The History of Aloe Vera

Aloe Barbadensis Miller

For 4000 years, tales of the great medicinal properties of the ancient "lily of the desert", known commonly as the Aloe Vera plant have been handed down through the centuries.

There is mention of Aloe Vera practically by all civilisations across the ages from Egyptians, Arabs, Greeks, Chinese, Indians, Japanese, Native American Indians and various European populations. It is believed by many however to have originated in Africa and transported to various parts of the globe by conquering armies and travellers. It has been documented that the first known writings of Aloe Vera as a healing plant was found near the Mesopotamian city of Nippu. A Sumerian clay tablet dating to the year 2200 BC describes it as a plant of great healing power.

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 applications of Aloe Vera comes from the ancient Egyptians, Cleopatra attributed her beauty to Aloe And it is reputed that she bathed in it before charming Mark Anthony! But it was also grown and used by King Solomon, who was said to have valued it highly.

Queen Cleopatra of Egypt

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 were his descriptions of the many applications of the Aloe Vera plant. The Spanish Conquistadors discovered various herbal medicines in use in Tenochtitlán. 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 the Spanish, during the sixteenth century, where they became the foundation for modern Western medicine.

Although there are more than 400 species of the Aloe plant growing on the Earth, it is Aloe Vera or “true Aloe,” also known scientifically as Aloe Barbadensis Miller that is used for its healing and medicinal properties.