Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera, A. vulgaris, A. perfoliata var. vera)
True aloe
Aloe ferox
Cape aloe, Bitter aloe
Liliaceae – Lily family
Description
Aloe barbadensis or A. vera, as it is more commonly referred to, is a succulent plant standing between 2-4 feet tall. The thickened lance-shaped leaves form in large rosettes at the plant’s base. A well-hydrated mature leaf may reach 30 inches in length and weigh 2-3 pounds. The leaf skin is smooth, rubbery, and grayish-green with recurved teeth lining its margins. Tall flower spikes originate from the center of the plant; individual flowers are arranged in branched spike-like clusters. They are tubular, yellow, and droop downwards. The lower flowers mature and open first.
Aloe ferox in many respects is similar to A. barbadensis. It is a larger plant, reaching 6-10 feet at maturity. Its central stem crown bares a rosette of thick, succulent green leaves. Older plants can develop impressive trunks and if left unpruned older leaves can cover it like a skirting. The leaves also have reddish-brown teeth along their margins and occasionally on both the top and bottom of the leaf. Flower stalks stand several feet tall, can be branched, and support clusters of reddish-orange tubular flowers. Like A. barbadensis, the bottom-most flowers are the first to mature and open. Although somewhat similar in appearance, Aloe is unrelated to Agave and Yucca.
Distribution
Aloe barbadensis appears to be originally from the eastern Mediterranean area, but like Cupressus sempervirens, it has been cultivated and transported for thousands of years making the exact location of its native region difficult to ascertain. Now though, the plant is widely distributed throughout the Middle East, northern Africa and peninsular India. Here in the west it is found throughout Central America, Mexico, Florida, Texas, and throughout the low-elevation southwest where it is grown with some extra care. In the United States, the plant is widely cultivated for its commercial value in Texas and Florida. A. ferox is a South African native, but like A. barbadensis, it is extensively grown as an ornamental. In the past, it was widely cultivated for its dried exudate.
Chemistry
Anthraquinones: barbaioin (aloin), which breaks down into aloe-emodin-9-anthrone; isobarbaloin; lignins, saponins, and sterols
Medicinal Uses
There are two essentially different medicines derived from Aloe. Both have somewhat diverging physiologic activities, modes of action, and collection techniques. Aloe leaf juice, which is yellowish-brown when fresh, is mainly held within a layer of specialized cells positioned between the rind and inner leaf. Collected as an exudate and dried it is the historical Bitter aloe of the old drug trade, and even up until 2002 comprised some over-the-counter and pharmaceutical preparations. This dried or fresh juice is primarily a stimulant laxative. Internally use it for short periods if constipated. Like other stimulant laxatives, Aloe can be habit forming if taken for lengthy periods. Address liver health, stress patterns, and diet before relying on Aloe or any stimulant laxative for regular bowel movements. Aloe juice stimulates peristalsis and fluid secretion by the large bowel; interestingly these activities are largely achieved only after the anthraquinone aloin is transformed by colonic bacteria into an active metabolite, aloe-emodin-9-antrone. Similarly to Senna the addition of carminative herbs such as Dogweed or Chinchweed will offset potential griping caused by Aloe alone. Arthritis that is dependent upon poor bowel health and constipation will improve under the use of Aloe leaf juice. Topically it is significantly inhibiting to fungi, yeast, and bacterial strains. Therefore, as a paint or dust it is well applied to various infections and inflammations from non-resolving external conditions.
Aloe’s internal leaf material or leaf pulp is used topically for wound healing as well, but its modes of action differ from the leaf juice. The inner leaf pulp diminishes inflammation through its inhibitory effect on bradykinin breakdown and thromboxane, both mediators of inflammation. Skin repair as well as connective tissue synthesis is enhanced by Aloe’s polysaccharide content. A fresh leaf poultice applied to burns is one of the best applications of the plant. Its speed in diminishing pain and redness verges on remarkable.
Secondarily the inner leaf pulp facilitates wound healing by its absorbent quality. Like all succulent plants, Aloe’s internal structure is hydrophilic; it absorbs polar fluids and holds on to them. Placing an open leaf poultice on a damaged area facilitates the absorption of disorganized fluids in surface tissues, speeding injury resolution. Change leaf poultice often to fully take advantage of Aloe’s absorbent qualities. Fresh Prickly pear pad will prove as efficacious as Aloe in this respect.
The inner leaf pulp taken internally has a lowering effect of blood glucose levels. It is reasonable to assume its mode of action is similar to Prickly pear’s. The plant’s array of hydrophilic constituents slows simple carbohydrate breakdown and absorption. Take several tablespoons before meals for its blood sugar lowering effect. Internally, the inner leaf pulp is soothing to stomach inflammation; also, it is healing to peptic ulcers.
Indications
Leaf juice
Chronic constipation, dry feces
Infections, bacterial and fungal (external)
Inner leaf pulp
Burns from heat and sun
Wounds, injuries (external)
Hyperglycemia
Peptic ulcers
Collection
To begin, first clip a number of large hydrated leaves from the lower main stem. Place the clipped leaves with the cut ends facing down in a large strainer or colander; pack enough leaves into the strainer as to keep them upright. Place the strainer in a large bowl or pot. Let the exudate drain from the leaves until the flow has ceased. Larger yields will occur if the leaves are well hydrated from recent rains or watering. The collected leaf juice is then preserved with 20% alcohol or it can be slowly heated until it has thickened considerably, then dried and stored. It can be reconstituted or powdered as needed.
The internal pulp of the leaf is simply scraped out after an incision has been made. This mucilaginous pulp can then be stored in a refrigerator for 1-2 weeks at a time, unpreserved for use. Refined Aloe vera gel and juice are derived from the internal leaf and are processed to remove most of the anthraquinones, cellulose, and leaf material, but also have preservatives. Preparing your own is always preferable. Aloe has the greatest anthraquinone content throughout the summer months.
Preparations and Dosage
Leaf juice: 10-20 drops 1-2 times daily or externally as needed
Inner leaf pulp: 1-2 tablespoons 2-3 times daily or externally as needed
Cautions
As with any anthraquinone containing plant, too much of the leaf juice can cause intestinal cramping and diarrhea. Do not take the leaf juice while pregnant due to the plant’s sympathetic stimulation on uterine contractions, although in small amounts the inner leaf pulp is fine. Nursing babies may experience a laxative effect through the anthraquinone’s transmission through breast milk.
Other Uses
Aloe is one of a number of herbs that has a cult-like following. It joins the ranks of Wild oregano, Olive leaf, Essiac tea, Noni juice, and others as being endowed with extraordinary powers. Although these herbs or formulas do have intrinsic value they have a window of 5-10 years of trendy use, and then they fall to the wayside. Aloe though has kept a tenacious foothold in the public’s mind mainly through exaggerated claims by multi-level marketers.