Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
芦荟
Pinyin: Lú Huì
Plant Family
Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae)
Part Used
Inner leaf gel (topical/internal) and outer leaf latex (laxative)
Origin
North Africa, Arabian Peninsula; cultivated worldwide in tropical/subtropical regions
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves containing a clear gel and bitter yellow latex. It has been used for over 4,000 years for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes, with records from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. There are two distinct products from aloe: the clear inner gel (used topically for burns and skin conditions, and internally as a tonic) and the bitter latex from the outer leaf (used as a strong laxative). They have very different uses and safety profiles.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cold (gel) / very cold (latex)
Flavors (五味)
bitter
Meridians (归经)
liver, large intestine, stomach
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Topical: burns, wounds, sunburn, skin irritation
- Topical: skin moisturization and anti-aging
- Internal (latex): constipation - strong laxative
- Internal (gel): digestive health, ulcers, IBS
- Diabetes (lowering blood sugar)
- Reducing cholesterol
- Inflammation and arthritis pain
- Dental health and oral hygiene
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used topically as gel, cream, lotion, and juice. Internally as gel, juice, capsules, and latex. Aloe gel is added to many cosmetic and personal care products. Aloe juice drinks are popular for digestive health. Important distinction: aloe gel (inner leaf) vs aloe latex (outer leaf sap).
Suggested Dosage
Topical: apply gel or cream 2-4 times daily to affected area. Gel/juice internal: 30-60ml daily (for digestion). Latex: 50-200mg (as laxative - use only under supervision). Capsules: 100-300mg of standardized extract.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Year-round in warm climates. Leaves are harvested from mature plants (3+ years old) when they are thick and plump.
Quality Indicators
Gel: clear, slightly greenish, with mild fresh scent. Should be from inner fillet (not whole leaf) for purity. Look for 99%+ pure aloe gel. Latex: yellow, very bitter. Juice: look for inner fillet juice with low anthraquinone content.
Storage
Fresh aloe gel: refrigerate and use within 1-2 weeks. Commercial products: follow expiration dates (preservatives added). Store plant in bright light, well-draining soil.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Aloe latex (laxative):Intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitisChildren under 12Pregnancy and breastfeeding (uterine stimulant)Kidney disease (high doses)HemorrhoidsAloe gel (internal):Generally safer but still use cautiouslyPregnancy and breastfeedingDiabetes (may lower blood sugar)Topical: generally very safe
Possible Side Effects
- Topical gel: generally very safe and well-tolerated
- Topical: allergic reaction (rare, more common with whole leaf)
- Internal gel: mild diarrhea, abdominal cramps (high doses)
- Internal latex: diarrhea, cramping, electrolyte imbalance, kidney damage (long-term use)
- Long-term laxative use can cause dependency and colon damage
- Hepatotoxicity (very rare, with high doses of aloe latex)
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants (warfarin) - aloe may increase effect
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar - monitor closely)
- Diuretics (increased potassium loss with aloe latex)
- Corticosteroids (aloe may increase side effects)
- Heart medications (digoxin - electrolyte imbalance from diarrhea)
- Laxatives (additive effect with aloe latex)
- Topical aloe gel has minimal systemic absorption and drug interactions
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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