aloe vera gel has been used in folk medicine to treat burns, skin irritations, and other minor wounds. The consumption of aloe vera is said to help with constipation, coughs, wounds, ulcers, diabetes, and arthritis.