Aloe Vera

Do you know what a succulent is? Some of the members of this interesting plant family include Cacti, Jade, Echeveria Elegans, and Dracaena Trifasciata (otherwise known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, ouch!). Another member of the succulent family, perhaps the most well- known, is Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) encompasses some 500 species of plant native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. Known across centuries for its medicinal properties, one of the first written traces of the plant was recorded in an ancient Greek medical encyclopedia written by Dioscorides. The plant is also mentioned as a medical remedy on a Mesopotamian (present day Baghdad) clay tablet. Meanwhile, the Ebers Papyrus (1550 BCE), an ancient Egyptian text, mentioned the plant as a treatment for skin diseases and digestive disorders.

The ancient Egyptians were fond of mixing Aloe Vera with essential oils and herbs personalizing their remedies for a variety of beauty and skincare uses. As a base for their creams, ointments, lotions, and facial masks, the plant provided significant hydrating properties. Indeed, such creations were known to treat the wounds, burns, and skin diseases of the living, and to be used in the mummification balms of the deceased. So popular and widespread was its use that it became a motif in ancient Egyptian arts like jewelry, relief sculptures, and paintings. Across various cultures, this wonder plant has been used for millennia for medicinal, cosmetic, and dietary reasons.

Aloe Vera spread to other parts of the world through human migration and trade, and is now cultivated in China, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and parts of the Caribbean, the USA, and South America. The nature of its thick, gel-filled leaves allows the plant to store water and survive in hot and arid climates. The plant is characterized by tall and triangulated, thick, fleshy leaves that hold a clear, bitter gel. What’s in this wonder gel? Well, some 75 ingredients including amino acids, beta-carotene, enzymes, minerals (calcium, magnesium, and potassium) and vitamins (like A and C). This means it may help fight oxidative stress and promote immune health.

Aloe Vera also has antibacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties known to heal, soothe, cleanse, and strengthen. Besides the cosmetic uses in the topical treatment of dry skin, burns (heat and sun), acne, constipation, cold sores, hair and scalp issues, insect bites, and skin damage from radiation therapy, there is some evidence that it might be useful when taken internally in treating inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)  and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), psoriasis, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heartburn. Although the amount of iron in Aloe Vera is comparatively small, it may reduce anemia by aiding the body’s absorption of iron. If taken before a meal, Aloe Vera may also stimulate the bone marrow which creates red and white blood cells. This means that it may support people suffering from sickle cell disease and women suffering with iron loss from fibroids. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, Aloe Vera juice has been recommended for the treatment of skin conditions, diabetes, digestive problems, and dental and oral hygiene.

While many high-end, boutique, and Caribbean and Latin grocery stores sell fresh Aloe Vera leaves, most mainstream Canadian grocers will not stock it in the produce section. Instead, you can buy it in its gel form or as a liquid. But be very careful in understanding if the product you purchase is for topical and/or internal/digestive uses. But if drinking or applying Aloe Vera is not for you, try buying this wonder plant in a capsule or tincture form. But the oral route is not for all since side effects include abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea.

If you are looking to eat your ways to a healthier body and life, you may want to check out the recipes for Aloe Vera Popsicles, Vegan Chocolate Aloe Vera Ice Cream, and Thai Mago Shrimp and Aloe Vera Salad.

Verdict? If Aloe Vera has been a vital, go-to cosmetic and medicinal staple of our African ancestors and other ancient civilizations for millennia, why not explore its potential benefits for your personal health routine?