Aloe Vera and Its History
How Ancient Civilizations Discovered the Existence of Miraculous Aloe Vera? Aloe Vera owes its existence to the ancient age, when research on various medicinal plants began simultaneously in many parts of the world. Since then, a number of useful facets of this miraculous plant unfolded in front of human race. Here are some facts about Aloe Vera history, indicating its emergence during ancient period on different continents. Sumerian Land The first mention of Aloe Vera dates to 2200 BC when the Qula Temple in the Nippur City of Sumerian land used special types of tablets, containing various medicinal products, one of them being Aloe Vera. Mention in Egyptian Documents Papyrus Ebers, the famous Egyptian document mentioned as many as 12 medicinal formulas that made use of Aloe Vera with other products of medicinal value in 1550 BC. The final products were used to treat various human disorders affecting the body internally and externally. Alexander the Great It was around between 300 and 400 BC that Alexander the Great became a great admirer of Aloe Vera that helped to treat the wounds of his army soldiers. Aristotle, the mentor of Alexander, encouraged latter to capture the Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean, which was famous for the plantation of Aloe Vera plants. Hippocrites and Copra Mention Aloe Vera Hippocrites in the west and Copra in India mentioned the use of Aloe Vera during the first millennium BC. At the same time, the Arabs started trading the Aloe plant as well as the processed Aloe products in different parts of the Asian continent. Leaves as well as boiled saps of Aloe Vera were used to heal different health problems. Greek Use of Aloe Vera Celsius was the first physician from Greek to mention the use of Aloe Vera as purgative or laxative in 50 BC. The Greek medicine expert Dioscorides in the 1st century AD became the first person to write a detailed description of the Aloe Vera plants and its use for various purposes. He mentioned the use of Aloe Vera for cleaning stomach, treating boils, bruises, tonsils and teeth and gums related problems. Many other uses of Aloe were further discovered by Dioscorides. During the same time, Aloe Vera was also mentioned to be applied to the crucified body of Jesus Christ. Also, the beautiful queens of Egypt, including Cleopatra, used Aloe Vera to enhance their beauty. The Bible mentions Aloe Vera and its use as spice. Mention in Roman Medicines The Roman physician named Pliny the Elder further added to the description of Aloe Vera made by Dioscorides. Pliny discovered the use of Aloe juice in treating sores and checking perspiration. By 200 AD, Galen, Antyllus and Aretaces became other physicians from the Roman Empire and other parts of Europe, who contributed towards the popularity of Aloe Vera for various other medicinal purposes. By then, Aloe Vera became a popular name among plants with medicinal qualities. Hence, this wonderful plant became famous among royal families, traders, physicians as well as general public.
