History
The history of the aloe vera root, used as a treatment for a variety of ailments, goes all the way back to biblical days. Great civilizations such as Persia, Egypt, Greece, Italy, India, Africa, and Japan all have notes in their history books about its almost magical effects.
Among its earliest ardent supporters was Dioscoides, the Greek physican, who today is considered to be the founding doctor of the aloe vera root. He was actually a Roman pharmacologist who perfected his skill while traveling with the empire’s armies. He found its power of inducing sleep and loosening the insides of the stomach, a very powerful tool against his enemies. His troops used it on their boils, hemorrhoids, bruises, tonsils, gums, and bleeding wounds.
The Papyrus ebers, an Egyptian document written around 1550, is the first known written document to discuss the medicinal value of aloe vera root. It gives twelve formulas for mixing aloe with other agents to treat internal as well as external human disorders.
Today it is known as the “Medicine Plant”
Species
There are approximately 400 species in the genus Aloe in the world, mostly native to Africa. One of these is aloe vera, and the four different varieties of aloe vera are Barbados Aloe, Common Aloe, Yellow Aloe, and medicinal Aloe. Aloe vera is a semitropical succulent, and as such, stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system; as such it can only be grown in areas where there is no chance of freezing. The root system can actually survive freezing air temperatures so long as the ground does not freeze.
The Aloe Vera Plant and Root
This plant can range in size from one inch miniatures to two feet in diameter. The nectar secreted fom this plant is a favorite of hummingbirds. Because of their popularity, aloe vera plants are available at almost every garden store or nursery. The great thing is the aloe vera root system, year after year, produces new leaves, flowers, and seeds.
The aloe vera root system spreads instead of growing straight down. When you feel it is time to repot your aloe vera plant, choose a very wide pot instead of a deep one.
Medicinal Use
Medicinal aloe is the variety of aloe vera with health benefits that give the plant its reputation for healing. The plant has a beautiful red spire-shaped flower, but the lower leaves of the plant and the aloe vera root, not the flower, are used for medicinal purposes. The secretions from these leaves and roots are well known for their ability to heal a variety of skin injuries and disorders. The plant also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, niacinamide, choline, calcium, iron, lecithin, magnesium, manganses, potassium, sodium, and zinc.
Burns
In case of burns, an immediate application of aloe vera gel will relieve most of the pain and also prevent blistering if applied in a timely manner. Doctors today use it on x-ray burns, sunburns, chemical burns, and first degree burns.
Itching
Aloe vera is very effective in relieving itching from poison ivy, insect bites, and stings.
Constipation
The aloe vera root has healing, soothing, and cleansing properties and is widely used to counteract constipation and to cleanse the colon. Often used the night before taking certain medical examinations, it does a very effective job of flushing the system.
HIV and Aids
Juices obtained from the aloe vera root help control a broad spectrum of immune system diseases and disorders, including HIV and Aids.
Monetary Impact
The current global trade in aloe vera is estimated to be around $60 billion. This enormous size of this trade is largely due to the increasing demand for natural products around the world.
