Aloe Vera Plants
Aloe Vera is the herb typically found in home herb gardens and Aloe barbadensis (Curacao aloe) the species in the herb trade in the United States. Aloe species range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants.
Although most Aloes have some medicinal or commercial value, the most commonly known is the Aloe barbadensis ... commonly referred to as Aloe vera.
Pet Toxicity Warning
Common Names: Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Torch Plant
Toxic Principles: Homonatoloin, Aloin, Dried juice [latex], Anthraquinones barbaloin, Anthraquinone or Anthracene glycosides
Clinical Signs: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Red Urine, Skin irritation, Kidney Inflammation
Keep away from pets. Consult your veterinarian if exposure occurs.
🌿 Holistic & Medicinal Applications
The cactus-like aloe is a favorite houseplant and home remedy for burns, scrapes, cuts, and scratches. It has been used for millennia to treat skin problems.
Note: This should not replace medical or veterinary care. Discuss with your medical professional first.
🩹 Speed Wound Healing
Pinch off a leaf, squeeze out the gel and dab it onto the wound. It helps with anesthesia and inflammation, as well as accelerating wound healing. Apply the aloe leaf treatment several times a day.
🧬 Detoxification
Aloe Vera is a detoxifier and cleaner of the digestive tract and urinary system. Aloe Detox concentrates are available at health food stores.
🛡️ Anti-Cancer & Anti-Inflammatory
Aloe vera has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties as well as lowering high cholesterol, boosting oxygenation of the blood and many other benefits.
📊 Blood Sugar Support
Aloe "juice" lowers blood sugars of diabetics and helps relieve ulcerative Colitis. Monitor blood sugar levels when combining with medications.
📋 Additional Health Benefits
- ✓ Relieves seborrhea symptoms in 4-8 weeks
- ✓ Effective for treating genital herpes lesions
- ✓ Beneficial for birds when fed in small amounts
- ✓ Fresh gel is superior to commercial preparations
🌱 Growing & Planting Guide
🌡️ Climate Requirements
All Aloes are semitropical succulent plants, and may only be grown outdoors where there is no chance of freezing. However, they make excellent house plants when given sufficient light.
🏡 Indoor Growing
Potted Aloes benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Older specimens may bloom, producing tall stalks covered with bright coral flowers - a favorite of hummingbirds!
🌿 Organic Growing Tips
The plant is easy to grow in most areas. It needs, however, to be grown organically -- without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides for medicinal use.
🧪 Typical Preparations
🥤 Fresh Gel
The clear, slightly slimy gel collected from the fleshy part of the leaf is taken internally for its antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and immunostimulant effects, or applied directly to the skin to soothe inflammation and accelerate healing.
🟤 Bitter Aloe
A dried latex taken from the "peel" of the leaves. When first extracted, it is yellow, but turns brown as it dries. Used for its laxative properties.
⚗️ Acemannan
A complex carbohydrate chemically extracted from the gel. Used in experimental pharmaceutical preparations as a treatment for viral infections and cancer. Not a whole herb product.
⚠️ Precautions & Safety
Topical Use: Aloe gel is extraordinarily safe for skin application with no contraindications.
Internal Use: Not recommended while nursing or pregnant. It is a bulk forming laxative and adequate fluids must be taken. Not recommended for long term use.
Diabetics: Those who drink aloe juice should monitor their blood sugars to make sure the combination of aloe and medications is not excessively effective.