Overview
Aloe is a succulent plant with thick, meaty leaves that contain a transparent gel. Aloe gel is known for its healing and soothing properties. Aloe can be used internally and externally by humans. It is relatively easy to grow, and there are hundreds of different types of aloe.
History
The use of aloe can be traced back 6,000 years to the ancient Egyptians, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Aloe is depicted in ancient stone carvings and was included as a burial gift for pharaohs. It was also used during the Middle Ages.
Features
The leaves of the aloe plant can be removed, and the gel-like substance from inside them can be applied directly to wounds or sunburn. The inner lining of the green, outer part of the leaves yields a substance called “latex” that is taken internally as a laxative. Aloe is also included as an ingredient in many health and beauty products.
Types
Aloe vera is the most common type of aloe. Some other types of aloe are Aloe africana, Aloe ferox, Aloe perryi and Aloe spicata. Aloe barbadensis is a synonym for Aloe vera. Aloe likes a warm and sunny location. It grows in parts of Africa, South America, Asia, Mexico, the Caribbean and the U.S.
Benefits
Aloe vera has many medicinal uses, both internally and externally. According to the fourth edition of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A. Balch, it heals and moisturizes skin, soothes sunburn and other burns and can help reduce inflammation. The book also says aloe has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It can be taken internally to lower cholesterol and as a laxative.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says aloe can be taken orally to treat diabetes, epilepsy, asthma and osteoarthritis. It says aloe vera has been approved as a natural food flavoring by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Mayo Clinic says aloe can be used to treat constipation, gential herpes, dermatitis and psoriasis. It also says early evidence shows aloe, taken orally, may help reduce the risk one has of developing lung cancer.
Considerations
Allergic reactions to aloe are rare, but Phyllis A. Balch recommends applying a small amount behind the ear or on the underarm to test sensitivity before using. Balch also says aloe shouldn’t be taken internally by pregnant women. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea are common side effects of aloe latex that is taken orally for laxative purposes.
