What is aloe vera?

Aloe Vera is a plant related to the cactus family. Its name is derived from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “shining better substance” and the Latin word “vera” meaning true. Its botanical name is Aloe barbadensis miller, and it belongs to the Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family. Aloe Vera grows predominately in dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

Aloe Vera produces a gel and a latex that is used in medicines, lotions and supplements. Known as the “plan of immortality”, ancient Egyptians were using aloe vera six thousand years ago.

Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of Aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been used as an oral laxative.

There is strong scientific evidence in support of the laxative properties of aloe latex, based on the well-established cathartic properties of anthraquinone glycosides (found in aloe latex). However, aloe's therapeutic value compared with other approaches to constipation remains unclear.

There is promising preliminary support from laboratory, animal, and human studies that topical aloe gel has immunomodulatory properties that may improve wound healing and skin inflammation.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Aloe vera is an herbal remedy for burns and repairing the lining of the digestive system. For burns, you can keep an aloe plant in the kitchen and break off a leaf when needed, squeezing the gel from the leaf onto the burn. Or keep a tube of aloe vera in the refrigerator for burns and sunburns: the cool gel soothes the burn as well as helping it to heal.

For gut repair, you can drink aloe juice. My favorite brand – and the one generally considered the most effective – is George’s Always Active Aloe Vera. It looks and tastes like water, which makes it easy for everyone to drink, even kids.

As a homeopathic remedy, it is called Aloe socotrina. As is typical when an herbal medicine like aloe is homeopathically prepared, it becomes more powerful in certain ways but also narrower in its focus. It’s a great remedy for loose stools, but only when the symptoms match:

• lots of gas and gurgling
• a feeling of weakness around the rectum as if you can’t hold in the bowel movement
• possibly mucus or jelly-like stools
• possibly hemorrhoids and/or pain on passing stool, with the previous symptoms

It’s an unusual homeopathic medicine that you won’t find in a health food store or pharmacy although you could order it online.

Honestly, there are so many remedies that are more common for loose stools, flatulence and diarrhea, you would probably only take this remedy when recommended by a professional homeopath.