Aloe Vera: Benefits, Uses and Safety of the Desert Plant

Latin: Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.

The plant – a desert survivor in our homes

Aloe vera is a succulent: its thick, fleshy leaves store water for months, which allows it to survive in very dry regions. It probably originates from the Arabian Peninsula and is now grown in warm regions around the world – and on countless windowsills.

Aloe has been used in many cultures for thousands of years. It is mentioned in ancient Egyptian medical texts, and it was used in Greek and Roman medicine as well as in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. The name probably comes from the Arabic word alloeh, meaning “bitter” – after the taste of the sap in its leaves.

The plant forms a rosette of fleshy, lance-shaped leaves with toothed edges. In good conditions, it produces a tall stalk with yellow tubular flowers.

Inside the leaves are two very different substances:

• the clear gel in the center of the leaf, which is used for the skin and in foods and drinks,
• the yellow latex just beneath the skin of the leaf, which contains anthraquinones such as aloin and has a strong laxative effect.

There are more than 500 species of aloe, but Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is the best studied and the one used in most products.

At home, aloe is easy to grow: it needs a lot of light, little water and well-draining soil, and it produces offshoots that can be replanted. Note that aloe is toxic to cats and dogs.

What does aloe vera contain?

Aloe gel consists of about 99% water. The rest contains more than 75 different substances, including:

Because the gel consists almost entirely of water, the amounts of vitamins and minerals are small. Its effects on the skin are mainly attributed to the polysaccharides.

What can aloe vera do for your health?

The evidence varies greatly depending on the use:

1. Skin and minor burns – The best-studied use. Aloe gel can soothe mild sunburn and minor burns and moisturize the skin. Some studies found faster healing of minor burns; for other wounds, the results are mixed. It is also used for mild psoriasis and mouth ulcers, with some positive results.
2. Blood sugar – Reviews of small studies found that aloe vera taken orally can slightly lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. The studies are of varying quality. If you take diabetes medication, aloe may lower your blood sugar further.
3. Digestion – Aloe gel is sometimes used for irritable bowel syndrome and heartburn. A few small studies found a slight improvement in symptoms. The latex is a strong laxative but is no longer recommended (see below).
4. Blood lipids – Some studies found slightly lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
5. Oral health – Aloe gel in mouthwashes or toothpastes may reduce plaque and gum inflammation.
6. Immune system – Polysaccharides such as acemannan have immune-modulating effects in laboratory studies.

There is no evidence that aloe vera helps with ADHD or leaky gut or that it “detoxes” the liver. Laboratory studies on anti-tumor effects cannot be transferred to humans.

Did you know? Aloe vera was one of the plants in NASA’s Clean Air Study in 1989, which examined how houseplants remove pollutants from the air in sealed chambers. In normal homes, however, the effect of a few houseplants on air quality is very small.

Uses

1. In the kitchen

Aloe gel is eaten in many countries, for example in drinks, desserts and salads. Only use the gel of Aloe vera, not ornamental aloe species, and remove the yellow latex completely: cut off the leaf skin generously, rinse the gel well and blanch it briefly to reduce the bitterness.

Fresh salad with aloe and pomegranate

1. Cut the aloe gel into cubes, rinse thoroughly and blanch in boiling water for 5–10 seconds.
2. Mix with rocket, avocado slices and pomegranate seeds.
3. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.

Result: a fresh, crunchy salad for a light lunch.

2. In natural medicine

Aloe has traditionally been used for wounds, burns, digestive complaints and skin diseases. Today, the gel is mainly used externally for the skin; internally, it is sometimes taken as a supplement for digestion and blood sugar.

Vegetable curry with aloe (Asian style)

1. Prepare the aloe gel as described above.
2. Fry garlic, ginger and turmeric in coconut oil until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables and chickpeas and simmer in coconut milk.
4. Stir in the aloe cubes at the end.

Result: a creamy, aromatic curry with a mild, slightly fresh note from the aloe.

3. In cosmetics

Aloe gel is a classic in skin care – moisturizing and soothing.

Aloe moisturizing mask

1. Mix aloe gel with honey and a little coconut oil until smooth.
2. Apply evenly to the face and neck and leave for 15–20 minutes.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Result: soft, soothed skin – also good after sun exposure.

Some people are allergic to aloe; test it on a small area of skin first. Do not apply to deep or infected wounds.

4. In the garden and home

Aloe gel is sometimes used as a natural rooting aid for cuttings.

Rooting aid for cuttings

1. Dip the cut end of a cutting into fresh aloe gel before planting.
2. Or dissolve 2 tablespoons of aloe gel in 1 liter of water and water young plants with it occasionally.

Result: many gardeners report good results; scientific evidence is limited.

Good combinations

• With lemon – adds freshness and vitamin C.
• With ginger and turmeric – in smoothies and curries.
• With honey – for skin masks and drinks.
• With mint – refreshing in drinks.

Dosage and safety

• Externally: aloe gel can be applied to the skin several times a day.
• Internally: in studies, usually 15–100 ml of aloe gel or juice a day. Choose products that are labeled as decolorized or free of aloin.
• Aloe latex (the yellow sap beneath the leaf skin) has a strong laxative effect and can cause cramps, diarrhea and potassium loss. Aloe latex laxatives have been taken off the market in the US, and the EU has restricted aloin-containing compounds in foods because of safety concerns. Non-decolorized whole-leaf extract has been classified as possibly carcinogenic.
• Taken orally, aloe can lower blood sugar and interact with medications such as diabetes drugs, diuretics and heart medication (digoxin). Rare cases of liver inflammation have been reported.
• Do not take aloe orally during pregnancy or breastfeeding or give it to children.

Fun facts

• The Canary Islands are known for their aloe vera plantations, which produce gel and juice for cosmetics and drinks.
• In South Korea and Japan, aloe drinks with pieces of gel and aloe yogurt are popular.
• In some African and Middle Eastern traditions, aloe plants were hung above the front door for protection and good luck.
• Aloe vera is one of the most widely used plant ingredients in cosmetics worldwide.

Aloe smoothie

1. Blend prepared aloe gel, kiwi, banana, coconut water, honey and fresh mint until smooth.
2. Serve chilled.

Result: a fresh, fruity drink for hot days.

Conclusion

Aloe vera is an easy-care houseplant and a proven home remedy for the skin, especially for sunburn and minor burns. Taken orally, it may slightly lower blood sugar – but internal use carries risks, especially with products containing latex. Use the gel on your skin as often as you like, and talk to your doctor before taking aloe internally, particularly if you take medication.