Skin Benefit
Lightweight and water-rich. Lathers gently, leaves skin settled and comfortable.
Spiritual Benefit
Kept as a household plant for centuries, used topically after sun, wind, or rough days.
The record
In use for 3,500+ years
Origin
Most likely the Arabian Peninsula, spreading early across North Africa and the Mediterranean, and now grown wherever it is warm.
Harvested
Outer leaves are cut at the base and the clear inner gel is filleted out and used fresh.
Cultural impact
Egypt called it the plant of immortality and planted it at doorways and graves. It traveled the old trade routes into Greek, Indian, and Chinese skin care and never left any of them.
Traditional use
Fresh gel laid on sun-scorched and irritated skin, and folded into beauty preparations from Egypt onward.
