The Aloe Vera plant believed to be native of Somalia has been a part of almost every ancient tradition and has found a mention in almost every literature from the Chinese, Greek, Indian and even Christian literature. Aloe Vera contains powerful antioxidants and is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12. It also contains 20 of the 22 amino acids. Although the leaves resemble the cactus plant, it is a part of the lily family and is filled with a thick and gelatinous gel. This gel is used for medicinal purposes. The Aloe Vera plant is often found in most kitchens and is often used as an instant cure for cuts, burns or wounds.

Each leaf consists of four layers viz; the rind or the outer protective layer, a bitter sap under the rind that surrounds the gel inside, the mucilage gel  that surrounds the center gel and finally the center gel which is the inner most part of the leaf. This inner most gel has a number of medicinal properties. Many people simply cut the leaf and rub off the liquid on the wound. Although effective, this results in the gel being wasted. To make sure that the gel is not wasted and is properly removed the leaf has to be filleted instead of simply squeezed.