All about Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, an herb, has been used by mankind for over 4,500 years. Often referred to as the “medicine plant,” Aloe Vera is truly a natural pharmacy because of its wide range of therapeutic properties.
There are over 200 varieties of aloe that are in the lily family of botanicals. Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the species that is most commonly grown commercially and known as Aloe Vera. Vera being Latin for “true” or the species of aloe that has all the beneficial medicinal properties.”
Having originated in the cradle of civilization, Africa, inhabitants would take the Aloe plant with them as they moved to other parts of the world until finally being brought to North America by the Spanish Conquistadors.
It wasn’t until the middle of the 20th century that Aloe Vera began to be grown commercially in the U.S., primarily in South Texas. In a relatively short period of time, Aloe Vera has become the number one herb of preference for both external and internal uses. It seems to be a paradox that at a time of so many breakthroughs in science and medicine more and more people are seeking natural alternatives for many of their health problems.
Today, as we look for more natural methods of treatments, researchers are beginning to verify that the ancients were justified in their use of Aloe Vera. They have shown that the polysaccharides, glycoproteins, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and other active ingredients that are present in aloe vera, do in fact have therapeutic properties.
It is encouraging to know that there is a natural plant product (Aloe Vera) available that is regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. A product that has been consumed by millions of people around the world and has stood the test of time. Indeed, time has shown that Aloe Vera is truly one of nature’s miracles.