Aloe Vera – An Introduction

For over 3,500 years, tales of “Healing Aloe Vera” plants have been handed down through   centuries by word of mouth. It is probably one of the most discussed, but least understood medicinal plants in history. From the Bible’s mention of removing Christ from the cross and wrapping his body in Aloes and myrrh, (John 19:39), we find Aloe Vera mysteriously appearing in every phase of history, with many testimonials to its great medicinal values. The earliest documented use of Aloe Vera comes from the ancient Egyptians, but it was also grown and used by King Solomon, who was said to have valued it highly. 

Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in order to have the Aloe for his army. During his fabled travels in the Orient, among the many marvels recorded by Marco Polo was his description of the many applications of the Aloe Vera Plant. The Spanish Conquistadors discovered various herbal medicines in use in Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City). At the heart of many of the Aztec cures, it is known that, Aloe Vera was the effective agent. These Aztec herbal medicines were transported back to Europe by Spanish, during the sixteenth century, where they became the foundation for modern Western medicine.

Aloe Vera is a species of Aloe, native to Northern Africa. It is a stem less or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing 30-36 inches tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. Aloe Vera has long been a popular houseplant. Often called the ‘Miracle Plant’ or the ‘Natural Healer’, Aloe Vera is a plant of many surprises. It flourishes in warm and dry climates, and to many people it looks like a cactus with fleshy thorny leaves. In fact, it is a member of the Lily family, staying moist where other plants wither and die by closing its pores to prevent moisture loss.

There are over 300 species of Aloe, but it is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera or True Aloe) plant which has been of most use to mankind because of the medicinal properties it displays. Fully grown, the plant stands 30-36 inches high, and a mature leaf is 2.5-3 inches wide at the base, weighing 1.5 to 2 kg.

1) Rind – The outer protective layer

2) Sap – A layer of bitter fluid which helps protect the plant from animals.

3) Mucilage Gel – The inner part of the leaf that is filleted out to make Aloe Vera Gel.

4) Aloe Vera (Inner Gel) contains the 8 essential Amino Acids that the human body needs but cannot manufacture.

We believe you will come to realize (as we have) that Aloe Vera is great for your body – both internally and externally. Aloe Vera ahs some fantastic natural healing benefits which is why it has earned the title “Miracle Plant”.

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