Appearance - There are more than 250 types of aloe, however only three or four have medicinal properties. Growing in hot climates, the aloe plant is a spiky succulent with sword-like thick leaves full of gel. The genus aloe can be classified as a xeroid; a type of plant able to close their stomata (‘pores’ in the skin of the leaf) to withhold water in drought conditions. To understand the properties of aloe vera, you need to realise that it has the unique ability to close any damage to the outer skin almost instantly, thereby ‘healing’ itself and preventing loss of water.

This means the aloe can help any condition that affects the human epidermis (our outer layer, or skin), or the gut tract (which when you think about it, is our inside layer).

 History - Aloe Vera has been used for its medicinal benefits since 2100BC. The early Egyptians revered aloe and called it ‘plant of immortality’. By 600BC aloe had reached Persia and India, probably through Arab traders. Around 50AD Greek physicians confirmed numerous medical properties of this plant. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the use of medicinal aloe spread northwards into Europe.

Perhaps because it only grows in hot climates and because the leaves need to be used fresh for maximum effectiveness, it fell from grace in temperate climates until relatively recently. In the 1970’s scientists discovered a method to stabilise and preserve the inner gel, thereby making it essentially identical to gel taken fresh from the plant and retaining its healing characteristics.

Uses – The inner gel of the leaves is used for a multitude of purposes. The gel itself contains over 75 nutritional compounds, including Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and E as well as over 20 minerals, including Calcium and Zinc, as well as essential amino acids and enzymes.

Externally: In gel form or straight from the plant it can be used for sunburn, grazes, acne and minor skin irritations. It can also help psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions. Aloe has ability to increase production of fibroblast cells, which in turn stimulates the production of collagen, the skins own protein. Theoretically then, it should help to prevent wrinkles.

Internally: In drinking form aloe vera is a detoxifier and provides all of the above nutrients. Drinking aloe vera can help stomach conditions (including ulcers and IBS) and generally aids the digestive system.

How to drink aloe –

• Once opened, aloe vera gel needs to be kept refrigerated. It lasts about three years unopened (expiry date on bottle) and three months once opened. Tightly close lid after use.
• Shake well before using.
• Drink a measure of aloe first thing in the morning when you get up and have an empty stomach. You can eat breakfast afterwards without worry.
• You will probably need a clear run to the bathroom the first few times you take it. This is normal!
• A measure varies from individual to individual, try 30mL once a day in the morning. If that is going well, you can take another 30mL in the evening and build your dose up. You can take up to 180mL per day if for a specific condition.
•  Enjoy!

If you would like to try aloe vera for yourself, or if you have any questions, please email aloe@tracygriffen.com

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