Parts Most Frequently Used: Translucent Inner Pulp of the Leaves, Yellow Resin from Leaf Wounds, Juice

Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Cold

Caution: Considered safe. Not recommended for long term use due to its laxative capacities.

History/Folklore: Of the over 240 species of Aloe, only four are recognized as having nutritional value. Aloe vera is recognized as the most medicinal and nutritional.

Aloe produces two substances, gel and latex, that are both used medicinally. The gel is a clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the leaves and the latex comes from just under the plant’s skin and is yellow. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf and will therefore contain both the gel and the latex.

The gel is used for weight loss, diabetes, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, asthma, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and radiation-related skin sores. The latex is mainly used as a laxative, but has been used to treat colds, bleeding, colitis, depression, glaucoma and hemorrhoids. Fresh aloe leaves are taken orally to help cancer.

Applied to the skin aloe gel is used to treat acne, sunburns, burns, burning mouth, radiation skin damage, diaper rash, frostbite, bedsores, scabies, wounds, and genital herpes.

Studies are indicating that aloe helps heal wounds by improving the circulation of blood flow and preventing cell death around the wound. The gel also appears to be harmful to certain types of bacteria and fungi improving its wound healing abilities.

A study completed in 1996 in Sweden focusing on using aloe vera to treat chronic psoriasis indicated a cure rate of 85% with no relapses reported within the next 12-month follow-up.

The constituent, acemannan, found in aloe helps treat canker sores and dry sockets in the mouth. The hormones, auxins and gibberellins, found in the plant help heal wounds and have anti-inflammatory properties. And the anthraquinones, are known as laxatives, analgesics, antibacterials and antivirals.

The Ancient Greeks and Romans are documented to have used aloe vera to treat wounds and ulcerated male genitals. The Ancient Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra, regarded aloe gel as a foundation of youth and used it to preserve her skin. The Egyptians also used aloe in their embalming processes.

The Chinese have long used aloe gel as a purgative and in India, the gel is regarded as an effective cooling tonic. The Chinese will also use aloe in pill or powdered form, but not in decoctions. Good quality gel is very dark green and lustrous with a strong taste.

The aloe that is referenced in the Bible is an unrelated fragrant wood used as incense.

One aloe leaf can be used for weeks. The severed end of the blade is self-healing and the thin film that develops can be easily broken with each use.

The unprocessed aloe contains aloin, a laxative, the processed juice does not contain significant levels of aloin and is used to soothe and aid digestion.

Some constituents in aloe may possibly be good for inhibiting the growth of tumors. As yet, studies have not confirmed these claims for human usage.

Aloe plants are popular as garden ornamentals.