Everything you Need to Know About The Incredible Aloe vera Plant

Everything you Need to Know About
The Incredible Aloe vera Plant
By Wikaniko

Introduction
A.L.O.E. – 'A Little Of Everything'
Aloe vera is a succulent that belongs to the liliaceae family (lily). It is
commonly known as Aloe, Aloe vera, Barbados Aloe, Sabila and Pita Sabila.
The word ‘aloe’ has its roots in the Arabic word ‘alloeh’,
which means ‘radiance’. The earliest documented use of
Aloe vera comes from Ancient Egypt, and it can be seen
on the tombs of ancient pharaohs. Apparently it was
a herbal remedy used in embalming mummies both as a
superb preservative and also as an excellent preventative
agent against tuberculosis and other respiratory
complications innate to that kind of work.

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The earliest recorded use for pharmalogical reasons was in ancient Sumeria about
1750BC, where it was found to be an excellent remedy for stomach irritations and
nausea

It was also a favourite of King Solomon and Alexander the Great. The
conquerer’s doctors apparently used it whenever they found it growing wild,
mainly for battle wounds and as a system stabilizer. As per legend, it was the
miraculous healing power of Aloe Vera that prompted Alexander the Great to
conquer the island of Socotra. Cleopatra’s famed beauty is also attributed to
the natural goodness of Aloe vera.
A native plant of Somalia with a history dating back to the fourth century B.C,
Aloe vera also figures prominently in Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and
Christian literature. Whilst the Arabs have a tradition of placing it at graves as
a symbol of regeneration and resurrection, the African hunters used its gel as
a deodorant. With the recent resurgence of herbal products as a part of the
‘green movement’, Aloe vera is witnessing a new renaissance across the
world.

It has been used for a variety of ailments, and as an ointment for burns, cuts,
and rashes, as well as an ingredient in various beauty preparations.
The sap of the Aloe is a thick, mucilaginous gel. It is this gel which is used
medicinally. The outer skin has essentially no value, but because it is
commercially easier and less expensive to utilize the entire leaf, 'whole leaf'
Aloe juice has been hyped as the 'best'. This probably isn’t the case.
The Aloe plant is actually displayed on the coat of arms of the Royal College
of Veterinary Surgeons – such was the emphasis that they placed on its use
for treating sick animals. Today it is still well used in many forms, and Aloe


Gel can be brought from many outlets. However, it is not usually cheap, and
certainly isn't as good as having a never ending supply of Aloe vera from a
continually growing plant.