Herb library

Aloe Vera

Aloe barbadensis

Aloe vera, a succulent grown in many homes, is kept for its soothing inner gel and simple topical uses. A long-standing household remedy for minor skin irritations and to add gentle moisture to dry skin.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a cooling, soothing topical for minor cuts, sunburns, and chapped skin.
• •Traditionally taken as a small internal dose of the inner leaf gel to support gentle digestive comfort and regularity, used only short term.
• •A long-standing household use: blended into skin poultices or mixed with honey for a soothing face or hand treatment.

Simple preparations.

• •Fresh inner leaf gel: slice a mature leaf, scoop out the clear gel, mash lightly and apply directly to clean skin as a compress. Replace every few hours as needed.
• •Aloe and chamomile compress: steep 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes, cool, strain, mix with 1 tablespoon fresh aloe gel, soak a clean cloth and apply for 10 to 20 minutes to irritated skin.
• •Aloe gel drink (short term): blend 1 teaspoon fresh inner gel with 1 cup plain water or mild herbal tea (for example rooibos or green tea), stir and drink immediately, no more than once daily and only for a few days.

Cautions.

• !Use only the clear inner gel; discard the yellow sap near the leaf skin which can be irritating and cause stomach upset.
• !Topical use can cause allergic skin reactions in some people; test a small patch first and stop if redness or itching develops.
• !Do not give honey-containing aloe preparations to children under one year.
• !If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, check with your doctor before using internal aloe preparations.

Often kept beside.