Herbal Remedies: Aloe Vera

Almost everyone is aware of the healing virtues of aloe vera. This well-known medicinal plant is used around the world to treat skin ailments, burns, and in many other herbal remedies. Aloe is commercially cultivated in warm, tropical climates — such as Barbados, Haiti, Venezuela, and South Africa — and warm regions of the United States, such as Texas. But all you need is a warm area to grow your own potted aloe plant.

Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe is cherished for its wound-healing and pain-relieving effects. Many people keep an aloe plant in their kitchen so it is readily available to treat burns from grease splatter or hot utensils. (Severe burns require treatment by a physician.) Aloe is even safe for use on children.

Aloe contains slippery, slimy constituents that have a demulcent (soothing) effect, as well as a vulnerary (wound-healing) effect. An early study published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 1973 describes the effects of aloe vera gel applied topically on leg ulcers. Each of the three patients studied had a serious raw, open sore on a leg that persisted for 5 to 15 years. (These ulcers commonly occur in individuals with diabetes, those who have problems with blood circulation, and those who are bedridden.) After aloe was repeatedly applied to the ulcers, they healed completely in two patients; the third patient’s ulcer showed significant improvement. More recent studies have shown similar results.

Scientists are investigating the use of aloe in treating cancer and certain blood diseases, particularly those associated with low white blood cell counts, such as leukemia. In fact, veterinarians use extracts from the aloe plant to treat cancer and feline leukemia in their animal patients. It is thought that a molecule in the aloe gel, known as acemannan, stimulates the body to produce disease-fighting white blood cells, particularly macrophages. The word macrophage means “big eater” — macrophages engulf and digest unwanted substances, such as bacteria and viruses, in the bloodstream and tissues. Macrophages also release substances that battle tumor cells and fight infection.

Another constituent of aloe, aloin, also is being studied for its ability to prevent breast and ovarian cancer cells from growing. Both acemannan and aloin show promise in their ability to help fight cancer, but much more research is needed to know how and when to use aloe for this purpose.

Modern clinical studies show that aloe is one of the best herbs for soothing skin and healing burns, rashes, frostbite, and severe wounds. It also is used to treat eczema, dandruff, acne, ringworm, gum disease, and poison oak and ivy. Aloe is found commercially in a number of creams and lotions for softening and moisturizing the skin. It works by inhibiting formation of tissue-injuring compounds that gather at the site of a skin injury. The plant contains chrysophanic acid, which is highly effective in healing abrasions.