Aloe comes from the Arabic word alloeh, meaning “bitter and shiny.” It is a member of the lily family and has been used for centuries for its soothing and healing properties. Aloe is especially well known for treating burns, minor wounds, and skin irritation. The fresh juice from the plant can be applied directly to the affected area. Many people keep aloe plants in their homes and simply break off a leaf to use the gel inside.
Potted Aloe Vera Plant. Aloe vera leaves tropical green plants tolerate hot weather
While aloe has sometimes been combined with other herbs in poultices—such as comfrey powder for tissue support or goldenseal root for antimicrobial activity—aloe alone is often sufficient. For topical use on burns, skin ulcers, irritations, and insect bites, aloe by itself is widely regarded as highly effective.
Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant that typically grows 24 to 39 inches tall and spreads by producing offsets. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and green to gray-green in color. Some varieties have white flecks on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. The edges of the leaves are serrated and lined with small white teeth. During the summer, aloe produces flowers on a tall spike that can reach up to 35 inches in height.
The leaves of aloe vera contain a variety of phytochemicals that are under study for potential biological activity. These include acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones, other anthraquinones such as emodin, and various lectins.
Traditionally described actions of aloe include stimulating bowel movement (cathartic effect), lowering bowel transit time, binding or absorbing certain toxins in the intestine, and supporting cell growth and repair. Because of these properties, aloe has also been discussed in the context of supporting intestinal lining health.
