Aloe medicinal uses and

aloe health benefits

This section provides a general introduction to Aloe medicinal uses and potential health benefits. I have gathered information about the traditional uses of Aloe vera. I also refer to modern research.

If you would like more detailed information on any particular condition, click on the link, where it is available.

I will add more information – and more links – about the uses of aloe in due course.

Towards the end of the page is a link to guidelines for the quantity of gel to use if you decide to take aloe juice as a supplement.

The plant

Its common names give some idea of traditional aloe medicinal uses and aloe health benefits: the burn plant; first aid plant. Others seem to reflect its broad range of benefits: plant of immortality; plant of life and miracle plant, for example.

It is a succulent, with thick, fleshy leaves that help adapt the plant to a life in dry climates. Like all succulents, it stores water in its tissues. This is the source of the jelly-like juice that is the basis of commercial aloe vera preparations (see ‘extracts’ section, below).

Botanically, it is a member of the lily family. One of its common names is 'lily of the desert'.

It was originally found in Africa, but has been widely cultivated to provide medicines. It is now widely grown in southern USA and Mexico.

One of the largest producers of aloe products for the health market has a large operation in Mexico.

Extracts prepared from Aloe vera

It is dried, forming a slightly sticky mass (or latex). This is the form that is traditionally used in herbal medicine. It is usually referred to simply as ‘aloe’ or ‘aloes.’

Homeopaths tend to use the name Aloe socotrina for their form of this medicine. They also call it socotrine aloe.

Aloe health benefits also come from drinking the gel or juice. These are available in health food stores are made from the gel contained in the centre of the leaf.

Aloe medicinal uses and aloe health benefits - traditional and modern

Aloe is used for burns and sunburn (one of the aloe health benefits I'm most grateful for myself!)  - see below. It has a reputation for being soothing and as a pain reliever.

It is used in psoriasis (in this context, see the story on ulcerative colitis below) and in genital herpes.

It is and is a great addition to a sun-block, as it provides nutrients to the skin that support the immune cells that fight cancer.

Follow this link to read more about aloes' health benefits in protecting against UV.

One of its most significant health benefits of Aloe vera is probably as a potent immune system enhancer.

One of the aloe medicinal uses I am convinced of - by my patients’ experiences - is its role in myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/fibromyalgia, post viral fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue.

You can get to my description of the condition - and two patients' experiences of this particular aloe health benefit - by clicking this link. Their stories of recovery after using aloe vera gel (juice) are very persuasive.

The first form – the dried latex - has been used for centuries as a laxative. It is usually taken by mouth. The laxative properties of aloin (and some other components) have been verified scientifically.

It has been used successfully for psoriasis. Though the formal research evidence for this as a verified one of the aloe medicinal uses seems to be weak.

However, one medic was so impressed by the impact of aloe vera on his daughter’s psoriasis that he began a research project in his specialty. He wondered if the juice would have any impact on a different auto-immune disease, ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammation of the large bowel).

You can read a scientific study on whether aloe impacts ulcerative colitis here.

The doctor who ran the study did so because he had seen the positive response of his daughter's psoriasis to aloe. He reasoned that it may benefit other auto-immune problems, like UC. That story is included on the same link.

One aloe health benefit seems to be its effect on balancing the immune system: reducing harmfully strong reactions in auto-immune conditions; boosting the immune system when it is weak.

There is limited evidence that genital herpes respond successfully. Human studies suggest a 0.5% extract applied as a cream may be effective in men.

About the aloe medicinal uses, and aloe health benefits, NLM/NIH concludes: “ … additional research is needed in this area before a strong recommendation can be made.”

For guidelines to using the gel or juice of this plant, click here.

This information on the health benefits of aloe vera is incomplete. You will find more about the skin care benefits of aloe vera here (opens in a new window).

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