About Aloe Vera|History of Aloe Vera

 Aloe vera’s rise to superfood status has been a long time coming.

Often extolled for its soothing qualities, aloe vera is most commonly used as a topical ointment for burns, sun damage, and skin abrasions, but this ancient plant may offer deeper healing abilities when taken orally. Most of us are familiar with the presence of aloe vera in cosmetics and skin creams; it moisturizes and has anti-aging effects. However, many people who live according to a natural health philosophy have long viewed the plant as a potent superfood.

That’s right. As kale and blueberries quickly ascended to the top of superfood lists, aloe vera has remained a quiet competitor.

Walk into any health food store and you’ll see plenty of aloe vera juices and gels, but what do they really do? Search for aloe vera information on the Internet and you’ll be bombarded with aloe products touting the plant’s virtues, but is it safe to use?

Learn how aloe vera is used as a functional food, ways to incorporate it into your diet and what safety precautions to take. As always, it’s a good idea to consult your physician before starting any complementary medicine regimen.

Keep reading to gain a deeper understanding of the plant’s history, how it’s cultivated and what you might learn about aloe vera in your natural health school.

Did you know? There are two parts to an aloe vera leaf: Gel and leaf juice (not to be confused with aloe juice in stores). The gel is what most people are familiar with. It’s the odorless and clear liquid at the innermost part of the leaf. Aloe latex, or juice, seeps from the leaf when cut. It’s yellow in color and has a bitter taste. When ingesting aloe, the gel is the safest part of the plant. The latex has laxative properties and can cause serious health complications if used too often.

History of Aloe Vera

From Cleopatra to Christopher Columbus, some of history’s most famous figures relied on aloe vera for its healing properties. Sometimes referred to as the “burn plant,” “lily of the desert” or the “wonder plant,” aloe vera likely originated in the Sudan.

Ancient civilizations eventually brought the plant to the Mediterranean region and other warm climates around the world.