The ancient Egyptians called aloe vera the “plant of immortality.” Since they’re all dead, they were obviously overstating its virtues. However, aloe does have many uses, including the treatment of dental problems.

Research indicates that aloe vera’s earliest use originated from the Egyptians. This plant, comprised of 99 percent water and 1 percent glycoproteins and polysaccharides, which are anti-inflammatory and healing agents, truly has an interesting history.

Egyptians had the savvy to use this wondrous plant as they were, on every level, ahead of their time. Many of the hieroglyphics on the temple walls as well as the pyramid walls boasted and attested to their love for this commodity even to the point of it being put on the same level as God. They called it “The Plant of Immortality.”

It was used then in the treatment of tuberculosis as well as in the manufacturing of papyrus scrolls. It was also recorded that when a “dignitary” died, the funeral ceremony was by invitation only and with a price tag of a pound of aloe. The Egyptians used the odorous mixture of aloe and myrrh for embalming and placed it in the burial clothes and, interestingly enough, a man’s wealth and esteem was derived by the number of pounds of aloe he brought.

There is much more history on this plant, but I will let you follow that up on your own so as to get into the uses of aloe. Read more