Herb in Focus: Aloe Vera

This easy to grow plant has a wide range of medicinal properties. It’s a little medicine chest in one pot! Aloe vera has been in use since ancient times as a medicinal plant. In fact, evidence of use has been found on a Mesopotamian clay tablet dating back to 2100 BC.

It’s used topically as a treatment for wounds, burns and other skin conditions, and internally to soothe an inflamed digestive system, heal ulcers, a laxative, and as a general tonic. It is a favorite herb in Ayurveda and is used for an extensive range of aliments.

According to legend, Alexander the Great captured an island in the Indian Ocean in order to gain the Aloe vera for his wounded army! Aloe vera is a common ingredient these days in most cosmetic products. There are over 240 species of Aloe, however only 3 or 4 of them have medicinal properties; the most potent one is Aloe barbadenis.

Therapeutic Effects of Aloe Vera

Skin conditions

The healing effect of Aloe results from its ability to prevent injury to epithelial tissues, and promote healing of injured tissues. The epithelium is the outer layer of cells that cover the body. The gel of Aloe vera has antimicrobial, immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory and cooling properties which makes it excellent for healing the skin.

This is for both topical application and for internal consumption to treat skin conditions. On top of that Aloe stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for healing wounds and manufacturing collagen (the protein that controls the aging and elasticity of the skin).

Aloe vera purifies the blood and due to its cooling properties it combats the Pitta dosha whose imbalance contributes to chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and hives.

Aloe vera gel increases wound healing. Most human studies have found that topical application of Aloe vera gel increases wound healing. In one study involving 27 patients with a partial thickness burn injury found that topical Aloe gel significantly increased the healing rate compared to controls who used Vaseline.

Psoriasis is also treated with topical application. A double-blind placebo-controlled study found topical Aloe extract cured 83.3% of patients compared to the placebo cure rate of 6.6%.

Gastrointestinal conditions

Other epitheliums in our body include the lining of the gut, the bronchial tubes and the genital tract, which also benefit from the healing effect of Aloe vera. When taken internally, Aloe juice aids the digestion and absorption of nutrients, improves liver function, boost the immune system and balances blood sugar.

Generally, Aloe juice helps with all inflammatory digestive conditions. Aloe juice helps with all inflammatory digestive conditions such as heart burn, dyspepsia, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and Ulcerative colitis. According to a randomised, placebo-controlled study, those with diarrhoea-predominant IBS who received Aloe juice responded statically significantly better in symptoms than the placebo group. Results were visible within the first month of treatment.

A double-blind randomised, placebo controlled trail evaluated the efficacy and safety of Aloe in Ulcerative Colitis. 30% of subjects that received 100ml, twice daily for 4 weeks experienced clinical remission of the condition, compared to 7% for placebo.

How to use

There are many Aloe vera gels, juices, sprays, potions on the market these days but nothing beats the fresh plant itself! The inner gel of the fresh plant is best to use for both topical and internal benefits.

For Light burns and wounds:

• Cut off an aloe leaf and apply the gel several times a day.

For digestive health:

• Take 1 tablespoon of the inner gel of the Aloe vera plant in the morning on an empty stomach.

For skin problems:

• Take 2 tsp of the inner gel of Aloe vera with ¼ tsp of turmeric powder, daily.

Note: Pregnant women, menstruating women and children under five should not take Aloe vera internally. Please consult with a qualified health practitioner before taking herbal products internally.

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