Aloe Vera Oil

Botanical Name:	Aloe barbadensis
Properties:	Anti inflammatory
Uses:	Aromatherapy, Medicinal Use

The use of Aloe Vera oil is not a recent trend, but it has been brought to extensive use since ages and this can be completely attributed to the manifold benefits it provides. There are near about 500 species of Aloe Vera, the botanical name of which is Aloe barbadensis. It belongs to the Liliaceae family and is known by different names such as Aloe vera, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe etc. This herbal plant is often called the 'lily of the desert'. To know about the uses and benefits of Aloe Vera oil, read on…

The name Aloe has been derived from the Arabic word "alloeh" meaning bitter. It is due to the bitter liquid or juice that is found in the leaves. The origin of this plant can be traced back to the times of many ancient civilizations. Aloe Vera plant was originally grown in areas native to South and East Africa, however, in the present era, it is cultivated in almost all the tropical and subtropical regions, including Caribbean and the Latin America.

In 1500 B.C. the Egyptians used Aloe Vera plant for treating several diseases such as infections, burns and so on. Cleopatra made an extensive use of Aloe Vera gel to make her skin soft and glowing. Aloe has been widely used by the ancient Arabs, Greeks, and Spaniards at the time of their hunting expedition, as it helps to reduce the perspiration of the body and also serves as a great body scent. Infact, Spanish missionaries used to always take Aloe along to help the sick people.

The American herbalists realized the immense value of Aloe Vera for medicinal uses during the 18th and 19th centuries. According to some old legends, people were of the belief that Aloe Vera helps to protect the house from the evil eye. It was kept inside the kitchen with the thinking that it would help prevent any kind of mishap during cooking. The parts of the plant that have been finding their way in the making of medicines include leaves, fresh leaf gel and latex.

The oil extracted from Aloe Vera plant is believed to be a great skin rejuvenator. It ensures speedy recovery of wounds and is also quite effective in treating sunburns. In addition, it is very beneficial in curing Arthritis. Aloe Vera is known to possess anti inflammatory properties. It also serves as a wonderful moisturizer. It is able to penetrate quickly and deeply into the skin and therefore is a popular choice amongst the base oils for use in Aromatherapy. For body scars and stretch marks, Aloe Vera oil truly works wonders. Aloe Vera oil provides innumerable health benefits for which it is preferred the most.