Aloe vera has been widely used as a medicinal plant for centuries and in the last decade or so, we westerners have finally proved it’s value beyond any doubt.

So, of course, aloe vera now appears in every conceivable product from juices to shampoos, creams to potions and beyond!

These ten facts are just the tip of the iceberg – the research that has been done using this miracle of nature is totally mind blowing.

1. Aloe vera was discussed in an ancient Egyptian document – around 3500 years ago – and gives 12 formulas for mixing aloe with other agents to treat internal and external disorders.

2. In the first century AD, the Greek pharmaco-botanist Dioscorides describes aloe vera as being a useful treatment for boils, bruises and mouth irritations. He also attributed it’s juices to cleansing the stomach and inducing sleep.

3. In the 1850’s, aloe was used to expel intestinal worms.

4. In the 1950’s, research was carried out on patients with gum disease. Sap from the plant was injected into affected gums and the treatment eliminated gum disease in most of the 150 patients.

5. Aloe vera is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. In fact nature’s first aid kit in a leaf!

6. When aloe vera is applied to a wound, as it dries it contracts and closes the wound keeping it free from infection. This is particularly good for animal wounds because if they lick the wound they won’t be affected by any unnatural chemicals found in some over-the-counter products.

7. Aloe vera helps reduce and stabilise the BMI (Body Mass Index) by stimulating the metabolic rate in liver cells so we burn more energy – and therefore helps in weight loss programmes.

8. Besides building cells and repairing tissue, amino acids are essential to keep our bodies healthy. Aloe vera contains 19 of the 20 amino acids we require.

9. Aloe vera contains at least 3 anti-inflammatory fatty acids making it a very effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, allergic reactions and, of course, burns and cuts. It’s also a powerful cholesterol reducer.

10. Aloe vera is a wonderful alternative to products we buy every day that contain chemicals, such as shampoos and conditioners. The gel can even be used on damp hair instead of ‘setting’ lotions before drying and styling.

This quotation was written by Christopher Columbus:

“Four vegetables are essential to a man’s health: wheat, grapes, olives and Aloe. The first is a nutrient, the second fortifies the spirit, the third brings harmony and the fourth heals.”)

If this has inspired you to grow a few aloe vera plants, you can! I’ve grown aloe vera in pots indoors for many years and it has proved itself over and over as a wonderful natural healer.

I’ve never tried growing plants from seed although it must be possible I guess. The easiest way is to make a relatively small investment in one or two plants and with a little tlc they will produce babies year after year 🙂

These plants on Amazon UK are about two years old. Have a look around, but grab a cuppa first – there are some great plants to browse!

Set of 2 Aloe vera plants – approx. 2 years old – 10,5cm pot

To Your Good Health!

Linda x