Wonder of… Aloe Vera

The ‘Lily of the Desert’

It is said that Cleopatra maintained her youthful beauty through the application of Aloe vera. Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides recognised its remarkable healing properties, recommending its use as a natural treatment for wounds and infections.

Medicinal use of Aloe vera dates back centuries and is thought to have first been recorded on ancient clay tablets from 2100BC. Over time, Aloe vera has been used by many cultures for healing. The Egyptians considered it to be the source of eternal youth and it is described in the Ebers Papyrus – an Egyptian medical record from the 16th Century BC – as “that plant of immortality”.

Aloe vera is a gel-like substance derived from the succulent Aloe plant, originating from the Arabian Peninsula but now grown in tropical climates worldwide. As it grows in dry, exposed desert conditions, the plant is excellent at retaining moisture.

Research has shown extracts of Aloe vera to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The soothing, cooling effects of Aloe extract make it an effective ingredient in treating skin conditions such as burns and superficial cuts.