What is Aloe Vera? Aloe vera flourishes in warm, dry climates, and many people mistake it for a cactus, but, in fact it is a member of the lily family. It stays moist when other plants would wilt and die by closing its pores to prevent the loss of moisture. There are over 200 varieties of aloe, but it is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera) plant which has been of most use to mankind due to its beneficial properties. Ancient records show that the benefits of aloe vera have been known for a millennia. Its therapeutic qualities have been used for more than 5000 years. George Ebers first discovered its antiquity in 1862 in an Egyptian papyrus dated 1500 BC. Greek & Roman physicians used it to great effect as a medicinal herb. Researchers have also found that both the acient Chinese and India cultures used aloe vera. Egyptian queens used it in their quest for physical beauty. Aloe plants are referred to in the Bible, and legend suggests that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean to make a supply of aloe plants available for his wounded soldiers.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 20:30:00 +0000
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