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For many centuries Aloe Vera has been used as a medicinal plant. Christopher Columbus was quoted saying,

"Four vegetables are indispensable for the wellbeing of mankind: Wheat, the grape, the olive and aloe. The first nourishes him, the second raises his spirit, the third brings him harmony and the fourth cures him."

Early Greek doctors used it in their prescriptions for its health-promoting properties, while ancient Egyptians used it for beauty care.

There are actually 200-300 different types of Aloe Vera plants but there are only five which have medicinal benefits and of these the Barbadensis Miller is the most commonly used. Originally from Africa it is now grown all around the world thriving in warm dry climates.

The aloe plant looks like a cactus having pointed leaves with soft spines but it is actually a member of the lily family. It takes around four years to fully grow and its leaves contain a mixture of an inner gel and an outer sap which are used to produce the products.

Now for the scientific bit. Studies have found that there are 75 ingredients contained in the Aloe leaf these can be subdivided into:

Vitamins - including Vitamins C, E, B12 and Beta-Carotene

Minerals - including magnesium, zinc, calcium and iron.

Amino Acids - Over 20 of them are found in Aloe Vera and seven of them are essential amino acids i.e. the body cannot make these itself so must be taken in through diet.

Sugars - including some which work to boost the immune system

Enzymes - some of these aid digestion and help in the inflammatory process.

Plant sterols - Powerful anti-inflammatory agents.

Saponins - Soapy substances which are strong anti-microbial agents fighting bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Lignin - a woody substance which allows the aloe vera to penetrate deep into the skin.

Aloe Vera is becoming widely used in beauty and cosmetic products as well as health products. When buying a product with Aloe Vera you should always check what concentration of Aloe Vera is in the product. Some products have such a low amount of Aloe Vera that it really would not have any benefit.

Aloe Vera can be bought in liquid form and drank - it tastes disgusting, rather like an antiseptic. It can also be applied topically and is good for skin conditions.

It is beneficial for a great many conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, sunburn, eczema etc.

Learn more about this author, Alison Moss.
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