ALOE VERA HISTORY
The history of “Aloe vera” dates back thousands of years and spans numerous civilizations. It is one of the best-known medicinal plants, valued for its healing, cosmetic, and nutritional properties. Here’s a detailed historical overview: The plant gained prominence in multiple cultures, including Egyptian, Indian, Chinese, and Greek civilizations.
ORIGINS AND EARLY USES 6025 YEARS OF HISTORY
1. Ancient Egypt (c. 4,000 BCE) Aloe vera was referred to as the “plant of immortality” in ancient Egypt. Cleopatra and Nefertiti reportedly used Aloe vera in their beauty routines.
2. Mesopotamia (c. 2,200 BCE) Clay tablets from Mesopotamia mention Aloe vera as a medicinal plant for treating infections and internal ailments.
3. Ancient Asia India (c. 1,500 BCE) Ayurvedic medicine used Aloe vera for digestive health, skin diseases, and wound healing. It was called “Ghritkumari” in Sanskrit.
4. China (c. 1,000 BCE) Chinese medicine embraced Aloe vera for treating fungal diseases, burns, and other skin ailments.
5. Greco-Roman Era Greece (c. 400 BCE) Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine,” documented Aloe vera’s healing properties for wounds and ulcers.
6. Rome (c. 23 BCE) Dioscorides, a Greek physician serving in the Roman army, wrote about Aloe vera in his book De Materia Medica, detailing its use as a purgative, wound healer, and skin conditioner.
7. Middle Ages – Arab Traders Arab merchants introduced Aloe vera to new territories, including North Africa and the Mediterranean. They called it the “Lily of the Desert” and highlighted its role in preserving food and skin health.
7. Middle Ages – Europe During the Middle Ages, Aloe vera became a staple in European herbal medicine for treating burns, cuts, and digestive issues.
8. Colonial and Modern Times – 16th Century Spanish explorers brought Aloe vera to the Americas, where it was quickly adopted by indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties.
8. Colonial and Modern Times- 19th-20th Century The industrial revolution saw Aloe vera being mass-produced for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food.
Today 2025 Aloe vera remains a globally recognized plant, extensively studied for its medicinal, cosmetic, and nutritional benefits. Its gel and extracts are found in skincare products, health supplements, and beverages.
The history of Aloe vera highlights its timeless appeal and utility, making it one of humanity’s most treasured natural remedies.
ALOE VERA HISTORY OF SRILANKA
The exact history of aloe vera’s introduction to Sri Lanka isn’t precisely documented, but historical records and traditions suggest it arrived on the island through ancient trade routes. As Sri Lanka was a key strategic point along maritime trade routes, it was likely influenced by travelers, traders, and colonizers from India, the Middle East, China, and Europe.
Possible Introductions
- Indian Influence: Given Sri Lanka’s close ties to India, aloe vera may have been introduced by Ayurvedic practitioners or traders. It was widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating wounds, skin conditions, and digestive issues.
- Arab Traders: Arab merchants frequently visited Sri Lanka during the spice trade era, bringing various plants, including aloe vera, valued for its medicinal and cosmetic properties.
- European Colonization: During the colonial era (Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule), aloe vera could have been introduced as a commercial crop or medicinal plant by European settlers.
- Traditional Knowledge: Once introduced, aloe vera became part of Sri Lanka’s indigenous medicine (Deshiya Chikitsa) and was cultivated locally due to its adaptability and wide range of uses. While no single person or group can be definitively credited with introducing it, the plant has been integrated into traditional medicine and everyday life for centuries.
The Fluctuation of Aloe Vera’s Availability in Sri Lanka
The prominence of aloe vera in Sri Lanka has not been consistent. Despite being known for centuries, its cultivation seemed to wane before being reintroduced and popularized in recent years. This decline can be attributed to a combination of historical, economic, and agricultural factors.
1. Lack of Commercial Focus in the Past
- Traditional Use Only: Historically, aloe vera was primarily grown in home gardens or used in traditional medicine, but it was not cultivated on a large scale for commercial purposes.
- Shift to Other Crops: Farmers likely prioritized crops like tea, rubber, and spices, which were more profitable and supported by government policies during the colonial and post-colonial periods.
2. Limited Awareness and Market Demand
- Global Aloe Vera Boom Missed: While the global market for aloe vera-based products began expanding in the late 20th century, Sri Lanka did not capitalize on this trend due to limited knowledge, investment, and infrastructure.
- No Organized Cultivation: Without a structured supply chain or an established industry, aloe vera did not have a strong presence in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
A Revival of Aloe Vera Cultivation
Over the last five years, a significant resurgence in aloe vera cultivation has occurred, thanks to initiatives by Aloe Farm Sri Lanka and growing global demand. This has created a renewed focus on the plant as a high-value crop.
3. Introduction by Aloe Farm Sri Lanka (5 Years Ago)
Aloe Farm Sri Lanka recognized the untapped potential of aloe vera and created awareness about its economic and medicinal benefits.
- Innovative Farming Models: Aloe Farm Sri Lanka implemented innovative investment and farming models, encouraging people to grow aloe vera. Their efforts included promoting aloe vera as a cash crop, offering farmers financial benefits and guaranteed markets, and collaborating with the government to secure approvals and recognition as a commercial crop.
4. Global and Local Demand Surge
- Rising Demand for Natural Products: Globally, there has been a surge in demand for aloe vera-based products in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and health foods. This has encouraged Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to reintroduce and invest in aloe vera cultivation.
- Export Opportunities: The potential to export aloe vera and its by-products (like fresh gel, processed juice, and cosmetics) has created a lucrative market for local farmers and businesses.
5. Government and Private Sector Support
- Lack of Prior Support: Earlier, government agricultural policies may not have prioritized aloe vera cultivation, focusing instead on staple crops.
- Recent Policy Shift: With initiatives like Aloe Farm Sri Lanka and increasing global demand, there has been a renewed focus on aloe vera. The recent “cabinet approval” recognizing aloe vera as a commercial plant is a significant step in its resurgence.
For many years, aloe vera cultivation in Sri Lanka was neglected due to a lack of commercial focus, awareness, and infrastructure. However, Aloe Farm Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in reintroducing the plant approximately five years ago, setting up organized cultivation, educating farmers, and creating a robust supply chain. Their efforts, combined with increasing global demand and government support, have made aloe vera a promising crop for Sri Lanka once again.