Geographical Origin & Distribution
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family from Africa but is now all around the world. It is believed to be native to the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the region around Yemen, Oman, and parts of Saudi Arabia. From the Arabian Peninsula, Aloe Vera spread to North Africa, the Mediterranean region, and the Americas.
Historical Use
By the time Aloe Vera reached colonial America with European settlers in the 1600s, it was already recognised as a powerful medicinal plant in Europe and Africa. It was already cultivated in countries like Egypt, where it became a staple in medicinal and cosmetic uses. And while Aloe is native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, similar succulents with medicinal properties were found in the Americas. Native Americans used various species of succulents and healing plants akin to Aloe Vera, applying them to treat burns, wounds, and skin irritations.
Medical Use
The Aloe Vera plant is composed of different parts, each with unique medicinal properties and uses. Mainly used are the leafs, but the roots also have medicinal properties. The inner leaf gel is the clear, mucilaginous substance found inside the thick leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. This part of the plant is most commonly used in modern medicine. The latex (also known as aloe juice or aloe sap) is the yellow, bitter liquid found just beneath the outer skin of the Aloe Vera leaf. It is distinctly different from the inner gel and has its own medicinal uses, although it must be used with caution. Alternatively, Aloe Vera juice has become very popular, as it steadies sugar and fat levels in the blood after a meal. Aloe Vera should not used internally during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common Applications
Skin Care: Aloe Vera is widely used in topical applications to soothe sunburns, cuts, insect bites, and other skin irritations. It promotes wound healing, hydrates the skin, and reduces inflammation.
Digestive Health: Aloe Vera can be consumed (in moderate amounts) to help with digestion, reduce constipation, and soothe ulcers by promoting healthy gut flora. The juice may be a safe alternative to traditional medication in cases of heartburn, reflux oesophagitis, hernia, acid dyspepsia, or hyperacidity.
Anti-inflammatory: due to its high content of antioxidants and other active compounds, Aloe Vera helps reduce inflammation externally (on the skin) and internally (in the digestive system or joints).
Immune System Support: The polysaccharides in aloe vera are known to stimulate the immune system, helping the body fend off infections.
Menopause: Aloe Vera juice may help with hot flushes due to its cooling properties.
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Active Substances
- Polysaccharides: immune support, healing, and antiviral properties.
- Vitamins (A, C, E, B12): for antioxidant protection, skin health, and immune function.
- Amino Acids: for tissue repair and protein synthesis. Aloe Vera contains 20 of the 22 essential and non-essential amino acids, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesise.
- Enzymes like bradykinase have anti-inflammatory effects, and amylase and lipase will help breaking down sugar and fats.
- Anthraquinones (e.g., aloin, emodin): laxative and antimicrobial properties.
- Sterols and Saponins: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing benefits.
- Minerals, such as calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc: support for cellular and metabolic processes.
Chemical Breakdown (per 100 g of Aloe Vera)
Moisture: ~95-99%
Carbohydrates: ~0.5-1%
Polysaccharides: ~0.4-1%
Proteins: ~0.06-0.1%
Fatty Acids and Sterols: ~0.015-0.05%
Vitamins and Minerals: trace amounts in varying concentrations depending on growth conditions.
COOLING
Cooling herbs are those that reduce heat, inflammation, …
and excess energy in the body. They help soothe conditions associated with excess “heat,” such as fevers, inflammation, irritability, or digestive upset. Cooling herbs are widely used in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Western herbalism to balance the body’s temperature and energy.
Cooling: reducing internal or external heat (e.g., fevers, inflammation, irritability).
Calming: they tend to soothe both physical and emotional agitation.
Bitter: reducing heat and clearing toxin.
Applications: treat conditions like feeling overheated, skin irritations, emotional agitation, digestive heat, inflammatory conditions.
Sweet, bitter and astringent herbs tend to be cooling.
BITTER
Bitters are herbs and substances known for their bitter taste, which…
stimulates digestion, detoxification, and other physiological processes. They play a foundational role in many traditional healing systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Western herbalism as a very complex group of phytochemicals that stimulate the bitter receptors in the mouth.
Taste: their distinct bitter flavor activates receptors in the mouth and digestive system.
Action: stimulating bile production, enhancing digestive enzyme secretion, improve appetite and digestion.
Tonic Effect: bitters are considered tonics for the digestive system, promoting overall balance and function.
Energetics: used to reduce heat, inflammation, or excess dampness in the body.
They were some of the most valuable remedies in ancient medicine. Many of these reputations are being supported by new research on the role of bitter receptors in the mouth and elsewhere round the body. Bitters were also seen as ‘cooling’ reducing the intensity of some fevers and inflammatory diseases.
ASTRINGENT
Astringent herbs are those that tighten and tone tissues, …
reduce secretions, and help with wound healing or inflammation. They are often used to address issues like diarrhea, bleeding, excessive mucus, or skin conditions. Those herbs tend to have a “drying” effect due to their tannin content, which contracts and firms tissues.
With open wounds tannins can be a life-saver – styptic substances have the ability to stop bleeding by contracting tissues and blood vessels.
MUCILAGINOUS
Mucilages are natural, water-soluble, gel-like substances…
composed primarily of polysaccharides. These compounds are produced by many plants, algae, and some microorganisms. When mixed with water, mucilages swell to form a viscous gel. Their effect is due simply to their physical coating exposed surfaces. From prehistory they were most often used as wound remedies for their soothing and healing effects on damaged tissues. Mucilages coat and protect mucous membranes, making them useful in treating conditions like sore throat, gastritis, or ulcers. Mucilages are also widely used to reduce dry coughing and may reduce the absorption rate of sugar and cholesterol..
Planting & Harvesting
Preferred Location
Basic Information
Leaves
The primary part of the plant which is used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. They are long, thick, and fleshy, with a pointed, spiky appearance. The structure of the leaf is designed to store water, allowing the plant to thrive in arid climates.
Flowers
Flowers are typically bright yellow or orange tubular flowers that grow in clusters along the stalk. Each flower is elongated, often resembling a bell or tube. The flower stalk can grow to about 1 m tall, towering above the aloe leaves. It emerges from the centre of the plant when conditions are ideal for flowering. Only mature plants will flower, which will take up to 4 years.
Seeds
After the flowers bloom and the seeds are produced, and the plant can reproduce through seeds or by producing new offshoots, known as pups, at the base of the plant.
Growing
Use pups, growing around the base, to create new plants. Be careful with over-watering the plant! Watering every 2 -3 weeks in in spring and summer, and less in autumn and winter, will be enough.
Harvest
You can harvest the fresh gel directly from the plant by cutting a mature leaf (usually from the outer part of the plant) close to the base. After removing the spines on the edges, slice the leaf lengthwise and scoop out the clear gel using a spoon. Aloe Vera gel may be consumed (in small amounts) for digestive health. However, care must be taken to avoid the latex part of the leaf, as it can cause cramping or diarrhoea.