Aloe Vera: From Ancient Healing Plant to Modern-Day Wellness Powerhouse
Aloe Vera History, traditional usage in medicine, nutrition, cosmetics and more.
Modern day discovery, innovation and R&D, how it helped women, men with their health and wellbeing. Aloe Vera is widely used and making big noise in nutritional, cosmetics and health & beverage industries over the past few decades.
History of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes in several cultures for millennia: Greece, Egypt, India, Mexico, Japan and China. Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes. Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus used it to treat soldiers’ wounds. The first reference to Aloe vera in English was a translation by John Goodyew in A.D. 1655 of Dioscorides’ Medical treatise De Materia Medica.2 By the early 1800s, Aloe vera was in use as a laxative in the United States, but in the mid-1930s, a turning point occurred when it was successfully used to treat chronic and severe radiation dermatitis.
In Hinduism, Aloe vera symbolizes healing and medicinal knowledge, revered for its active compounds that enhance wellness. Its historical use aligns with traditional beliefs in natural remedies and the plant's therapeutic significance.
Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millennium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.
The botanical name of Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis miller. It belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, and is a shrubby or arborescent, perennial, xerophytic, succulent, pea- green color plant. It grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. In India, it is found in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
-PUBMD/ NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
Key points in the history of Aloe Vera:
Ancient Egypt:
Considered a "plant of immortality," it was used by queens like Nefertiti and Cleopatra for beauty and by pharaohs for embalming. The Egyptians also used it to treat wounds and burns, and it was depicted in temple art.
Ancient Greece and Rome:
Greek physician Dioscorides documented its medicinal properties in the 1st century AD. Romans also used it for treating wounds and skin ailments.
Dioscorides, a Greek physician and botanist who lived in the 1st century AD, documented the medicinal uses of Aloe Vera in his influential work, “De Materia Medica”. He described its ability to treat mouth infections, sores, and wounds, as well as its purgative (laxative) properties. His writings helped establish aloe vera as a valuable medicinal herb in ancient Greece andlater spread to Rome.
Other early uses:
Aloe vera was also valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it was known as "lu hui" and used for its cooling and purging effects. It was also used in India for various ailments.
Alexander the Great and Columbus:
Both used Aloe vera to treat soldiers' wounds.
19th and 20th centuries:
Aloe vera gained popularity as a laxative and later as a treatment for radiation dermatitis.
Modern use:
The 1950s marked a turning point with increased interest and industrialization of Aloe vera gel. Today, it's widely used in cosmetics, health drinks, and various medicinal products.
Aloe Vera has a long been used in ayurvedic formulations, herbal supplements in ancient Indian Wisdom of Vedic Science for more than 5000 thousand years, particularly for wound healing, skin treatment and women’s health during pregnancy, child birth, during menstrual cycles for young teenage girls. In many ancient civilizations like Indians in Hinduism, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans used Aloe Vera in medicines and cosmetics. Thousands of years of tested and proven benefits of Aloe Vera once again back in buzz and modern medicines and nutritional supplement Industries, food and beverage companies exploiting its best benefits for the mankind.
The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care products. In Sanskrit Aloe vera is called , Ghrita-Kumari. Kumar means, “girl and it was believed that this plant supplied the energy of youth to women and had a rejuvenating effect on the female nature”.
The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “shining bitter substance,” while “vera” in Latin means “true.” 2000 years ago, the Greek scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of immortality.” Today, the Aloe vera plant has been used for various purposes in dermatology.
Aloe vera is often used in Ayurveda to treat skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, women’s health during child birth as a laxative and psoriasis. The plant is also believed to have detoxifying properties, as such it contains anti-inflammatory properties and is used to support the liver and improve digestion. Additionally, aloe vera is used to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as to alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycles.
Aloe vera holds a significant place in Vedic science and Ayurveda, with mentions in the Rig Veda, the earliest book of natural medicine, dating back to 4500-1600 BCE. It was recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly for reproductive health, liver issues, and wound healing. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, refers to aloe vera as "Kumari" (GIRL) or "Vera rasayana," signifying its rejuvenating and rejuvenating qualities.
Medicinal and other usage;
Aloe vera is widely used in medicinal, cosmetic, and dietary supplement applications due to its various beneficial properties. Topically, it's used to treat burns, wounds, skin conditions like psoriasis and acne, and to moisturize and soothe the skin. Orally, it's used as a laxative, and some studies suggest potential benefits for diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. In cosmetics, it's a popular ingredient for its moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties, found in products like moisturizers, sunscreens, and after-sun care.
Medicinal Uses:
Topical:
Aloe vera gel is commonly applied to the skin to treat burns, sunburns, minor cuts, and various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It's also used to soothe and moisturize dry skin.
Oral:
Aloe latex (a yellow, bitter substance found in the outer layer of the leaf) has been traditionally used as a laxative to relieve constipation. However, due to safety concerns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed it from over-the-counter laxative products in 2002. Some studies also explore the potential of aloe vera for managing diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and other conditions.
Cosmetic Uses:
Moisturizing:
Aloe vera is a popular ingredient in moisturizers, lotions, and creams due to its ability to hydrate and soften the skin.
Soothing:
It's used in after-sun products and other skincare items for its cooling and soothing properties, particularly for sunburns and irritated skin.
Other:
Aloe vera is also found in products like sunscreens, anti-aging treatments, and even some hair care products.
Dietary Supplement Uses:
Laxative:
Aloe latex, though removed from many over-the-counter products, is still sometimes used as a laxative.
Other potential uses:
Some people use aloe vera as a dietary supplement for various health benefits, including digestive health and weight management. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using aloe vera as a supplement, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Important Considerations:
Safety:
While generally considered safe for topical use, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to aloe vera.
Oral consumption:
The safety of ingesting aloe latex is still debated, and it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it orally.
Quality:
Choose reputable brands and products that have been tested for quality and purity.
Dosage:
Follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for recommended dosage.
