Condition
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
gel, externally
Aloe Vera
(Aloe barbadensis)
Botanical Information
A spiny succulent perennial. The long leaves are thick and full of juice and smooth except for spiny teeth on the margins.
Working with Aloe Vera
Part(s) Used
Leaf
Herb Forms
Juice, gel, ointment, powder.
The juice of aloe vera is taken internally for constipation and to soothe ulcers, arthritis, and colitis. A fresh leaf or the gel of aloe vera is applied to any kind of skin trauma, including burns, sunburn, poison oak (can be safely used around the eyes), stings, bites, scrapes, and wounds. This gel contains glycoproteins and polysaccharides shown in studies to speed the healing of burns and wounds and stimulate production of new tissue. A number of preliminary lab studies show that aloe can speed the healing of wounds, burns, herpes sores, psoriasis, HPV lesions, seborrheic dermatitis, and frostbite when compared with silver sulfadiazine cream, a standard pharmaceutical treatment. One study found that wounds treated with aloe healed up to 9 days faster than those treated with a placebo cream. It has also shown promise in aiding glycemic control in diabetics and for reducing high cholesterol levels. Though aloe studies are of mixed quality, an overall assessment shows clear benefits. Aloe gel can be used right from the leaf (or a commercial product that is labeled “100 percent aloe vera gel”) for healing wounds and burns as well as rashes and sunburns. Aloe can be applied to your face and skin to counteract dryness with mild irritation. As a skin emollient, aloe vera is often an ingredient in cosmetics.
Aloe is worth trying for gum inflammation, mild to moderate gum disease, mouth sores, and trauma after dental work.
Aloe Vera has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COOL.
Cautions
The first resinous layer just beneath the skin contains anthraquinones, which have a strong laxative effect on the bowels. The second is the inner gel, which is not laxative and is used for drinks and body care products. We recommend against using aloe gel long-term or during pregnancy or while nursing unless it is used under the advice of an experienced practitioner. Powdered leaf acts as cathartic.
Conditions treated with Aloe Vera
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
cooling emollient
Application
fresh leaf, gel
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
