By: Svetlana Pasarić |
Aloe Vera - the legendary herb of immortality |
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Aloe Vera is a favorite herb of many nations of the world.
Ancient physicians considered it to be a blessing to mankind.
The origins of Aloe Vera are in North Africa.
Its name derives from the Arabic word "alloeh" which means "bitter."
This name was given to aloe because of its juice, which has a bitter taste.
Vera in Latin means "real".
Did you know that the name of aloe vera only applies to Aloe barbadensis miller? This is because only this type of aloe is considered to be the true aloe.
There are more than 300 species of Aloe, but only 4 of them have medicinal properties. Aloe barbadensis miller is at the top of the list for its healing properties.
The first note of aloe is found on the Sumerian clay tables that date back to 2100 BC. Tables have been created at the time of the King of Akkad, and talk about the medicinal properties of this plant.
Antiquity of these plants is confirmed by the Egyptian papyri that date back to 1500 BC. The famous "Egyptian Book of medicines" on Ebers papyrus reveals how to use aloe for medicinal purposes.
The Egyptians called aloe "plant of immortality". They used it in the treatment of infection, against the parasites and for treating skin diseases. Queens of Egypt considered aloe to be the source of their beauty, and pharaohs took it in their afterlife.
African hunters have used aloe as a natural deodorant. Filipinos used aloe for treating kidney infection.
In India, China, Greece and the Roman Empire aloe vera has been used as a remedy for injuries, bites, burns, infections, inflammation and swelling.
Ayurveda (the ancient Indian science of health and life) is considered aloe to be vera rasayana – the rejuvenator of the organism. According to Ayurveda, aloe vera contains 4 flavors: sweet, sour, bitter and astringent.
Plants thatcontain four flavors are rare and are considered extremely medicinal. In addition to aloe, only two plants in the world contain four flavors: rose petals and guggul.
According to the legend, Aristotle advised his student Alexander the Great to conquer the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean. Socotra was at that time the centre of aloe vera production..
Owning the island on which aloe vera is cultivated could supply the whole of Alexander’s army with a wonderful natural remedy for wounds and injuries.
The army of Alexander the Great used the aloe not only for an external use.
Before long journeys soldiers drank the juice of aloe vera to protect themselves against infection, which they could easily get by drinking local food and water. According to legend, aloe vera has made the army of Alexander indestructible.
King Solomon highly valued the medicinal properties of this plant; he even grew his own aloe vera. In Psalm 45:8 we find the following, "Your clothes smell of myrrh, aloe and cinnamon ..."
Celsius, Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder and many other writers have described the properties of aloe vera in their books. We know so much about this plant and yet so little! The history and secrets of aloe vera are just waiting for you to uncover them.
Now aloe vera is grown in many parts of the world with warm climate. Aloe is widely used in products for personal care products, cosmetics, detergents, and is popular as a dietary supplement.
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