Native to North Africa, aloe vera is widely knows for its abilities to relieve sunburns and help heal wounds. The plant has many medicinal purposes. The gel contained in the leaves of aloe vera have astonishing healing powers. From bruises to sunburns, almost every skin condition can be treated with this so called "wonder plant".
History & Folklore
The first recorded use of the plant goes back 6000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Cleopatra and Nofretete valued the plant and used the gel in their daily skin care routine. The plant was thought to hold the secret of beauty, health and immortality. Ancient records like the "papyrus Eber" of 1,550 BC already documented the benefits of aloe vera. In Mesopotamia the people knew about aloe vera's cleansing effect. It was believed that the natural power of aloe vera could exorcise the demons out of a human. Around 356-323 BC Alexander the Great was aware of aloe vera's healing powers and the juice was used to heal the wounds of the warriors. During Roman times, Dioskurides wrote serval books on aloe vera's pharmaceutical uses such as the treatment of wounds, skin irritations, acne, sunburn, hair loss and many more. Today the plant still remains a true gift from nature to humanity.
Habitat & Cultivation
It is believed that that the plant is native to eastern and southern Africa, but the true origin of aloe vera is unknown. Today the "wonder plant" can be found all over the world and it is cultivated extensively worldwide as a pot plant. It grows best in tropical and subtropical areas. The leaves grow up to 40-50 cm long and 6-7 cm wide. Once the plant is fully grown the leaves can be broken. The leaves contain a gel and a bitter liquid that can be extracted and used for medical remedies but an aloe vera plant grown as a pot plant contains less antraquinones. Therefore the pot plant are vera is less effective when it comes to medical uses.
Uses
Beauty treatment Aloe vera has been used as a skin lotion for ages. Even Cleopatra has made use of the gel filled plant and attributed her beauty to it.
Western remedy In the 1950s the plants popularity rose in the Wast and its ability to heal burns and wounds has been discovered.
First aid The gel inside the plant is an excellent first aid remedy for sunburns, burns, grazes and scalds. The gel that comes out of the plant after the leaves are broken can be applied to the affected area.
Skin conditions The gel has a soothing and cooling effect and can be helpful for almost ever skin condition. It can also help with varicose veins.
Ulcers The gels abilities also works wonders internally and is especially helpful for peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.
Laxative Anthraquinones is one of the key constituents of the plants bitter yellow liquid in the leaves. They are strongly laxative. 8-12 hours after consumption they contract the colon and produce a bowel movement. Taking a lower doses can serve as a stimulant for digestions, while taking a higher doses the bitter liquid can be a laxative and purgative.
Parts used
Leaves contain a clear gel.
Key Actions
Heals wounds
Emollient
Stimulates secretions of bile
Laxative
Constituents
Anthraquinones (aloin, aloe-emodin)
Resins
Tannis
Polysaccharides
Aloectin B
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 60.
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Stev0 C.
I used alo Vera on a new tattoo, the healing effects were amazing! Beat thing I've ever used in a new tattoo😍
bill V.
I drink aloe vera juice daily, use it on my skin. Its a great general use herb, so many benefits. I highly recommend using it in your routine.