For thousands of years, Aloe Vera has been used for its many medicinal purposes. It has a very long history rooted in many different cultures and literary texts including the bible. Because of its many purposes, Aloe Vera has been commercially exploited. In the following I will discuss some of Aloe Vera purposes and its history in some more well known cultures.
EGYPT
The ancient Egyptians called Aloe the Plant of Immortality.
Two of the most alluring Egyptian queens, Nephrite and Cleopatra, relied on Aloe Vera to maintain their unlined and youthful complexions by both drinking aloe juice and bathing in it. (Trease)
In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the herbal plant in treating burns, infections and parasites.
The Egyptians were believed to have used aloe juice in embalming and to preserve dead bodies from putrefaction. Paintings of Aloe Vera plants dating back to 4,000BC have been found on the temple and tomb walls of ancient Egypt. (Trease)
AFRICA
Aloe originates from tropical Africa, where related species are used as an antidote to poison arrow wounds.
African hunters still rub the gel on their bodies to reduce perspiration and their scent. (Parma)
GREECE & ROME
The ancient Greek scientists regarded Aloe Vera as the universal panacea. The noted Greek and Roman physicians, Discords and Pliny used the plant to heal wounds, skin abrasions, insect bites, boils, bruises, chapping, sore rhea, bleeding gums, hemorrhoids, dysentery as well as a purgative. (Trease)
What does "Aloe Vera" mean?
The name is derived from the Arabic, aloe, and the Hebrew, hallal, meaning a shining, bitter substance - "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found within the Aloe leaves. Vera comes from the Latin, verus, meaning true. Aloe has also been referred to as an acronym. A.L.O.E. VERA A little of everything true. (Barnes)
The Masses of Aloe
The Aloe genus contains over five hundred different species, but some are more nutritious and more effective medicinally than others. Aloe Vera Barbadensis is the species that is most beneficial. (Barnes)
Bringing it to the Masses
Aloe Vera, a semi-tropical plant, has a long history of use through many parts of the world. Until relatively recently however (the early 1950s) its use was restricted to those who could obtain leaves direct from the plant. (Davis)
Which family does aloe Vera belong to?
Aloe resembles cactus in appearance, but is actually a perennial succulent originally placed in the lily family (Liliaceae). Now that this family has been split into
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