ALOE ORIGINS AND MEDICINAL USES

ALOE ORIGINS AND MEDICINAL USES

The Aloe Vera plant has been around for thousands of years and has been used as an all-purpose healing plant by the ancient physicians. Evidence of its importance and use is found time and again, beginning with pictures of the plant on walls of Egyptian temples showing that it had been used by their Kings and Queens. Pedanius Dioscorides, a Greek physician in the Roman army, wrote in his five volume book De Materia Medica (written between 50 and 70 AD) of the many uses of Aloe in the treatment of ulcerated sores, stopping bleeding wounds and reducing perspiration.

The plant has its origins in Africa and the Middle East where the succulent aloe plant thrives in the hot and dry conditions, but it is now found around the world. Its spread across the globe could be attributed to several reasons including empire building, exploration, trade and commerce. Alexander the Great of Macedonia was persuaded by his philosopher/teacher Aristotle to overtake the Island of Socotra off the coast of Africa for the ample supply of aloe for his troops. He took the plant in wagonloads as he marched with his troops on their conquests of Asia Minor.

The introduction of the Aloe Vera plant to the Asian continent may well have played a part in the establishment of the Silk Road as one of the early trade routes from Asia to Europe. Explorers such as Christopher Colombus of Spain were pivotal in the spread of the plant to the Americas and the West Indies. Spanish Jesuit priests who travelled to the New World of Central America and the West Indies took the Aloe Vera plant with them as an all-purpose healing plant.

The use of the plant in the Middle Eastern countries as an embalming ointment has given it an almost symbolic spiritual importance. It has been mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments as having been used, together with Myrrh, to anoint Jesus after the crucifixion.

In later years, during the Christian Crusades to the Holy Cities, it was used by the Templar Knights to create a mixture they called the ‘Elixir of Jerusalem’. The mixture of palm wine, Aloe pulp and hemp was used to improve their health and stamina.

The Aloe Vera plant has many related species of Aloe succulents. Hundreds of ornamental Aloe plants have been identified from around the world but there are only two medicinal Aloe Vera plants: the Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller and the Aloe Vera Arborescens.

The Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller plant has smooth, thick green leaves with tiny thorns that are harmless to the touch. It contains a very moist, almost colourless inner gel. The palatable inner gel is commonly used for the Aloe Vera juice, and it also has many other uses for the body, both internal and for external skin use. The plant is a succulent and therefore retains moisture so it does not need over-watering.

The Aloe Vera Arborescens plant has a wider leaf with sharper thorns and greater resemblance to the Cacti family. The gel is thick, with a yellow ochre colour and very pungent taste. It is much stronger and more potent than the Barbadensis Miller and was used by Father Romano Zago for his anti-Cancer elixir which he made with a combination of Aloe Arborescens gel, Manuka Honey and Grappa.

The plant is grown better in pots rather than direct in the ground soil. The roots are contained in the pot and the plant’s energy is directed mainly to the leaves, producing a healthier, stronger leaf. It is also easier to protect from the elements such as hailstones and frost and can be grown on balconies or under eaves. It can also be grown indoors as long as it is not directly affected by heaters or humidity, since its natural environment is hot/dry conditions.