Aloe vera | Aloe barbadensis miller
This herb is a versatile adaptogen celebrated for its stress-relieving, immune-boosting, and hormone-balancing properties. As an adaptogenic herb, it helps the body manage stress naturally, while its nervine relaxant qualities promote calmness and mental clarity. Often used as an immune tonic, ashwagandha supports the body’s defenses, enhances vitality, and aids in balancing energy levels.
Herbal Actions and Effects on the Body
Vulnerary: The gel inside the leaves has a soothing, cooling effect that accelerates skin healing and reduces irritation from sunburns, rashes, and minor injuries.
Emollient: The gel acts as a hydrating emollient, drawing moisture to the skin and aiding in its retention. Making it useful for soft, hydrated skin and helping conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and cold sores.
Laxative: The latex found just beneath the aloe leaf skin has potent laxative properties. In small amounts, it can relieve occasional constipation, though it should be used sparingly to avoid cramping or diarrhea.
Anti-inflammatory: It contains compounds that help reduce inflammation. Applied topically, it soothes inflamed skin conditions like eczema, while internal use can support a balanced inflammatory response.
Antioxidant: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, aloe vera provides antioxidant support, helping to neutralize free radicals. These antioxidants contribute to skin elasticity and cellular health, offering anti-aging benefits when applied externally.
Precautions and Side Effects
While aloe vera is considered safe when used correctly, certain precautions are necessary:
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid internal use.
Oral Use and Dosage: Consuming aloe vera gel or juice in large amounts can cause digestive discomfort, such as cramps or diarrhea. Start with small doses and consult with a healthcare professional before prolonged use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or managing chronic conditions.
Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to aloe vera, experiencing redness or a rash upon topical application. A patch test on a small area of skin is recommended before broader use.
Interactions with Medications: Do not combine internally with diuretics or laxatives, effects may interfere with medications by speeding up their excretion from the body. Those on medications for diabetes or heart conditions should consult a healthcare provider before using aloe internally.
Not for Severe Burns or Open Wounds: While aloe can soothe minor burns, it is not recommended for deep or infected wounds as it may slow healing in more severe injuries.
Plant Identification, Growth, and Edible/Medicinal Parts
Aloe vera is a succulent plant well-suited to warm climates and easy to cultivate indoors or outdoors:
Appearance: Aloe vera has fleshy, green-gray leaves with serrated edges, growing in a rosette pattern. The plant may produce yellow tubular flowers under the right conditions.
Growing Conditions: Aloe thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and requires minimal water, making it a hardy choice for dry climates or indoor pots. It prefers full to partial sunlight but can adapt to low-light conditions indoors.
Harvesting: The gel is extracted by cutting mature leaves close to the base. Once the leaf is cut, it is essential to rinse the yellow latex just beneath the skin, as this part is known for its potent laxative effect and is not typically used for skin applications.
Edible/Medicinal Parts: The gel inside the leaves is used for topical and internal applications, but caution is required when ingesting it. The outer leaf’s latex is used sparingly and under guidance for its strong laxative properties.
Common Names and Origins
Aloe vera is also known by names like true aloe, burn plant, and lily of the desert. Originating in the Arabian Peninsula, it is now naturalized in tropical and arid regions worldwide. Historically, aloe has held a prominent place in traditional medicine, from Ancient Egyptian remedies for beauty and embalming to traditional healing practices across Africa and Asia.
For more detailed information about the different ways to take herbs, consider taking a course at the HomeGrown Herbalist Online School of Botanical Medicine.