Aloe vera

Author: Yao Li / et al.
Editor-in-Chief: Zhao Zhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-08-01
Features:
Fragment: The Origin, Distribution, History, and Development of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, derived from the Arabic word "alloch," is known as "Aloe" in Chinese. The name combines "lu" (meaning black) and "hui" (meaning to gather). The bitter liquid dripping from an aloe vera leaf cut is yellowish-brown, turning black upon oxidation and solidifying into a mass, hence the name "Aloe." See Bencao Yuchu.
Aloe Vera originated and is primarily distributed across the African continent and Madagascar, accounting for 90% of the world's aloe vera varieties. It is also native to Egypt, the Canadian islands, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Section: Ancient Aloe Vera
When did Aloe Vera originate? When did humans first recognize and utilize it? It is difficult to trace. However, the earliest use of Aloe Vera can be attributed to the people of Africa, its native land. Due to their sparse and thin clothing, they frequently suffered from wounds and insect bites. Thus, local Africans used Aloe Vera to treat traumatic injuries and other external diseases, achieving excellent results without leaving scars. They also mixed Aloe Vera into livestock feed to treat animal illnesses, which proved highly effective.
By the 20th to 30th centuries BCE, Aloe Vera was already recorded in folk remedies in ancient Egypt as a medicinal plant used for treating wounds, as a laxative, a sedative, a bitter agent, and eye drops. The Ebers Papyrus and the Yebibul, Babylon medical papyrus discovered in Egyptian pyramids serve as historical evidence of the earliest records of Aloe Vera. These texts are currently preserved at the University of Leipzig in Germany. The Yebibul, Babylon is believed to have been written and published around 1550 BCE.
Thus, based on documented records, humans have used Aloe Vera for over 3,600 years, though the actual period of use may have been even earlier. According to the Yebibul, Babylon, Aloe Vera was used alongside other medicinal plants such as saffron (Crocus sativus), gentian (Gentiana scabra), and opium (Papaver somniferum).
During the era of ancient Greek culture in the 4th century BCE, Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," used Aloe Vera in clinical treatments as a mild laxative and documented its use in medical texts. It is said that in 333 BCE, Alexander the Great of Macedon first conquered the native land of Aloe Vera, Socra Island. He utilized the local Aloe Vera to treat wounded soldiers. Those injured and suffering from infections recovered quickly with Aloe Vera treatment and returned to battle. Additionally, when dining on unfamiliar diets, Alexander used Aloe Vera as a beverage to aid digestion.
Afterward, when Alexander the Great continued his eastward campaigns, he ordered his soldiers to carry large quantities of Aloe Vera for use on the battlefield. He then conquered Afghanistan and the fertile triangular region of northwest India, returning to Babylon in 324 BCE in triumph. Ultimately, Alexander the Great established a vast empire spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa. Legend has it that Aloe Vera played a significant role in his achievements.