Aloe

Climatically versatile and incredibly useful, aloe has been praised since ancient times for its ability to heal both inside and out. Unfortunately, aloe vera no longer grows naturally, so its true place of origin remains unknown. More recent times have seen the plant renaturalized to North Africa and the Saudi Arabian peninsula as it continues to be valued in both alternative and conventional medicine.

Health Benefits of Aloe

The aloe plant, or aloe vera, has a long history of medicinal uses, and modern science has corroborated some of these folk applications. The medicinal properties of aloe have been found highly effective for wound healing, and it is also considered useful for the treatment of cold sores, canker sores, bedsores, and diabetic ulcers. Some of the most well-known and traditionally used aloe vera benefits are:

• Relieving burns and skin inflammation. Aloe applied to the skin is soothing, and it helps heal minor burns, wounds, and inflammation.

• Promoting bowel movements. Aloe leaf latex can be used sparingly as a stimulant laxative.

How It Works

Most health benefits of aloe vera can be traced back to its acetylated mannan content, a compound with antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. Scientific studies have shown that it causes activation of macrophages, which are a type white blood cells responsible for getting rid of dead cells and harmful pathogens in infected areas.^1,2

The juice from aloe's leaves contain salicylic acid, which is a keratolytic agent that improves cellular regeneration.^3,4,5

Additionally, aloins and other anthraquinones in aloe latex irritate the intestines, stopping the re-absorption of water and stimulating bowel movements.

More scientific research must be done in order to determine the full extent of aloe vera benefits and properties, as well as its toxicity.

The active compounds in aloe have been shown to speed up cell regeneration.

Psyllium and tamarind also possess laxative properties, while similar skin healing benefits can be found in herbs like jojoba, gotu kola and mashua.

Aloe Side Effects

Aloe gel is largely considered safe for topical application and mostly safe for adult consumption. However, it may cause slight burning or itching on the skin of sensitive people.

Cautions

Aloe latex is considered unsafe, especially for those with intestinal conditions, hemorrhoids, or kidney problems. Children, breastfeeding women, and those with low blood sugar should avoid aloe.

Pregnant women should not consume this plant as it may induce miscarriage. Products containing aloe latex should not be consumed for extended periods as the bowels can become dependent on them over time, they may disrupt potassium ion balance in the body, and anthraquinones have shown carcinogenic activity.

Aloe vera's medicinal uses come from different parts of the plant. The clear, inner pulp of aloe vera leaf has a gel-like texture and is used for skin ailments, while the green leaf latex, or outer pulp - which is found between the gel and the outer layer of the leaf -, has laxative properties.

Natural Forms

• Raw. The gel inside of aloe leaves, without the latex, is commonly added to some juices, yogurts, and smoothies to soothe ulcers, gastritis, and stomach discomfort. For constipation, adding the latex part of the leaves can produce a laxative effect.

• Poultice. When applied topically, aloe gel can help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as speed up wound healing.

Herbal Remedies & Supplements

• Capsules. Tablets and capsules are typically derived from aloe latex and sometimes the gel. They stimulate the intestines, producing a laxative effect.

A perennial succulent, the aloe vera plant is notably tolerant of most climates and is capable of withstanding both droughts and poor soil quality.

Growing Guidelines

• While aloe is a drought tolerant plant, it needs a good quantity of water for optimal development, as roughly 95% of its structure is based on hydration.

• Full sunlight is also advisable, and if potted as a household plant, terracotta is the best choice of container thanks to its porous composition.

• Temperatures between 50 - 70°F (10 - 21°C) are ideal for the aloe vera plant, although it can endure chills as low as 40°F (4°C).

• When the principal aloe plant starts sprouting peripheral offshoots, it's time to transplant it to a larger receptacle.

More detailed information about growing aloe can be found in the herb garden section.

Plant Biology

The aloe vera plant is classified as a succulent because it possesses fleshy leaves and stems with the capacity to store water and essential oils. The leaves of the aloe are composed of 95% water, and are thick, fleshy, and have jagged edges from base to tip. These leaves are usually gray-green in color, while the flowers are yellow and tubular. Each plant can reach up to 35 inches (90 cm) in height.

• Classification

  A member of the Asphodeloideae subfamily and called after its botanical name, Aloe vera is commonly grouped with other ornamental plants that are found in northern Africa.

• Related Species

  The Aloe genus comprises about 250 species that grow worldwide. Only two of those species, however, have commercial value. This includes bitter aloe (Aloe ferox) - which is used as a laxative and to make the bitter tonics used in herbal medicine - and the most widely known species, Aloe (Aloe vera).

Historical Information

Genetic evidence suggests that aloe first came from northern Africa since other aloe species remain indigenous to that region. The first registers of aloe vera medicinal uses date back 3,500 years in ancient Egypt, when it first traveled around the Mediterranean, across to Asia, and onward thanks to human cultivation. Early Egyptians also utilized the plant to make papyrus scrolls and to treat tuberculosis. Several centuries later, its healing powers remained in high demand as the Knights Templar included it in their "Elixir of Jerusalem," a herbal drink believed to lengthen life.

Economic Data

Thanks to a global recognition of its healing powers, aloe is one of the most widely-grown medicinal plants in the world. It is cultivated via large-scale agricultural production by 12 countries for cosmetic purposes alone, including Australia, Cuba, China, Mexico, India, Jamaica, South Africa, and the U.S. Medicine, cosmetics, personal care, and other industries generate several millions of dollars every year by subsidizing aloe cultivation, not to mention the billions more that are made through product purchase.

Other Uses

• Cosmetics. Aloe properties, mostly beneficial for skin health, are used in many personal care products, such as creams, lotions, soaps, and tissue paper, frequently advertising the herb as a featured component.

• Industrial. The aloe vera plant has proven to be a very effective fresh food and water preservative, and its seeds are currently being studied as a potential source of biofuel.

• Gardening. Aloe vera is not only a useful but also an attractive, low maintenance succulent that can be grown indoors, which makes it a very popular houseplant.