Beyond the Burn: Aloe Vera

Let’s look at a plant that’s probably already in your home, or at least one you’ve definitely seen in the store: Aloe Vera. You’re probably thinking – sunburns, right? And you wouldn’t be wrong. For ages, that cool, soothing gel has been our go-to for all sorts of skin woes, from minor burns to scrapes and irritations.

But here’s where it gets interesting – there’s so much more to Aloe Vera than just slathering it on your skin. For centuries, people have been eating the gel. Yes, you read that right! They’ve been consuming it to help with everything from calming heartburn to soothing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even assisting in lowering blood sugar. It’s a testament to the plant’s incredible versatility.

In fact, the history of Aloe Vera is as rich as its medicinal properties. Ancient civilizations across the globe revered this plant. The Egyptians, for example, called it “the plant of immortality” and depictions of it have been found on tomb walls dating back 4,000 years. Both Nefertiti and Cleopatra were said to have incorporated it into their daily beauty routines. (which is why so many K Beauty products contain ale vera) The Sumerians, around 2,000 BCE, also documented its use as a medicinal plant, particularly as a laxative.

The ancient Greeks and Romans, including luminaries like Dioscorides (who detailed its healing properties in “De Materia Medica“) and Hippocrates (the “father of Western medicine”), recognized Aloe Vera for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative qualities. In traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, Aloe Vera was described as beneficial for digestive, skin, and diabetic disorders. Even in Chinese traditional medicine, it was used for digestive issues, skin diseases, and to promote overall health. There are even accounts of Alexander the Great using it to treat his soldiers’ wounds!

And if you thought that was it, think again. This plant also holds its own in oral health. You can use it as a mouth rinse – a simple, natural way to help with bleeding or swollen gums.

Word of warning: while Aloe Vera offers a wealth of benefits, especially when it comes to internal use, it also packs a punch as a strong laxative. So, if you’re considering incorporating it into your routine, especially internally, it’s always best to start small and see how your body responds. Just like with any potent herb, respect its power and use it mindfully.