You may be familiar with aloe vera in many products we use today, but did you know it has powerful medicinal properties? Not many people know the history of aloe vera and its medicinal use, so we are digging back in time to check out the facts.
Aloe vera has been used for centuries in cosmetic products, but for medicinal purposes for over four thousand years. In fact, it is one of the oldest plants ever to be mentioned in ancient records!
The history of Aloe Vera and its Medicinal Uses
1550 BC
Aloe vera was often depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The succulent plant was highly treasured and considered to be the ‘plant of immortality’ and a source of beauty. Two of the most famous Egyptian queens, Cleopatra and Nefertiti, relied on aloe vera to maintain their flawless, youthful complexion free from wrinkles.
1200 BC
In Chinese culture, aloe vera has been an important medicinal plant for thousands of years. It was used as a fundamental part of traditional medicine, taken topically and internally. Aloe was considered an expensive luxury good and described the ‘Method of Harmony’ in the treatment book of Shi-Shen. Japan called aloe vera the royal plant and the juice was consumed as a powerful elixir.
1000 BC
Around this period, an ancient Egyptian medicinal record ‘The EBERS Papyrus’ described 18 botanical plants and all of their uses, including aloe vera. Aside from its healing abilities, fresh aloe vera was also well-documented as a laxative.
900 BC
An Arabian physician ‘Al-Kind’ noted aloe vera to be used as an anti-inflammatory and to reduce pain from eye ulcers, melancholy, and other medicinal problems.
400 BC
Travelers from the Far East realized the potency of aloe and exported the plants extensively throughout western Asia.
325 BC
Recorded in the ‘Greek herbal’, it was suggested that Alexander the Great sent a task force to find the medicine plant which grew on the small island of Socotra. He wanted to collect sufficient amounts of aloe vera for the soldiers to ingest before going to war to help give them strength.
200 BC
Romans used aloe as an important part of medicine and soothing the wounds of Roman soldiers after battle. The soothing gel contains properties that help to prevent infections, making it an extremely valuable plant.
40-60 AD
Indian ayurvedic medicine considers aloe vera to be ‘Vera rasyana’ – the rejuvenator of the organism. It was used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as ulcers, dry skin, throat irritations, and to reduce bruising.
1300-1500
The English began importing aloe vera from the island of Socotra for the treatment of external wounds and infectious diseases.
1600
In the 16th century, Christopher Columbus is said to have kept pots of aloe vera aboard his Armada ships to heal the wounds of his soldiers. He brought them to the Americas, and the plants were soon nurtured and transported to other areas by the Jesuit Monks.
1900
Fresh and dried aloe had become truly recognized around the globe and was now being sold for medicinal use to treat burns, ulcers, and radiation injuries. Its commercial appeal is accelerated over the coming century. By 1980, there were already plantations set up for establishing businesses.
2000 – Now
Aloe now has much scientific research to back up the medicinal uses that have been practised for thousands of years. It is widely available in products including hair and skincare, supplements, and nutritional products.
Here at East Park Research, we combined aloe vera with another natural medicine, olive leaf extract. This gives you the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral benefits as well as the soothing, rejuvenating benefits for the digestive system and the immune system.
The d-Lenolate Olive Leaf Extract with Aloe Vera is a 100% natural way to strengthen your protection against invading microbes, promote healthy cell regeneration, and support digestive health.
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