For millennia, the Aloe Vera’s vibrant, sword-like leaves have been treasured for their healing properties. Images of Aloe Vera can be found in pictograms dating back to 2000 BC, where ancient kings are depicted nurturing the Aloe Vera plant and treasuring its medicinal properties. In cultures the world over, from India to Rome, the Aloe’s natural healing powers have been used to treat bite, burns, inflammation and many more ailments. It’s a natural first aid kit!
The Egyptians famously knew Aloe Vera as the ‘plant of immortality’ and used it to treat infections and diseases spanning many generations over centuries! Cleopatra credited Aloe Vera as a source of her beauty (and she was spot on! It’s been discovered that properties of Aloe Vera moisturise and nourish the skin when applied regularly). Remnants of Aloe plants have been found in many of the ancient pharaohs’ tombs, revealing to historians that they would have chosen to take the plant into the afterlife with them.
Legends say that Alexander the Great sailed his army-filled ships to islands thick with Aloe Vera in order to heal their wounds and replenish their health before returning to battle! The soldiers were said to have gulped down the juice from the plant to protect themselves against infection after near-defeat in battle and, once consumed, they became indestructible.
Aloe Vera leaves are bursting with a rare combination of minerals (some can also be found in rose petals) which harbour powerful medicinal qualities. To this day, Aloe Vera is loved as an easy-to-grow, attractive house plant. One with the added benefit of healing properties. It is grown all over the world and widely used in personal care and cosmetic products alike. It’s unique texture and flavour has also made its way into delicious cocktails and desserts!
To learn more about this unique plant, take a look at our Aloe Vera gift.
