What is Aloe Vera?

Often called the “Miracle Plant” or the “Natural Healer”, Aloe Vera is the plant of many surprises. It flourishes in warm and dry climates, and many people mistake it for a cactus, but, in fact it is a member of the lily family.  It stays moist where other plants would wilt and die, closing its pores to prevent the loss of moisture.  There are over 200 varieties of Aloes, but is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera) plant which has been of most use to mankind because of its medicinal properties.

Ancient records show that the benefits of Aloe Vera have been known for centuries.  Its therapeutic advantages and healing properties have survived more than 5000 years.

George Elbers first discovered its antiquity in 1862, in an Egyptian papyrus dated 1500 BC. Greek and Roman physicians used it to great effect as a medicinal herb.

Researchers have also found the ancient Chinese and Indian cultures used Aloe Vera. Egyptian Queens used it in their quest for physical beauty, whilst in the Philippines it is used with milk for kidney infections.

Aloes also are referred to in the Bible, and legend suggests that Alexander the Great even conquered the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean, so that he had a supply of Aloes available to treat the battle wounds of his soldiers. However, rapid improvement of the documented medical science in the western world, and the movement towards less temperate climates, led to a decline in the popularity and availability of Aloe Vera and it fell into disuse.