Hi, my loves and welcome to WiccaNow. Recently I’ve been sharing posts about all my favourite magickal herbs and plants, like this post about the magickal properties of patchouli, another all about yarrow, one about the joyful magick of sunflowers and most recently a post about the magickal properties of basil. Today I want to continue this plant journey by sharing my guide to the magickal properties of aloe.
Aloe is an ancient healing plant which has been used for centuries to help heal burns and skin ailments as well as aiding digestive problems. It was beloved by many famous world leaders such as Alexander the Great and Cleopatra. The magickal properties of aloe include healing, beauty, protection and more.
Disclaimer: Any medicinal benefits given here are a product of my own research and as such should not be taken over the advice of trained medical professionals. If you are ill, please go and see a doctor. Always make sure that anything you consume is 100% safe. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor or midwife before consuming something you haven’t tried before.
History of Aloe
Aloe, the most commonly used form of which is known as A. vera barbadensis, is a succulent native to the south-west Arabian Peninsula. It now grows all over the world in areas that have a tropical, semi-tropical or arid climate. There are more than 500 Aloe species, 130 of which are native to Africa.
The first known written records of aloe came in the form of ancient clay tablets found in Sumeria which date back to 2200BC. The famous medical text from 1550BC, the Papyrus Ebers”, also mentions aloe and it’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. It was used by the Ancient Chinese and Egyptian people to heal wounds, reduce fever and treat burns.
By 350BC the medicinal effects of aloe were well known. Alexander the Great used it to heal his soldiers after battle. He was known to take carts of the fresh plant with him so as to always have it available after every battle he fought. There are some reports that he captured the island Socotra, on the advice of Aristotle, for its aloe groves so that he would always have access to enough for his troops.
The Romans followed the Egyptians and Greeks and also believed in the strong healing qualities of aloe. The famous herbalist Dioscorides (40AD-90AD) described aloe as one of his favourite healing plants. He recommended it’s used for many ailments from the treatment of wounds to gingivitis to hair loss among many others. The famous nun Hildegard von Bingen was known to use aloe to help her migraines during the 1100s. She also prescribed it as a cure for gastric infections and ulcers.
During the mid to late 1400s, Christopher Columbus started taking aloe plants on his ships with him so that he could treat any injuries incurred while travelling. This meant that aloe started spreading to areas that it hadn’t been seen in before.
In the 1500s Spanish Jesuit monks spread proliferated the spread of aloe plants. They would harvest wild aloe on their journey and take it with them as a healing aid during their travels.
These days, aloe is spread all over the world and is used by countless people to treat skin complaints such as sunburn. Aloe is a very common ingredient in many cosmetic products and you’ll even see whole aloe leaves being sold in supermarkets so people can take advantage of its health benefits.
Fun Facts about Aloe Vera
- Cleopatra loved to use aloe vera as part of her beauty routine and would use it daily.
- In 2200BC people thought that sickness was a sign of demonic possession. Aloe vera was one of the divine plants which were thought to have the ability to exorcise demons.
- Aloe is an important plant in Chinese traditional medicine.
- Japan calls aloe the “royal plant” due to its many uses. Samurai used the juice to help heal aches and sprains. Apparently, after the Atomic bombs were dropped in 1944, people who used aloe on their wounds healed much faster and scarred less than those who didn’t.
- Aloe is considered a plant of balance in Ayurvedic medicine.
- Aloe is one of the most studied natural plants in the world.
- Ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality” and it was often used in the mummification process.
- It can be used as a natural deodorant and insect repellent.
- Aloe vera is considered as one of the plants with the strongest auras in nature.
- The sale of products with aloe vera in them has an estimated global market value of around $13 billion a year.
Medicinal Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe has been used for centuries as a healing plant and is most often associated with skin ailments or burns. While it is considered safe, with few side effects, it has been known to cause cramps or diarrhoea when taken internally. If you’re pregnant, always be careful trying new things and talk to a doctor or midwife first.
- Antioxidant
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-viral
- Improves wound…
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