Aloe Vera has attracted lots of attention over the centuries and been seen as a cure-all by some civilisations. But it is only relatively recently that it has come back under scrutiny and been treated again with the respect it deserves. After all, it is an incredibly versatile plant that has been given many labels, including Plant of Life.

Heaven’s Blessing and Wand of Heaven are two more of its sobriquets, as well as Potted Physician. I think this says plenty about why Aloe Vera has been used as a medicinal plant in many cultures, including the ancient Greeks, Babylonians, Romans, Chinese and Indians.

Mahatma Gandhi, in a letter to his biographer Romain Rolland, wrote: ‘You ask me what were the secret forces which sustained me during my long fasts. Well, it was my unshakable faith in God, my simple and frugal life style, and the Aloe whose benefits I discovered upon my arrival in South Africa at the end of the 19th century.’

Although indigenous to Africa, aloe is now grown globally – chiefly in warm, dry climates – and while botanists have identified around 300 types, these are the five demonstrating medical benefits:

Aloe-Barbadensis Miller, -Perryi Baker, -Ferox (often called Cape Aloe), -Arborescens and -Saponaria. (The last two of these are the least popular and are mainly used in Japan.)

Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the most potent. It takes four to five years to reach maturity, when its leaves (which grow from a short stem) are about 60 cm in length and about 8-10 cm in width at the base. The outer leaves are usually harvested (up to three times a year) at about 4 years of age – and when they are removed this adaptable plant ‘seals’ itself within seconds against water loss!

How does it do this? As the wound is inflicted it films over and then, during the next few minutes, a rubbery protective coating stops further loss of sap. Thus the stem avoids dessication and quite soon the wound heals completely. A perennial, Aloe Barbadensis Miller has approximately a 12-year lifespan.

So as well as helping to heal us, clever Aloe Vera heals itself!

I understand that Aloe Americana is used by the Mexicans to produce their Tequila, while Aloe Sisalina’s fibres are often used to make scratching posts for cats.

But back to Barbadensis Miller, where Aloe Vera’s natural nutrients exist in perfect balance. It is likely to be this synergistic relationship between the elements found in the plant’s gel that gives it its potent power to heal.

Synergism is defined as “the working together of two or more drugs, muscles etc. to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects”.

There are no less than 75 known ingredients within an Aloe leaf. These are their categories:

Lignin, Saponins, Anthraquinones (Aloin, Isobarbaloin, Anthracene, Emodin, Ester of Cinnamonic acid, Chrysophanic acid, Barbaloin, Anthranol, Aloetic acid, Aloe Emodin, Ethereal oil and Resistannol).

Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Sodium, Copper, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Chromium and Iron.

Vitamins: a wide range, the most important being antioxidant Vitamins C & E and Beta-Carotene. Plus, it is one of the few plants to contain Vitamin B12.

Amino Acids: Aloe Vera gel provides 19 of the 20 amino acids required by the human body – including 7 of the 8 essential ones that can’t be manufactured by our bodies and that therefore must be consumed as food.

Enzymes: These are some of the most important enzymes in this remarkable plant: Peroxidase, Aliiase, Catalase, Lipase, Cellulase, Carboxypeptidase, Amylase and Alkaline Phosphatase.

Sugars: Both monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose, and long-chain polysaccharides, which act on the immune system, boosting its effects.

Plant Sterols: Cholesterol, Sitosterol, Campesterol and Lupeol. (The 3 main types act as powerful anti-inflammatory agents).

Aloe Vera is very safe and has no known side effects. But it goes without saying that products in the marketplace differ considerably in terms of Aloe content and purity.

Since it became a bit of a buzzword many companies have jumped on to the perceived bandwagon of Aloe and some products marketed as ‘100% Aloe Vera’ can in practice fall far short of this claim.

So before buying Aloe drinks, skin creams, shampoos and so on it obviously pays to do your research and check that at the very least the product you’re considering is stamped with the International Aloe Science Council’s Seal of Approval.

If it also has a Kosher rating, Islamic Society and Halal Society approval, as well as being Cruelty Free – and has a Money-Back Guarantee then you can be worry-free!

Author Bio: Pamela Glynn is the owner of My Aloe Vera, a website offering you a wealth of information about Aloe Vera as well as about an outstanding work from home opportunity. To be kept updated with the latest Aloe news you’re invited to subscribe to her Aloe Vera Blog. FREE Aloe Brochure. FREE online videos. Plenty of Special Aloe Offers

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: aloe vera, aloe vera products, aloe barbadensis miller, plant of life, heavens blessing, aloe drinks