Everything You Need to Know About

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Botanical family: Asphodelaceae
Parts used: Leaves, Gel from Leaves
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
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Overview and Health Benefits

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a renowned herbal remedy used for centuries in traditional and modern medicine. The gel from its leaves (rich in mucilage) is widely celebrated for its soothing and healing properties and often used externally, while the leaves including the skin (containing anthraquinones) have been used internally as a laxative (Heinrich et al., 2023).

Key Benefits:

  • Soothes and heals skin
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Reduces plaque and promotes oral health
  • Laxative

Aloe vera gel is renowned for its ability to alleviate skin conditions, promote wound healing (Molazem et al., 2015), and reduce inflammation (Heinrich et al., 2023). Aloe vera extracts have been shown to help manage a range of skin conditions, including chronic psoriasis (Syed et al., 1996), diaper dermatitis in children (Panahi et al., 2012), as well as burns, cuts, abrasions and sunburns (Surjushe, Vasani & Saple, 2008). .

Aloe vera's components can reduce inflammation both topically and internally (Heinrich et al., 2023). Aloe vera gel has proven effective to cool and ease active ulcerative colitis, for example, when taken internally (Langmead et al., 2004).

Aloe vera has been shown to significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis when integrated into mouthwashes or toothpastes (Gupta et al., 2014; de Oliveira et al., 2008). 

Taken internally, aloe vera powder / leaf extract can function as a laxative (Heinrich et al., 2023). It is the latex of the plant – the bitter sap found between the inner part of the plant and the rind – that is rich in the laxative active compounds (anthraquinones) (IASC, 2009). However, due to its strength, it should be used with caution and preferably under professional guidance (Ulbricht et al., 2007).

 

Safety

Internally, Aloe vera latex contains anthraquinones, which have potent laxative effects and can lead to severe abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and potential electrolyte imbalances if consumed in large quantities or over prolonged periods (Ulbricht et al., 2008). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid internal use due to potential adverse effects (Surjushe, Vasani, & Saple, 2008). Additionally, individuals with kidney disorders or gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome should exercise caution, as Aloe vera may exacerbate these conditions (Langmead et al., 2004). Topically, while generally safe, Aloe vera gel may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and it should not be used in cases of staph infection (Gladstar, 2008). As with any herbal remedy, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before using Aloe vera, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking any prescription medications.

Featured Products Containing Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Key Body Systems Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) relates to

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Skin
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Digestive System
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Immune System

Energetics

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Cooling
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Moistening

Key actions

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Vulnerary
  • Demulcent
  • Antioxidant
  • Aperient
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Key uses

  • Skin burns and irritation
  • Digestive disorders
  • Mild constipation

Where to Find Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera is a distinctive succulent easily recognized by its thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. These leaves are triangular, tapering to a point, and edged with small, soft spines. Each leaf can grow up to 60 cm long and 15 cm wide, and is often green to grey-green, sometimes with white flecks. When cut, the leaves reveal a clear, viscous gel valued for its medicinal properties. The plant also sometimes produces tubular yellow, red, or orange flowers on a spike that emerges from the centre of the rosette.

Originally native to the arid regions of southern and eastern Africa, Aloe vera is now widely grown around the world, particularly in warm climates such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South America, and parts of Asia. For those growing Aloe vera indoors, it is important to provide plenty of sunlight and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This hardy plant can add both beauty and practicality to your home, offering a ready source of its soothing gel for minor cuts and burns.

References

Gladstar, R. (2008). Rosemary Gladstar’s herbal recipes for vibrant health. Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

Gupta, R.K., Gupta, D., Bhaskar, D. J., Yadav, A., Obaid, K., & Mishra, S. (2014). Preliminary antiplaque efficacy of aloe vera mouthwash on 4 day plaque re-growth model: Randomized control trial. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 24(2), 139-144. https://doi.org/10.4314/ejhs.v24i2.6

Heinrich, M., Barnes, J., Prieto-Garcia, J., Gibbons, S., & Williamson, E. M. (Eds.). (2023). Fundamentals of pharmacognosy and phytotherapy (4th ed.). Elsevier. 

International Aloe Science Council. (2009). Aloe scientific primer. https://www.iasc.org/Files/Downloads/IASC_Aloe_vera_A_Scientific_Primer.pdf 

Langmead, L., Feakins, R. M., Goldthorpe, S., Holt, H., Tsironi, E., De Silva, A., Jewell, D. P., & Rampton, D. S. (2004). Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 19(7), 739-747. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01902.x

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor. Aeon. 

Molazem, Z., Mohseni, F., Younesi, M., & Keshavarzi, S. (2015). Aloe vera gel and cesarean wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Global Journal of Health Science, 7(1), 203-209. https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v7n1p203

de Oliveira, S. M. A., Torres, T. C., da Silva Pereira, S. L., de Lima Mota, O. M., & Carlos, M. X. (2008). Effect of a dentifrice containing Aloe vera on plaque and gingivitis control: A double-blind clinical study in humans. Journal of Applied Oral Science, 16(4), 293–296. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-77572008000400012

Panahi, Y., Sharif, M. R., Sharif, A., Beiraghdar, F., Zahiri, Z., Amirchoopani, G., Tahmasbpour Marzony, E., & Sahebkar, A. (2012). A randomized comparative trial on the therapeutic efficacy of topical Aloe vera and Calendula officinalis on diaper dermatitis in children. Scientific World Journal, 2012, Article 810234. https://doi.org/10.1100/2012/810234

Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785

Syed, T.A., Ahmad, S.A., Holt, A.H., Ahmad, S.A., Ahmad, S.H., & Afzal, M. (1996). Management of psoriasis with aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream: A placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 1(4), 505-509. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3156.1996.d01-91.x 

Ulbricht, C., Armstrong, J., Basch, E., Basch, S., Bent, S., Dacey, C., Dalton, S., Foppa, I., Giese, N., Hammerness, P., Kirkwood, C., Sollars, D., Tanguay-Colucci, S., & Weissner, W. (2007). An evidence-based systematic review of Aloe vera by the natural standard research collaboration. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 7(3-4), 279-323. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228940802153339