Aloe Vera

Native to Africa, Aloe Vera is commonly cultivated as a pot plant and has two distinct types of medicinal use. The clear gel contained in the leaf is a remarkably effective healer of wounds and burns, speeding up the rate of healing and reducing the risk of infection. The yellow sap from the base of the leaf when dried is known as "bitter aloes". It is a strong laxative, useful for short-term constipation.

Key Constituents: Anthraquinones (Aloin, Aloe-emodin), Resins, Tannins, Polysaccharides, Aloectin B.

Key Actions: Heals wounds, Emollient, Stimulates secretions of bile, Laxative.

Healing properties

Extensive research since the 1930s in the US and Russia has shown that the clear gel has a dramatic ability to heal wounds, ulcers and burns, putting a protective coat on the affected area and speeding up the rate of healing. This action is in part due to the presence of Aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system.

Traditional & Current Uses

Beauty treatment Aloe Vera has a long history as a skin lotion - Cleopatra is said to have attributed her beauty to it.

Western remedy In the West, Aloe Vera first became popular in the 1950s when its ability to heal burns, in particular radiation burns, was discovered.

First aid Aloe Vera is an excellent first aid remedy to keep in the home for burns, grazes, scalds and sunburn. A leaf, broken off, releases soothing gel, which may be applied to the affected part.
Skin conditions The gel is useful for almost any skin condition that needs soothing and astringing, and will help varicose veins to some degree.

Ulcers the protective and healing effect of Aloe Vera also works internally, and the gel can be used for peptic ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

Laxative the bitter yellow liquid in the leaves (bitter aloes) contains anthraquinones, which are strongly laxative. They cause the colon to contract, generally producing a bowel movement 8-12 hours after consumption. At low doses, the bitter properties of the herb stimulate the digestion. At higher doses, bitter aloes are laxative and purgative.