MODERN research is now showing that the humble little Aloe Vera plant, growing in almost every corner of Guyana, may be utilized both internally and externally to preserve health, enhance beauty, and prolong youthful looks. According to available records, this plant has been used for at least five thousand years. The oldest documented record of the use of the Aloe Vera plant was found in papyrus texts of the ancient North African empire of Egypt. In addition, mention is made of aloes in the Bible. Later on, the Greeks, who learned their medicinal arts from the Egyptians, adopted the use of aloes in their medical treatments.  To illustrate the level of esteem in which this plant was held by Greek physicians, legend claims that the Greek philosopher Aristotle convinced his most famous pupil, Alexander The Great, to conquer the island of Socotra to obtain the Aloe Vera plant, grown there in great abundance, to use in the treatment of his sick soldiers.
For many Guyanese, the earliest recollection we have of this bitter plant goes back to early childhood days when our elders applied it to our fingers to discourage our sucking of the fingers, or our mothers applied the gel to their nipples to discourage us from breastfeeding. Some of us remember our parents giving us to drink aloe gel mixed in either cow’s milk or water, claiming it helps to rid the body of mucus.  Small wonder, then, that the bitter aloes — as it is known in Guyana — is not among our children’s favourites.
Herbalists all over the world have been making certain claims concerning the bitter herb. Among the things they say about Aloe Vera is that it is a mild laxative, useful in treating constipation. It is also known as a pain inhibitor, and a natural antibiotic useful in fighting diabetes as well as high cholesterol. Also useful to prevent pesky pimples and treat acne, Aloe Vera is said to have qualities that reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles, among other uses.
On the other hand, those involved in the cosmetic industry have been making claims regarding the soothing, moisturizing and healing properties of Aloe Vera, especially the Aloe Vera gel which is used as an ingredient in many skin creams, lotions, soaps,   makeup, tissues, moisturizers, sunscreens, incense, shaving creams, and shampoos.

Essential properties
What, then, are the scientific facts concerning this bitter herb? Scientists who have analyzed the Aloe Vera plant say that it contains a total of 70 essential ingredients and most vitamins, including B12. 
It also contains nine minerals, namely:  Calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc, all of which are Essential for good health. Eight enzymes, namely aliiase, alkaline, phosphatase, amylase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase, are also found in the plant.
Medical practitioners say that Aloe Vera can be used to treat cuts and bruises, since it has six antiseptic agents (sulphur, lupeol, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, urea nitrogen, and phenol) which act as a team to provide antimicrobial activity, thus eliminating many internal and external infections.
As if the above were not enough, the scientists tell us also that the Aloe Vera has a strong effect on the immune system, by activating and stimulating macrophages, monocytes, antibodies and T-cells, as well as increasing the number of antibody-forming cells in the spleen; thus enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections.

Wonder plant
This wonder plant also contains protein and amino acids. In fact, experts say that it provides 20 of the 22 amino acids, and seven of the eight essential ones humans require. The eight essential amino acids are those the human body cannot manufacture. All these qualities combine to make it a very useful herb in the nourishment and healing processes of the body. 
So, when next you see that little erect herb, don’t turn up your nose. It may not be to your taste, but maybe because of that, the aloe plant is good for you.