Aloe Vera

Also Known As: Aloe, Medicine Plant, Lily of the Desert, Barbados Aloe

Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis

Family Name: Asphodelaceae

Native To: Southern and Eastern Africa

Parts To Use: Leaves

How It’s Used: Topically for treatment of sores, burns, and other skin irritations. Internally for digestive health and treatment of constipation and heartburn.

Harvesting: There are two main parts to an aloe vera leaf: gel and leaf juice. The gel is the odorless and clear liquid at the innermost part of the leaf. Aloe latex, or juice, seeps from the leaf when cut. It is best to take aloe from mature plants, preferably those planted in the ground. When the tips of the leaves attain a rosy tinge, the leaf is ripe and ready to harvest.

Aloe Vera has been widely cultivated around the world for thousands of years. It is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe with agricultural and medicinal uses that grows in arid, temperate, and tropical regions. Aloe can be found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments for minor burns and sunburns. This plant is popular with gardeners because it can survive in areas of low natural rainfall and is relatively resistant to most insect pests.

Aloe is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant growing 24–39 in tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey- green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 35 inches tall. This plant can be found in the wild, or grown for personal use. In pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions. While they are relatively low- maintenance, they can burn under too much sun or shrivel when the pot does not drain water.

Aloe vera has many uses. It can be used topically in treating psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, minor burns and skin abrasions, as well as radiation-induced skin injuries by helping reduce itchiness and inflammation. Aloe can also be taken orally for digestive help. Aloe latex contains aloin, which is an anthraquinone that has laxative properties and may help treat constipation, heartburn, lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and lower cholesterol.

To use this plant, choose a thick large leaf and use a sharp knife to cut it as close to the trunk as possible. (Unblemished leaves are the best tasting and contain the most aloe gel.) Hold the cut end down so the aloin can run out. Wash the leaf then lay it flat on the table and cut off the serrated edges. Start on one side and filet off the skin, much like you take the skin off a fish. Continue removing the skin on all sides, including the yellowish layer, until a clear to white, translucent flesh is exposed. You can pick the leaves as needed for the treatment of minor burns or scrapes. Just squeeze the juicy sap onto the affected area for instant relief.