Aloe Vera has been used for many purposes throughout history. As recently as this century, published studies show its use for arthritis, high cholesterol, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, nonbacterial prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain, radiation burns, heart disease, diabetes, and immune system disorders. In fact, if you are a diabetic, you should monitor your blood sugar closely when taking concentrated forms of Aloe Vera. It can noticeably reduce your need for Insulin.

Medical uses of Aloe Vera have been reported in medical literature for over 50 years, although it has been reported in the botanical and naturopathic literature for many more. Scientific studies exist that support the antibacterial and antifungal effects of substances in Aloe Vera. Studies and case reports provide support for the use of Aloe Vera in the treatment of radiation ulcers and stasis ulcers in humans and burn and frostbite injuries in experimental animals. Modern clinical medical use of Aloe Vera began in the 1930s with reports of successful treatment of X-ray and radium burns.

Native Americans recognized Aloe Vera as the “burn plant,” “medicine plant,” and “the mystery plant.” Indian medicine men jealously guarded their knowledge of its uses. Aristotle persuaded Alexander the Great to conquer the island of Socotra to secure the Aloe Vera grown there for his wounded soldiers. Medical healers of past civilizations prescribed Aloe Vera for a large variety of illnesses and ailments. In about 1750 BC, Sumerian clay tablets depicted the use of Aloe Vera for medical purposes. Even earlier, perhaps as early as 4000 BC, drawings of the Aloe Vera plant were found on temple walls in the tombs of the Pharaohs. The Egyptians called it the “Plant of Immortality.” By 1500 BC, Aloe Vera is mentioned in Egypt’s Papyrus Embers, where formulas containing Aloe Vera are described for a variety of illnesses, both external and internal. By 600 BC, the use of Aloe Vera appears in the Persian Empire, then throughout the Arab world, and into India.