Herbal medicine and Aloe vera

It’s a common ingredient in herbal medicines. In fact, Aloe vera is also known as medicinal aloe and, according to Wikipedia, its origins probably go back to Northern Africa, the Canary islands and Cape Verde. Aloe vera does best in arid climates and is considered by many people as a remarkable gift from mother-nature that can heal wounds, burns and ulcers.

However, many people might be surprised at just how many herbal remedy products the modest plant is included in, like the treatment of ailments like dermatitis, jaundice and many more.

Ubiquitous Aloe as a Herbal Remedy all Over the World

There are literally hundreds of different species of Aloe, and most have some value as an ingredient for herbal remedy products. The best known of all the Aloe’s though, is Aloe Vera.

When you first see Aloe Vera, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s a cactus: however this is not the case. Aloe Vera is actually a member of the lily family, and it’s the sap that comes from Aloe when it’s cut that has all of the magical, healing properties for herbal remedies.

The sap itself is thick and comprised of two gels, there is a colored gel and a clear gel exuded when the leaf is cut, and it is that clear gel that should be the main component of any Aloe herbal medicine recipes.

Aloe’s History, it’s Connections to the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, as well as Modern Uses

Aloe Vera was used by ancient Greek and Roman physicians, as well as in centuries old Chinese and Indian herbal medicines. Many legends even speak of the likes of Cleopatra attributing her beauty to Aloe.

Aloe Vera promotes healing to the skin, the stomach, bronchial tubes, and many more areas of the body. It also balances the immune system with antioxidants that fight free radicals.

Aloe Vera is very soothing to digestive irritations (colitis, peptic ulcers, etc) as well as being helpful to the stomach, small intestine and colon. Other ailments that could be helped by Aloe Vera are diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, constipation and haemorrhoids. Many people try Aloe vera as a herbal remedy for acid reflux

When applied to the skin, Aloe Vera shows great results for skin complaints like eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, burns, stings, acne, bites, scrapes, abrasions, scalp care, sore muscles, cold sores, bruises, sprains and frostbite to name but a few!

Aloe Vera and Home Spa, as well as Mass Production

Aloe Vera is great for natural skin care recipes like body lotions, exfoliants, face masks and skin toners. It makes a perfect companion for other ingredients like coconut oil, honey, lavender, vitamin E oil, and many more.

Aloe vera is one of the best plants to have growing in your garden, or just on your window in a pot, to add to home spa recipes.

You can collect Aloe Vera in the wild or by growing your own plants (just like in the picture below), or it can be purchased in many forms. Large scale agricultural production of Aloe vera is undertaken in Australia, Bangladesh, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, India, Jamaica, Kenya, South Africa and the USA.