The history of the Aloe

Throughout ancient and modern history, aloe plants have been used for their remarkable medicinal properties.  Notwithstanding the fact that Aloe Vera, together with a number of other aloe species from Africa, north of the equator, were spread round the world as new lands were discovered, it is important to note that isolated societies as far removed as the indigenous peoples of South Africa had independently discovered the uses of aloes.  In addition to the many uses to which Aloe ferox was put by the KhoiSan, other indigenous groups used other aloe species for medicinal purposes, for example:

• the Xhosa use the pulped leaves of Aloe saponaria to treat human ringworm;
• for internal worms they use a decoction of Aloe tenuior root;
• the Zulus administer extract of Aloe marlothii by mouth for roundworms;
• it was common practice to apply the cut surface of Aloe ferox leaves to fresh skin wounds as well as to infected ulcers and boils;
• the Bakone used leaves of Aloe fossteri, warmed in hot ash, on wounds and sores;
• the so-called Cape Coloureds used Aloe variegata in the same fashion for gumboils and infected teeth;
• the Pondo people use the juice of Aloe aristata mixed with water to wash their bodies for its tonic and refreshing effect

Twentieth century interest in the healing properties of aloes was sparked in the late 1940’s when aloes were successfully used in the treatment of Japanese radiation burn victims after Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  These aloes had been introduced from South Africa to Japan and Russia where their medicinal uses were recognised and extensively researched and used.  The aloe used to treat Japanese patients was not, as is popularly thought, Aloe vera, but Aloe arborescens which, like Aloe ferox, is indigenous to South Africa.

Twentieth century scientific literature contains many references to the aloe plant’s diverse biological properties.  Experiments have brought to light new aspects of this plant’s versatility such as an anti-fungal effect, an inhibitory effect on cancer cells, an anti-inflammatory effect and an anti-ageing effect.  Aloe derivatives were also found to stimulate the growth of various cells e.g. skin cells and normal lymph cells.  Recent test results have shown aloe gel to possess a rapid vasodilatory effect (increases blood flow to area of application) which is vital for healing and for improved skin regeneration.

Although Aloe ferox crystals were one of the first products to be exported from the Cape in the 1600’s, it is only within the last decade that a more formal aloe industry has emerged in South Africa.  The world-wide swing back to natural products - cosmetic and medicinal - over this period has resulted in the establishment of a rapidly-developing market for aloe products, both in the cosmetic and complementary medicinal areas.

Simply Aloe’s range of products have been well accepted both locally and abroad and are currently exported to several countries in Europe