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Aloe comes from tropical Africa. Related species are used as an antidote to arrow poison, but we value the plant for its healing effect on burns, wounds and insect bites.
Aloe is a succulent, and grows to a height of 12 to 16 inches. It has a fibrous root system producing long, tapering, stemless leaves. These light green leaves have spiky margins and are blotched with cream. The firm upright stems bear several bell-shaped, fleshy, yellow-orange flowers. |
 | When applied externally, aloe vera restores skin tissues and may aid the healing of burns and sores. It can also be used on blemishes and dandruff. Used cosmetically, Aloe vera softens the skin. Aloe vera is also taken internally for stomach disorders. Dried aloe latex, a substance derived from the leaf, is a strong laxative. Modern doctors have used aloe for x-ray burns, sunburn, chemical burns, first degree burns, traumatized tissue, decibitus ulcers or bedsores, skin inflammation, stomach ulcers, herpes simplex, peridontal surgery, insect bites and stings, irritating plant stings, and other minor skin manifestations. Aloe had shown outstanding results in treating facial edema (swelling). When used as a mouth rinse, it was effective for cold spores and lockjaw.
Dosage: Aloe vera comes in a number of forms: natural gel, prepared ointment, salve or lotion, liquid drink concentrate and encapsulated powder. Can be used externally or taken internally depending on conditions. For minor cuts and inflammation, apply the gel from the leaf directly on the wound. For larger inflammations etc. use a concentrated ointment, salve or lotion. For internal use, aloe comes as a drink concentrate. Dilute it to 1 oz = 1 quart prior to consuming. Safety: In the USA, the leaf gel is generally recognized as safe as a food. Canada - approved as an over-the counter laxative France: Traditional medicine Germany: Commission E approved as an over-the-counter drug Japan: Japanese pharmacopoeia
U.K. British pharmacopoeia.
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