Aloe Vera Liliaceae Also called Bitter aloe

A perennial succulent, aloe is native to the dry regions if East and South Africa, and the Mediterrat1ean basin. Its greeny grey, tightly packed, thick,jleshy leaves have jagged, thorny edges. The tissue inside the leaf contains aloe juice - believed to have been used to preserve the body if Jesus.

Parts used

Leaf sap and gel

Leaves are collected from plants that are two to three years old.

Sap exudes when the leaf is cut and gel comes from mucilage-rich celis in the heart of the leaf.

Aloe vera is available in drinks and in skin preparations.

Constituents

Aloe vera contains anthraquinones such as aloin A and B, which are responsible for the plant's laxative and healing properties.

Medicinal uses

Aloe's medicinal properties have been known since ancient times.The laxative sap is dried and sold as 'resin'. The gel stimulates the immune system and has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. This makes it useful in the treatment of certain skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

In the 1950s, aloe vera became renowned for treating radiation burns. Today it is widely used as a soothing, moisturising and healing gel to treat wounds, burns (including sunburn), acne, anal fissures and haemorrhoids .

In 1996, Mexican researchers investigating aloe vera's effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory agent showed that it prevented swelling by inhibiting the migration of inflammatory cells and the chemicals that induce inflammation.

Aloe may also help rheumatic ailments. Research published in 1986 found that a cream containing aloe vera both prevented and treated rheumatoid arthritis in rats.

Because aloe vera is a powerful laxative, herbal practitioners advise that it should be used primarily as an external remedy. However, some commercial preparations can be taken internally. These immune stimulant drinks have had aloe's laxative principles removed.

Cautions

Taken internally, aloe vera causes diarrhoea, which may reduce levels of potassium in the blood.

It can trigger attacks of colitis.

It should not be taken by young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Do not take if suffering from uraemia (excess urea in the blood) or disorders of the kidneys or liver.

Preparation and Dosages

For Internal Use

• TO TREAT weak immune system DRINKS (with powerful laxative element removed) Follow manufacturer's directions.

For External Use

• TO TREAT wounds, burns, hemorrhoids. SKIN PREPARATIONS (containing 1 % tincture or 2-3% hydroglycolic extract) Apply to the affected area two or three times a day.

If Symptoms Persist Consult a Doctor

Cultivation

• This tender plant can be grown as a houseplant if kept above 5°C.