Aloe, native to Africa, is also known as "lily of the desert", the "plant of immortality", and the "medicine plant". The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. Aloe Vera comes from the Aloe barbadensis plant that is grown commercially in the United States, the Caribbean and Mexico. There are 240+ species growing in other dry regions around the world, but only four are recognized as being of nutritional value to humans and animals. Aloe barbadensis is significantly at the top of these four species.

The Aloe plant, although cactus-like in appearance belongs to the Lily family of plants and grows in a rosette-like formation. The plant must mature for three to five years before harvest can take place. At that time, the outer leaves are removed and the inner ones are left to grow. The pure Aloe Vera gel that we commonly know is extracted from the internal portion of the leaf. The bulk of the aloe leaf is filled with a gel, 96% water with the other 4% containing 75 known substances including essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.

There is much evidence that Aloe Vera has been around since ancient times for it's healing, moisturizing, and nourishing properties. There is reference made to it in the New Testament when Nicodemus comes by night and brings a mixture of Myrrh and Aloe to embalm the body of Jesus. The ancient Egyptians referred to aloe as the "plant of immortality" and included it among the funerary gifts buried with the pharaohs. Christopher Columbus's ship log contains notes on the medicinal uses of Aloe, and some believe that he may be responsible for introducing it to the New World.

During World War II, military manuals suggested that servicemen in isolated areas could use it as a remedy for burns, insect bites, or other skin ailments. More recently, the University of Miami School of Medicine conducted tests that showed Aloe Vera speeds the healing process of cuts and burns. Numerous studies have shown that Aloe Vera relieves the itch of a variety of skin disorders.

Aloe Vera is a mild anesthetic, relieving itching, swelling, and pain, so it is perfect for insect bites, burns, cuts and scrapes. Aloe is also antibacterial and anti-fungal, so don't hesitate to use it on nail fungus, athlete's foot, or a rash triggered by an allergic reaction. Aloe actually increases blood flow to wounded areas and stimulates the skin cells responsible for wound healing. When you apply Aloe to your skin, it instantly feels cool and soothing, absorbs rapidly and can very quickly relieve the discomfort that comes along with sunburn. In addition, Aloe can be applied to dry, chapped skin or lips for intense moisturizing and to newly formed scars to aid the body in healing.

There are a plethora of ways in which Aloe Vera can be used and just as many ways to purchase it. Today, Aloe can be found in everyday care product you could possibly think of, and it is even available as a food supplement to aid the digestive system. Do your research and understand how Aloe Vera might help you, how to choose quality Aloe Vera products, and how to use them. If you are reading labels and you find that Aloe Vera is listed as one of the last ingredients, there isn't much Aloe in that particular product. Look for Aloe Vera listed as one of the first three ingredients to insure a high Aloe content in a particular product. There are many companies that produce gels that are 97%-99% pure Aloe Vera.

Now you have some understanding as to why Aloe Vera has been called the "plant of immortality", but keep in mind there are no miracle cures. There are ways to support your body's immune system and provide it with substances it may be lacking, but it is most important to eat properly, drink plenty of water, exercise, and get enough sleep daily.

For more information click here Written by Heather Hawthorne, licensed therapist, expert advisor at www.spalook.com.