The benefits of aloe vera were once more widely known than they are today.
You see, six thousand years ago, the ancient Egyptians regarded aloe vera as a miracle plant.
They used it in many ways, from treating burns to reducing fever. A few millennia later, Cleopatra herself used aloe in her daily skin treatments.
The ancient Greek scientists valued aloe as well, regarding the plant as the universal panacea.
And legend has it that Alexander the Great conquered territory off the coast of Africa to secure supplies of aloe vera for his soldiers.
The “miracle plant” was treated like a treasure throughout much of history.
So why, aside from using it for cuts and burns, have we largely forgotten its many benefits today?
It’s time aloe vera regained its throne, so below are the top benefits of this incredibly versatile plant.
The “Burn Plant”
There are at least 420 different plant species of aloe, but the species used most for skin and medicinal purposes is known as “bitter aloe.”
And its most renowned benefit today is helping to heal burns.
In fact, a 2019 study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health found that aloe vera is one of the most effective solutions in treating first- and second-degree burn wounds. This is due to the soothing and moisturizing properties of the plant that help skin retain its integrity.
Moreover, the study concluded that aloe vera is much more effective and less costly compared to the currently available alternative treatments (petroleum jelly, silver sulfadiazine 1% ointment, and framycetin cream).
Another study showed that the average time of healing a partially thick burn wound with aloe gel was 12 days. This was compared to vaseline gauze to treat the same wound which took 18 days.
However, aloe vera’s greatest-known strength may also be its greatest hurdle, because it has become known today as the “burn plant” — which has overshadowed its many other excellent benefits!
The Anti-Aging Benefits of Aloe Vera
In order to understand the anti-aging benefits of aloe vera, you have to understand the plant’s anatomy. Each leaf of the jagged green plant are composed of three layers:
- The inner layer is that iconic clear gel. The aloe gel contains 99 percent water with the remainder composed of glucomannans (a type of dietary fiber), amino acids, lipids, sterols, and vitamins.
- The middle layer is made of latex and appears as a yellow sap known as aloin. This layer contains glycosides (a compound formed from a simple sugar) and anthraquinones (organic compounds that cause a laxative effect and help with pain relief).
- The last and outermost layer is known as the rind. This thick skin protects the plant and synthesizes carbohydrates and proteins.
From a structural standpoint, aloe vera has a lot going on inside — it’s like a candy factory for nutrients.
According to the International Aloe Medical Group, there are at least 160 important ingredients in aloe vera leaves. However, some other experts estimate around 300 to 400 vital components.
These components include amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, all of which promote a healthy immune system, aid in digestive health, and reduce harmful nitrates.
With all these beneficial compounds, it’s no wonder aloe provides your skin a range of benefits. According to one study, consuming aloe gel may increase collagen synthesis in the body and even change collagen composition.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body — making up one-third of our protein content — and is a major building block for our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Healthy collagen levels are also a key component behind healthy, young-looking skin.
In short, because of its effect on collagen, aloe may well help your skin look less wrinkled! There’s even evidence that it may improve the appearance of wrinkles when used topically as well.
To continue with the good news, a specific compound in aloe known as aloesin may help to fade the appearance of dark spots (aka age spots) when applied topically. Other compounds known as mucopolysaccharides help to bind moisture to your skin, improving hydration and making it feel softer.
If that wasn’t enough, aloe gel may also aid in the removal of dead skin cells and acne. A 2014 study found that combining conventional acne cream with aloe gel was significantly more effective than acne medication alone.
All of this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.
If the “burn plant” can heal first- and second-degree burns, why wouldn’t it also work well aging or sun-damaged skin?
The Nutrition and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Aloe Vera
Like other leafy green plants, aloe vera is loaded with an assortment of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Here are a few of the important ingredients inside aloe gel:
- Vitamins: Aloe vera contains vitamin A, which aids the immune system and reproduction; B12, which keeps blood cells healthy and helps create new DNA. It also contains vitamins C and E; the former is critical for a healthy immune system and the latter prevents inflammation and promotes skin health.
- Amino Acids (The Building Blocks of Protein): There are 20 amino acid proteins that our bodies need for vital processes. Of that 20, there are 9 that our body cannot produce on its own. In other words, we have to find these amino acids in our foods, thus these are dubbed essential amino acids. Aloe gel provides 7 of the 9 essential amino acids.
- Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzymes are critical in breaking down macronutrients like fats, proteins, and carbs into even smaller pieces to be absorbed. Consuming foods high in digestive enzymes helps digestion and leads to better gut health. Some foods that are high in digestive enzymes are kiwis, ginger, avocados, bananas,… and YES, aloe gel, which contains 8 digestive enzymes. These enzymes include aliiase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, bradykinase, carboxypeptidase, catalase, cellulase, lipase, and peroxidase. Some of these help reduce inflammation, and others help breakdown sugar and fats.
- Minerals: Aloe gel provides calcium, chromium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium and zinc. The particular minerals that aloe gel are higher in promote bone health, regulate blood pressure, and aid metabolic functions.
- Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones are compounds that can help protect against kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer. One study found that anthraquinones suppress inflammation and support a healthy gut. Aloe provides 12 unique anthraquinones.
In addition to the aforementioned micronutrients and their benefits, consuming aloe gel may help relieve heartburn.
More specifically, aloe gel may help with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a digestive disorder that often results in heartburn. A 2015 study from the National Library of Medicine found that ingesting aloe vera syrup twice a day reduced GERD symptoms, with no adverse events requiring withdrawal.
Finally, one of the emerging benefits of consuming aloe vera juice is its effect on lowering blood sugar. A 2015 study suggests that consuming aloe vera gel can help people achieve better fasting blood glucose levels, as well as reduce body fat and weight.
One important caveat with consuming aloe vera — start with a small amount, as some people may experience a laxative effect (likely due to the anthraquinones).
Oral Care Benefits of Aloe Vera
Another little-known benefit of aloe vera is as a natural mouthwash.
There are many studies of aloe vera-based mouthwash being used to treat gingivitis, plaque build-up and soothe mouth irritation.
One that stands out, however, is a 2014 study published in the Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences.
Researchers found that an aloe vera-based mouthwash can be a safe and effective alternative to store-brand products. Plus, aloe vera does not contain the unwanted chemicals common to store-brand options. And it cost significantly less than those store-brand options!
Truly Obscure Benefit of Aloe Vera — A Natural Preservative!
Another very little-known use for aloe vera gel is its ability to preserve fruits and vegetables when coated on them.
A 2014 study published in the American Journal of Food Science and Technology found that aloe gel has the ability to prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The plant is able to do this because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties that provide a defensive barrier against microbial contamination of produce.
Yes, aloe vera really is the “Swiss army knife” of plants. Today, researchers are even experimenting to see if aloe-emodin, a compound in the plant’s leaves, can slow the growth of breast cancer. More research is needed to further this theory, though.
Bottom line, and as the ancients seemed to know, the big question with aloe vera seems to be what CAN’T it do?
8 Key Steps for Using Fresh Aloe Vera
Both aloe vera plants and leaves are rather easy to find today. You can find the plants to raise in your home or garden, and the freshly cut leaves if you prefer that route, everywhere from local farmer’s markets to major supermarket chains like Whole Foods and Walmart.
Additionally, aloe-based products are sold in many stores. HOWEVER, please be certain those products are USDA Certified Organic (or the equivalent, such as in other countries) because such products can otherwise be loaded with other toxic or synthetic ingredients.
If you do choose to grow your own aloe vera and harvest it for the gel and juice, remember to:
- Cut your leaves close to the stalk, as most of the beneficial nutrients are found at the base of the leaves.
- Place the leaves in a jar (cut side down) to drain the aloin (the yellowish latex substance) unless you’re planning on using it
- Wash and dry the leaves
- If you’re planning on using the aloe for your skin, you can scoop the gel out with your fingers (or a sharp object) and apply directly to your skin.
- You can also squeeze out the gel once you’ve trimmed the prickly edges of your leaf
- Depending on the size of your aloe plant, 3-4 leaves should leave you with about ½ to ¾ cup of aloe vera gel.
- Cut the aloe gel into slices or cubes and refrigerate them ASAP
- If you aren’t planning on using your leaf right away make sure to refrigerate it as well
Finally, as for consuming aloe vera, there are many online recipes you will find by searching “aloe vera recipes.”
One of my favorites is simply aloe and cucumber water — just combine some aloe vera juice with cucumber and water (or coconut water) for a healthy and delicious beverage!
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Amazing. I knew aloe only as the burn plant. I have a tube of organic aloe gel which I do use for skin irritations. It has a few other organic and vegan ingredients, too, but I guess that’s okay.
I am using your serum now and plan adding your day cream as soon as I can. I’d like to learn more about using the two together.
Aloe vera is also good for hair growth. Just rub the cut leaf directly to your scalp. Leave it for about 15 minutes before washing it.
do you do this everyday? My hair is thinning and I used the aloe I usually drink. I have Lily Aloe of Texas. IS the cut leaf the only way to regrow hair or is the inner gel good too?
Get some DMSO liquid and rub into scalp…. regrows hair… dilute it to 70% using distilled water…
What is DMSO liquid and where do you get it?
DMSO is what?
DMSO is Dimethyl sulfoxide is a solvent that is a byproduct of the logging industry.It CAN cause skin irritation if used haphazardly, but is widely known among athletes and others as an effective topical pain relief. Read up on it before use.
It must be applied to DRY skin (the treated area) and MUST BE LEFT UNCOVERED. No bandaging or wrapping as this will cause skin burns. Just let it dry and do its thing. Also: you know it’s absorbed immediately because you begin to smell quite garlicky. It’s a great addition to any medicine cabinet. USE CAUTIOUSLY and it will be a long-time friend. The hair growth bit is fascinating…
Fresh picked aloe must be used within 24 hours otherwise the enzymes devour the active healing ingredient – Mannose and render it useless – unless it is flash freeze-dried.
Just make sure you peel off the skin and yellow bitter is washed away. Then you actually can eat it.
What is DMSO liquid?
DMSO
It should be in your medicine cabinet as a gel and/or liquid.
DiMethyl SulfOxide is often used externally on sore joints; similar to using comfrey leaves of aloe.
I use aloe vera mixed with onion in a blender. I sieve it and use the liquid on my scalp and leave on a while before washing. It strengthens my hair to keep it from falling as much. My hair has also grown a lot.
That is interesting…thank you 🙂
Great thank you!
Great to know. Thank you
Castor oils are really good for thickening of hair- if ure looking for a natural solution.
Also black seed oil could be applied for any dry scalp/fungal/ dandruff treatment, which might be the cause of the fall..
You are so right… many optional causes for excessive hair fallout: Thyroid malfunction, too much selenium (e.g. eating too many Brazil nuts) etc.
Good idea to find out WHY as you also try to remedy the symptom.
Thanks for the information will have to try it
The leaf, not the gel?
Oh, thank you for this info! I have aloe plant, and am certainly going to apply it to my falling out hair!🙏💕
“Lily of the Desert” is PURE Aloe Vera GEL that can be applied and CONSUMED for inner & outer use. More potent than serums and less costly, as it can be purchased by the GALLON
So question, I see that “inner filet” is available. Is that better than whole leaf? Thanks
It is also toxic to cats – don’t know about dogs. Dorothy Stone
I gave an aloe plant to a cat breeder and she said that her cats chewed it when they needed it, it was beneficial to them.
Animals know what’s good for them and what they need 🙂
This s not true. Both dogs and cats have been known to eat plants that can kill them. I.e. dogs will eat hydrangea plants which can be fatal. Having said that I do use aloe water(George’s) for my dogs GERD.
Thank you. I have been asked this and did not know the answer. Also I have many “cat-people” in my home with my aloe plants. I give plants to others so this is great to be able to enforce the safety of aloe plants around cats.
Hi Dorothy,
I had a cat once (Jezza) with a broken hip, in 6 places. I had to make a hard decision on treatment as my husband wasn’t working at the time. I asked the vet if I could take the cat home, he said yes of course but that I’d be back in 2 weeks and would still be facing the same disaster. I set the cat up with supportive bedding in a box, fed him pure inner leaf organic aloe juice (from Australia) for 2 weeks. In all his food, his water and also via syringe 3 times a day (which he hated). After 3 days he got up for the first time to do his business outside. I cleaned & changed his bedding. He then curled himself up into a small kidney shaped basket in the sun, then went back to his bed/ box in the evening. He kept this up for the next 2 weeks, when he was moving much more freely and even surprised me by jumping up on my lap. I got a phone call from the vet, who didn’t believe me when I told him, and insisted on seeing him. I waited a further week, then another xray showed the hips had reknitted back into place. He was quite astounded. He’s not the only cat I’ve used it on.
I had a mother cat who’d been fixed up and was sleeping on my bed the day I brought her home from the vet. I woke up in the night to check on her and found a cold still cat. She was still alive, so I stroked her, hugged her and warmed her up with the electric blanket. I used the syringe on her too, 5 mls every hour. I did that 3 times. She made a full recovery also. Do not use whole leaf aloe though, it must be the pure inner leaf juice. I have a friend who’s used it on her dog, and her chickens.
I kept my mother-in-law pain free for 15 years (riddled with arthritis) and with no recurrence of her diverticulitis, which she’d been hospitalised with twice before. She lived to be 100! Its amazing stuff.
Elizabeth
How did you use aloe for your mother in law arthritis?
Yes,it is helpful.
I used it on my wrists and it certainly helped me to reduce the arthritis pain 80%!!
Hello Hetal, she drank it every day. It was the pure inner leaf, organically grown juice from an Australian company in Queensland … Its the only one with a guaranteed activity level of 80%! The only additives are a small amount of preservatives (the same ones they use in real orange juice) which are necessary as it is a cold processed organic juice. My husband and I both drink it … he’s had multiple injuries to his back and hips and it helps keep him mobile and free of pain. He’s still working full time at 72! The company is Pro-Ma Systems global – and they ship worldwide. 🙂
Wonderful stories! Thanks for sharing. So much for being toxic to cats.😀
How do you use it for arthritis?
Thank you very much for sharing all that, Elisabeth! I have aloe vera plants, and eat their yummy flowers. I used to make the juice from the gel in the leaves, but stopped, since it is a mild laxative, which I don’t need. But am going to use the leaf gel again after learning how healing it is.
I agree, – – absolutely. – – never knew so much in detail .
Just told to take it and never challenge it. I make raw veggie smoothies in the blender , turmeric , ginger, celery, apple, beetroot , drop of honey, (sweetens the Aloe), parsley , mint leaves , bit of banana , pears , and a low carb/high protein powder + cider vinegar ( another , just take it , don’t argue ) + use this iTera wand over my filtered water. WOW that’s it . . .now um-deem years later , LIKE today 1st Aug 2023 years later amazing plant , ABSOLUTELY , natures wonder plant , !
Thank You so much ,
Happy Days ;
Jay Jay from Brisbane – Australia
Elizabeth
How did you use aloe for your mother in law arthritis?
We have Aloe in the garden. I use it for myself and drink it. But how did you treat your mother. Topically rubbing it on the hurting joints or giving it to drink ?
I use aloe vera gel every day , gently massaging it over my face and upper body. It is very soothing and perfect for cooling down the skin in our hot and humid tropical weather here in Malaysia..
Amazing! I have tons of aloe growing in my backyard here in Florida. I am going to start using it for my dogs hips and my arthritis too
Thank you so much
I gave a plant to a cat breeder friend and she said that the cats chewed it, self medication she called it. I have not found it to be toxic.
yes; toxic to dogs also. So is anything in the lilly family.
I also have used it for burns, specifically sunburns. It seems to give an almost instant relief from pain caused by the burn. I have mixed the gel with lavender oil and rubbing alcohol and used this for hand sanitizer to preserve skin integrity.
Fresh picked aloe must be used within 24 hours otherwise the enzymes devour the active healing ingredient – Mannose and render it useless – unless it is flash freeze-dried.
Hi Roz, Your response is very interesting. So I’m wondering what other information about Aloe you can share. Or you may be able to refer me to a book. Many Thanks, Connie D.
growing up i heard many of my elders talk about savila, then i heard the name olivers which is the same savila, but my real experience with Olivera was in 2013 , i was baking sweet potatoes pudding, i lighted the oven let it heat, but it seemed it didn’t stay light, when i was ready to put the pudding in the stove was not on, i grab the matches with out thinking, open the oven to light the oven but as i open the oven with the lightt matches the gas that had accommulated because the stove didn’t lit, blow up on my hands and face, i renembered my brother had olivera downstairs, went grab a leaf and rub it all over where the flames hit me, it was hurting bad the pain ease , didn’t take to long to heal, and it didn’t left scars, it didn’t get water bumps either, very good plant, live up to it known tradation
I am quite old and because of that am prone to bruising especially on my arms. The slightest knock can bring me out in purple and black bruising. I buy organic aloe gel and rub that into my arms. Works wonderfully.
I drink aloe juice every morning to help digestion. I’ve been using organic prepared juice for the convenience. It’s has really helped!
Sandy please share the recipe thank you.
I know, that Aloe has its of health benefits, and I had a plant which died.
Where do I can buy organic Aloe Vera plant?
All plants are organic by nature. As they grow, do not spray them with chemicals and they will stay organic.
Sara, if you go to a plant nursery they will probably have some, if not they can order you a plant. If you read about its care and provide it with what it needs it will grow and multiply! I have many in my garden now. They need sun and good earth, not too much water.
I have most of my plants on my patio with little direct sun. They seem to prefer the shade. I live in the desert so maybe that’s why. I have started many plants from the mothers and give them away.
My granddaughter left an Aloe Vera with us went she went home to CO (we live in AZ). My wife and I neglected to water it for several months (no rain) and then our “monsoon ” season came and it was soaked day after day. It is doing quite nicely.
Hi Sara, I have purchased aloe “pups” from Stockton in FL. Supposed to be researched to be the best medicinal. They are easy to grow, most aloe is, and
propagate fast once you get them established in soil. Hope this helps.
Aloe plants have only 2 enemies, frost and too much water. I had given an Aloe pup to a friend from church who was also a distributor for Forever Living. One night we were at their place visiting and I ask about the aloe place we had given her some time before and she said it died. I asked where it was and she said she put it out in the laundry room. I asked to see it, when we got on our to the laundry room. Their stood her aloe plant all nice and green. She exclaimed but it was dead. I asked how often she had watered it? She said just when I watered my flowers. I told her aloe only drinks water once a month. Then give it plenty water but that’s it. No more for 30 days. Better luck with you next plant.
John, I too was a Forever Living distributor in the early 1980 eighties, back in Illinois. I didn’t know the company was still in business. The products were very good back in the day. I also use to grow the plants back there, although I haven’t had much success growing down here in Tennessee. I gave up trying but after reading your post, I just may give it another try.
My aloe lives on my sunny balcony and U water it like all other plants. It flowers more often if watered regularly. If not, the flower buds fall off. I love eating the flowers though, so make sure I keep watering it.
My aloe lives on my sunny balcony and I water it like all other plants. It flowers more often if watered regularly. If not, the flower buds fall off.
I have been growing aloe vera for years but have never had one flower!
Me either. Have never seen a flower. ???????
Hi John, Does it matter which Aloe plant type your use for the medicinal part? Thanks, ConnieD
ALOE BARBADENSIS MILLER
Has the most medicinal properties..
Saved my fire-arm from 2nd degree burns. No scars. Use it on the skin all the time.
I had a very similar experience with it on my teenage daughters severe burn when boiling water spilled out on her thigh under tight denim jeans. It was a Friday night. I grabbed aloe leaves and applied them and then punctured natural vitamin e oil capsules to squeeze on top, too. Then got my negative ionizer (used in European burn clinics) to put up next to it while she laid on the sofa. Then later we put filleted aloe leaves (gel side down) on it under a big gauze bandage. I am sure this had to have been a third degree burn because I’ve had second degree ones and this was much worse. I thought she’d have to wear sweatpants for days but by the very next night she was laying on the floor on that leg with no pain at all. I couldn’t believe it but by Monday morning she was back in her tight jeans and back to school. I didn’t have to call the principal and ask for an exception to their dress code for her. After about a week, the only evidence of this accident was the absence of a tan and disappearance of freckles on the burn area that was about the size of my hand – absolutely NO SCARRING – it looked like new baby skin.
Great, very informative article. We have learned so much.
We have many plants around the house and consume and promote aloe Vera gel juice.
Blessings with you and your team.
Thank you
Excellent information, very useful! It really works! Thank you!
Brilliant article with many helpful ideas with more ways to use aloe vera.
I’m using your Dream Cream now–and have ditched all the expensive, toxin loaded skin care products I’ve used in the past. Even dermatologists recommend the high end label products that have known carcinogenic ingredients in them, and that have been banned in Europe! I love the smell of your product, and how smooth it makes my skin feel! I am in my 60s, so I am anxious to see how well it can arrest the sands of time!
I actually have been very interested in aloe as I have a Friend with severe stomach issues and was thinking about getting her some. A timely article!
I have had stomach and gut problems and a swig of aloe vera juice calms and takes pain away, it is a wonderful plant. I also always put it on wounds and they heal twice as fast. Fantastic for burns, it takes pain away, I would not be without it. Get some for your friend!
I love the aloe plant, but when I set it on my natural stone counter I had no idea it would leave a purple stain. I’ve tried everything to neutralize it with no luck what so ever. I can’t tell you how much this eye catching stain distressed me. I’m hoping someone knows something that might lighten the stain and also to warn others to be careful where you set it!
Try Jingoes
Have you tried lemon juice to treat the stain? In this covid era I have made our own hand sanitizer using 2/3 cup alcohol & 1/3 cup aloe vera gel; it will not dry out your skin like commercial products do!
Yes so have I, and added tea tree oil for extra protection/ It feels fabulous on the skin, and doesn’t dry it out like commercial products.
Great article! Thank you.
You can try vinegar (strength min 20% ). Just put some of it on the stain and leave it for a while 15-20 minutes and you should be fine. May be you need to repeat this process for few times. Also, bicarbonate soda can be your solution too.
A digestive enzyme might work
Try baking powder on the stain and drizzle white vinegar on the powder and let it fizzle.
It’s baking soda, not powder that fizzes and takes out stains with white vinegar.
Not baking powder, but Baking Soda
Why not put another potted aloe plant there and cover the mark. 🤷🏼♀️
I use aloe for everything–even pain (topically applied and massaged into painful area). Combined with exercise, massage, and a tumeric-boswalia-ginger supplement I overcame a pinched sciatic nerve within 3 months without any pain medication or other medical treatment (except Xray to make sure I had not broken my hip). Recently used it to help cure painful ingrown toenail. Had incidence where my husband had a deep wound on finger (to the bone). After cleaning the wound, I butterflied it and then wrapped the finger with an opened piece of the leaf. Healed beautifully. Also a man teaching Native American crafts who claimed he was sent home from the hospital to die with cancer of stomach. Claims he cured it with aloe juice ingested internally. Yes, it truly is a miracle plant. I won’t do without it.
Interesting to hear about curing your ingrown toenail with aloe…..how did you use it as a remedy?
Shirley, I would like to know more about how you used aloe for nerve pain. I live daily with severe muscles and nerve pain as a results of surgery for a cerebral aneurysm over two years ago. I was left completely numb on the left side. Now I have sensation, I have unbelievable pain.
What you have described is the common symptoms of regenerating nerves. While that is good, you need to speed up the healing process and mitigate your pain in the interim.
Using aloe, comfrey leaves and/or DMSO along with increased hydration should prove helpful with pain and healing; albeit diet and supplementation should be addressed to assist with healing. Also, antiinflammatories should be taken.
As pain subsides, sensitivity will be high and then be followed by normal feeling when healing is complete.
Thank you for sharing this amazing information about this lovely plant! I’m looking forward to sharing this with everyone! Plus I’m going to purchase a few aloe plants for my home:)
God bless you and your family 🙏🏽💖
Aloe vera has SO many benefits: For eye or earinfections, wounds and scars to heal faster and better, in the mouth after chemotherapy/radiation, swallow when there’s a sore troat, stops itching after insect bites, to avoid and heal when sore diaperbottoms. I even use it on the tip of the thermometer so it’s smoother when used on the youngest ones. It is safe to use both topical and internal for all ages
Aloe Vera is the best plant anyone can have in their home. Grows well in flower pots and of course, in the ground. I have had aloes in flower pots on my patios for about 3 decades now.
Good facial cream also as well as being good for consuming aloe juice, and again, cuts and bruises etc etc. !!!
Please tell me what you have already tried, perhaps I have an idea. Strange you should mention this, I had angioedema of the lips from a food allergy and when I applied aloe they turned bright purple. What kind of stone is it, do you know? When you say natural stone, I am assuming there is no sealant of any kind on it?
Thanks for your precious article on top benefits of ALOE VERA which I till now know its anti-burn agent. Indeed as an ancient saying:” Vietnamese are dying on lots of unknown precious medici-
nal plants”, I now understand not to miss such yours. Blessings to your work.
I would like an ingredient list of your products please.
Wow! everyone here seems to be aware of What Aloe Vera does!!! I use Lilly of the Desert Aloe, grown in Texas of all organic plants! been around for 40 yrs. I had a dancing friend with terrible stomach pains, mentioned Aloe, he can’t thank me enough! it really is a miracle plant!!! the stain might be gone, make a paste with Oxygen Cleanse powder, with a little baking soda added, let it sit overnight..could help!!!on the stone!! I use it it on my skin combined with arnica (homeopath cream) under my eyes, hair and on skin under arms to tighten!!! Suma G Nathan, Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Planetary Chinese Herbologist, Strength Trainer, Rock & Roll dancer 83yrs young Pioneering Holistic since the 1960’s
I peel the leaf then gently rinse the bitter yellow sap off in water. Is this ok or am I washing away goodness?
YES, you’re washing away the best part. Read Bill Coats later books like “Aloe Vera: The New Millenium”. He’s the honest ethical guru of Aloe and his products contain the whole leaf they heal faster and he makes sure they are protected from high heat during shipping.. I have a friend that had severe crohns disease in 1981 (she was only 30) and her grandmother died of it in her early 30’s. She drank only Forever Living aloe everyday to keep her symptoms at bay. (Any time she tried a cheaper brand they would return). After about a year on it all of her internal scarring was gone. Her doctor was amazed and told some of his other patients. Then Bill discovered that the whole leaf was much more healing and when Forever Living wouldn’t add a whole leaf product he started his own company using the whole leaf. My friend switched to his product and finally after drinking it for a period of time she reached a stage of healing that allowed her to stop drinking it. Last time I spoke to her was about a year ago and she’s still healthy at 70. VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: don’t combine aloe with anything toxic because aloe goes into deep tissues and it might take it with it. So don’t use aloe with the toxic kind of preservatives in it.
I don’t work for him – I barely know him but admire him and his life’s work. He’s a man with pharmacist credentials who sees the need for natural healing substances. He is a wealth of healing information. I mainly use the plant itself but his products are more convenient at times.
My husband buys large aloe leaves at local markets. He washes leaves well and put them in the fridge. Every morning and night we both eat the gel inside and then rub our bodies with the green skins and leftover gel. My husband uses the skin and gel instead of sunscreen and he never burns. However, during his long bike rides he applies it 2 to 3 times. I was very pleased to read all the benefits of this miracle plants.
Aloe Vera juice or gel mixed 50/50 with colloidal silver immediately stops burn pain (area will feel fizzy) and will start growing new skin within 3 days. A large 2nd/3rd degree burn in my armpit (fell on the wood stove), covered with a clean cotton t-shirt kept moistened. Eliminated the pain and in 3 days I had new skin. My wife regrew the end of her thumb (meat slicer accident) in 5 days by soaking it in this solution. MIRACLES are natural.
I have a small seborrheic keratosis on my forehead and nightly application of aloe vera gel is reducing it.
Also aloe vera juice is very good for constipation.
I find aloe keeps moles at bay eventually shrinking them, had a cancerous one on my leg and has helped with that. Also coconut oil is a great sunscreen.
Thanks for that
If you harvest a plant [I’m in Yorkshire in the UK so mine are pot grown indoors.] by cutting through the stem an inch or two above the soil level, then clean the stem up of the bases of the leaves, the plant will quite soon grow an abundance of little plantlets which can be potted individually or left to grow communally.
I have found the best way to cut an individual leaf, ALWAYS from the bottom of the stem up, is to go to the opposite side of the stem from where the leaf is pointing and, with a very sharp knife, carefully cut down along the ‘papery’ wrap that comes round from the base of the leaf, then the leaf will come away entire and whole with a gentle and firm pull/twist. It’s tricky near the soil level but once you get above that it is easy. Don’t cut deep tho, just enough to get thru’ the ‘papery’ bit.
When I harvest a plant [Usually at around 1 & 1/2 to 2 ft tall.] I wash and dry it then slice it into [around] 1/2 inch long bits and keep these in the freezer for use in smoothies. This way one can try a low dose first and gradually increase it up to that which you desire your daily intake to be. I was dubious at first because of the reports of adverse effects to the digestive system of the middle, yellow sappy, layer but I have had no reactions yet, after many years and, like the article states, the sap does drain a little when drying [So make sure you got it on something to catch the mess !! Like a tissue which then goes in the compost heap.] By the way ‘drying’ does not mean crisping the leaf, just the water on the surface, in case there is any confusion here.
Happy gardening, happy taking and luv’n’lite to all. 🙂
Thanks for this great information about Aloe vera. I have the plant in my house but hardly use it, but right now I shall begin to use it to the maximum. Thank you for the information once again.
I just love my own story about an aloe vera plant experience. Once upon a time -lol- about 35 years ago I was boiling 3 gallons of water with tea bags. Once it had boiled for a minute, I took it off the burner. In a huge hurry I turned around to the sink, grabbed a dish cloth to wipe off the stove and with my bare hand picked up that same very hot burner to clean under it. Even though I did yet feel pain, I immediately screamed and dropped the burner. I knew it was going to be bad – it was going to hurt SO much and I was such a pain wimp. My husband somehow knew what I had done. In under 20 seconds he was in the kitchen with a piece of aloe vera smearing it thickly everywhere on my hand. OMG — I never did have any pain and the palm of my hand and undersides of my fingers were just a little red. To this day I can still hardly believe it and I lived it. That is one amazing plant. My husband was pretty amazing too!
I once spilled some boiling water on my leg which soaked into a wollen soak and by the time I got my boot & sock off it pealed away the skin.
I split an Aloe leaf & placed it on my leg with a bandage to hold it in place, replacing it again the next day.
I went to the Doctor the day after that who was blown away as a new layer of skin had already grown on the burn site and they said it would have been a second degree burn, which healed with no scarring
I had terrible silent reflux. Started using the lily of the desert aloe drink. Within 2 weeks it was gone. I had gone to a gastric doctor for 2 years. It’s a miracle drink!
How much did you drink daily?
Thanks a lot for this wonderful article on aloe vera.
Thank You, Brian Thank’s for all of your information every day.
Such a great article
I’m 77 years old now and 16 years ago I discovered that I am type 2 diabetic. I have a medication for that, but didn’t seem to be enough. Several years ago I was searching for something that would help. I found that aloe vera would help, in many ways. I found a 100 percent pure aloe in a 1 gallon bottle and 2 sugar free drink mixes. I use 2 tablespoons of aloe and up to a cup drink mix twice a day. A orange flavor in the morning, and cherry flavor at night. This works out to 4 tablespoons of aloe per day. Not a lot but that all helps greatly day by day for my health at my age. 77 and feeling good!
I had a bad brown recluse spider bite on my thumb. Iimmediately cut a piece of aloe and wrapped it around my finger. It drew all the poison out and I didn’t have pain.After I put the aloe on it ,it healed without any problems but the skin still did Slough off. I also use the aloe for burns, indigestion ,on my skin for wrinkles too. IT s a miracle plant actually.
I went for a long walk one day without a hat. It was a bright sunny day late spring day with no clouds in SE Queensland..
My hair on top was quite thin and that evening my scalp hurt from the sunburn just lying my head on the pillow.
Fortunately my sister had an aloe plant growing in the front yard – so next morning cut a leaf off and applied the clear gel to my scalp. The soreness and pain disappeared very quickly and the skin didn’t even peel on my scalp.
Thank you for this. I have been drinking pure aloe vera juice for years but never knew about all of its properties. You have inspired me to buy a plant to use the gel straight onto my skin.
Brian,
I loved your article, it was informative. A few years ago, I fell on my wooden bed backboard during the night. Thankfully, my mother had just awoken to go to the bathroom and she heard what happened and saw the deep wound on my forehead. Immediately, she cut the Aloe Vera and squeezed it on my wound. Each day I did the same thing and within 10 days the cut was healed and no scar left. I took photos from the moment it happened up until the very end, therefore I have the proof.
In addition, I use organic Aloe Vera on my entire body and combine it with essential oils for my face. It truly is an anti-aging plant. I absolutely love it!
Which essential oils did you use?
Helen which EO do you use with it.thanks
Thank you for this great information> I have a large aloe plant in my house that I have used for burns and for my grandchildren that get sunburned. I did not know how valuable the aloe really is! So, thank you very much for the new knowledge.
Thank You, Brian for sharing all this information about Aloe Vera. Also thank you to others shared their knowledge and uses for Aloe Vera. I use Aloe Vera juice for Reflux. I have gastric Retention, a hiatal hernia and sometimes a bubble blocking part of the entry to the stomach. I must have read somewhere about using it for reflux. For many years I knew of it’s burn use. Year before last I started a AV plant. It grew sideways due to sun inside a nd was tipped. Last summer I took it outside and divided it and ended up with many plants. I had to leave them outside covered with leaves. We had a cold from come from the north and probably none survived. In the mean time I use Aloe Vera juice that is grown in Texas and is sold at Walmart.And seems to really help reflux. I will start a new plan this year and see what happens. I was not aware there are so many species.FRuit of the Earth is the brand Walmart sells. Says 99.8% pure but not Organic. I had to use it yesterday and it really helped as I had unexpected refills. Thanks again to the many have shared how they use Aloe Vera. I have printed to article and comments out so that I can set down and read it all again marking what seems the best use for me and also grow some this summer out side where the plant will point up instead of sideways in front of the window.
Aloe also purifies the blood. In high school, my sister developed some type of blood disorder that caused large & painful lumps to rise up beneath her skin anywhere on her body (like her forehead, back, or arms). It usually happened each night. My mother took her to an internist who prescribed her antibiotics to be taken for a year. My mother opted to try aloe vera juice from a company called Lady Love. She was made to drink an eight-ounce glass every day–for how long I can’t recall. I can attest that her illness went away.
I was welding one day when some noise outside made me stop, put down the steel bar I was working on, to look around to where the noise had come from. On looking back to my welding I picked up the bar which was no longer red hot, thinking I had the cool end. Ouch! It was the hot end which had just lost the red colour.
I rushed outside, drew my pocket knife and cut an Aloe leaf to smother my poor hand. The pain eased almost immediately, and I never even had a blister! Truly an amazing plant. I make sure I have the Aloe Barbadensis plants growing wherever I reside. Great for smoothies and skin care inside and out! Thank you Lord for creating such a wonder plant!
I live in India,and Aloe grows very easily in tropical climate
We cook the Aloe frequently,make chutneys(like pesto),use it in gravies like any other vegetable( only the gel)
Recently prepared a hair oil .200 GMs of cut pieces of aloe with the skin,25 GMs of black seed and heated them in slow flame in 500 ml of coconut oil till the aloe became totally crisp. Filtered it and stored it
Apply it on hair and leave it for one or two hrs and then wash your hair with a very mild shampoo. You don’t need a conditioner at all.
It is silky soft!!!!
IS THE YELLOW STICKY PART TOXIC AND IF SO HOW BEST CAN IT BE REMOVED?
« some people may experience a laxative effect (likely due to the anthraquinones). »
It’s possible but what I know for sure is that the yellow aloin is responsible for a very strong, even harsh laxative effect.
So I’m used to choose, in France, organic alœ vera with aloin removed, the yellow aloin being found below the surface of the leaves and a very thin and small part of the plant.
I’m 78 and have discovered a few years ago the alœ vera for digestion when I had a lots of problems including an oesophagus ulcer, it was so fast to heal, almost miraculous!
And I keep on drinking it everyday for digestion during this stressful mad period in which my digestion is often blocked!
I use it for burns and sunburns, and for gum inflammation too.
Thank you so much for explaining all the other precious uses of alœ vera!
That was really interesting. I learned a lot of new uses for aloe that I was not previously aware of. Thank you for all the research in putting this together!
Thank you for this article. I’ve used store bought gel for sunburns for a long, long time. Recently, I started putting aloe in my green smoothies every day. I have had an aloe plant for a few years, but I never use it, because I don’t know what to do with it. My kids will use the store bought gel when they get sunburns, but they won’t use the aloe plant, because it has a different consistency. I’ve never tried putting my aloe plant in my smoothies and have only used the store bought jugs of aloe. I think it’s time for me to get more use of my plant.
Thank you so much Sir for that very interesting presentation. Very kind of you to share such important such knowledge with us. I received a good amount of new learnings about the aloe.
I am deeply encouraged now to pay more attention to it.
I did not see any comment about what I consider to be the most important healing aspect of aloe, that is the essential sugar known as mannose. It’s great for many more things not mentioned in this article. You may want to research it’s effect on the brain function.
Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful article on the 5 benefits of aloe vera. I will pay more attention to this great plant from now on.
I knew aloe vera was great for soothing skin and an excellent mouthwash which improved the health of gums and mouth. I have also been using the juice to hopefully help repair reflux acid. However, I had no idea it helped the body access collagen and lowered blood sugar. I’m going to have to drink it more often. Thanks for the cucumber water tip. I love cucumber and put it in my water anyway. I never thought of diluting the juice.
I will try coating fruits and vegetables with aloe vera gel. They are expensive.
You have me committed to buying a plant for our own backyard. Thanks so much for the article.
Hi 🌷🌷
We have our kunuku here where I have a
a lot of aloe plants. We live on the island of Bonaire. Caribbean Netherlands. If someone is interested in doing business let me know.
Hello Ava
Having been using Aloe vera for a long time and a number of health related purposes, I read all the posts on it with great interest, and I learned much from it.
Here in Vancouver, Canada I recently retired from my international business, leaving me with more time for health and healing related interests. Having been to the Caribbean on several occasions, it would be of great interest for me to know more about the Island of Bonaire; with a view of visiting it and looking into potential business opportunities.
Reiner
I used the gel from a fresh aloe leaf to heal a chemical burn on my throat from an essential oil. It had spilled on the collar of my shirt and the burning pain from it woke me up in the middle of the night. The aloe soothed the burn and it healed completely.
Also, during a recent move, I accidently left our little plant in our car overnight. The temp dipped below freezing and the plant turned brown and wilted. I planted it at our new place in Florida in hopes it would regrow. It did and even has green leaves shooting up around it. What an amazing plant!
Wow, thank you so much for this article. And thank you for that amazing summit that ended yesterday. I am suffering from brain overload from all the valuable information I received. I purchased the package and will go back and listen again. I will be making changes in my diet to not just survive but thrive. Thank you and your team for putting it together. It was awesome.
Wow! Not only did you give us a fabulous summit, you also gave us a lot of helpful and interesting uses for aloe vera. I’m going to look for a plant because I can use some of its benefits. Thank you thank you!
Thanks for this wonderful article and reminder about using aloe. I haven’t had a plant in some time and will get one again now.
I listened to part of yesterday’s finale, with John Robbins, and was so uplifted. Am so glad I purchased the package so I can listen to all of it in my own timing.
Re the Truly Obscure Benefit of preserving fresh fruits and vegetables, does anyone know the how-to’s of doing this? I googled and found only one video, showing the pure gel applied by hand but nothing was said about then storing in or out of refrigerator. Is pure fresh gel the only proper method? Sounds like a wonderful economic solution to spoil prevention!
I have used aloe on cuts to speed healing for years. My husband is a diabetic and was amazed how quickly a severe cut he had healed.
Thank you so much for this very educational summit and all the articles you send. God bless you and your staff for all the wonderful work you do .Pls. continue your good work and may you get a lot of blessings for all the work you do.
This is THE MOST INFORMATIVE ARTICLE I’ve read in years, and I READ. I have been Homeopathic for some 40yrs, studied herbs and nutrition before that and of course have to update constantly with all the alterations we have endured to our food chain. THANK YOU, and I will share this with many. May our great God of His creation ( though fallen as it is a the present) Bless you with all understanding. Sincerely, Jerrie. ( 80 years old)
The article and all of the comments have been incredibly informative. I have not been using my plants to their full potential. I’m very interested in the aloe vera juice.
DMSO is dimethylsulphoxide There is industrial DMSO out there so be sure to only buy 100% pure with distilled water. It’s not expensive and I think is mostly used topically for pain relief ie arthritis
Thank you for sharing this information and for all the wonderful comments. I will go out tomorrow and buy an aloe plant.
Love your idea and everyone’s comments!! Thank you.
I love Aloe Vera products. Each time I cruise to Aruba, I go to the Aloe Vera Plant where they make the products and sell them too. Aloe Vera stinks in its natural state, but those products work, especially the ones they got for pain.
I use Aloe Vera mixed with Tea Tree oil for my hair, nail beds, & skin. I found it helps reduce acne, doesn’t aggrivate my skin sensitivities. My son had athletes foot & the Aloe mixed with Tea Tree oil worked great.
I enjoyed reading the comments posted, and I’m surprised that aloe vera has so many uses both to people and animals. Thanks for all the good information.
I’ve used Aloe Vera Juice to heal my two bleeding stomach ulcers many years ago – and have prescribed it to my many patients over the years for stomach issues, heartburn, as well as burns, skin issues etc. It’s an amazing plant! Keep one fresh growing at home!
My grand child pulled the box TV and it landed on his foot in front of his ankle .It turned blue. I wrapped a mixture of aloe gel and turmeric. It healed within 3 days. I saw my grand parents using this kind of treatment THANKS for your SUPER SUMMIT, I loved the depth and variety, for a wholesome living long, and well.
Congratulations! This is one of the best articles I have read about the benefits of Aloe vera.
A while ago I was very sick and ended up taking lots of Meds, had a Break in the South Pazific and had a Reaction to the Sun, I turned red over the whole Body a Native Woman looked at me and told me to lye down she rubed me all over with Aloe Vera Jell, and the red Skin was gone in Minutes, unreal!
I’m not going to say much, but google “Padre, cancer, aloe”. This formula does not use “aloe vera” rather another species of aloe. Maybe the difference as to whether it is harmful to animals or not is–what species of aloe that the plant is. One species definitely contains latex in the leaves and I presume the other does not–I am no-one special–but look for the Padre’s book on healing cancer.
ref Father Romano Zago, “Cancer Can Be Cured”, Aloe Arborescens
I have an aloe vera plant and had no idea, all the many things it can help.
Thank you very much for all the information.
Great read! Very informative. Thanks to all who messaged.
Thanks for the info Brian. I grow my own aloe vera and use it regularly. I drink it too but never add anything to it. I’ll try adding the cucumber or other fruit. Much love for the work you are doing. . I participated in the Summits every year for the past 3-4 yrs
Wow! Thank you for all this information. Growing up my grandmother would just say “savila” (Spanish for aloe) if we had a cut, burn, anything really. I never knew all of this other wonderful information!!
I’ve read through all the comments and still am confused as to whether the whole plant is beneficial , consumable, topical, etc. Can anybody else clarify? I’m also going to check out some books to see diagrams of the plant do I know what I’m suppose to do with each part.
Thank you!!
Question: can you use all types of the aloe Vera plants for ailments, internal and external or do you need to only use the bitter aloe or aloe bardenis, or certain ones?
Hi Daphne … as far as I am aware, the Aloe Barbadensis Millar is the most beneficial for medicinal purposes .. Liz
Wonderful research. I usually combine a slice of the aloe vera leaf with 3 organic kale leaves, then blends them into a smooth juice. With the addition of two teaspoonsfuls of organic honey, I am prepared for a younger skin every morning before my breakfast and evening – after dinner. The juice boosts my body immunity besides a glowing skin.
Does anyone know if aloe juice can heal a small thread vein on my face ?
I’ve tried calendula cream which usually is so healing but it scabs over, the scab comes off and each time I have to wait for it to scab over again
Suzanne
I saw a video on you tube where someone used it to revive out of date seeds by soaking them in some blended aloe vera and some water.
thank you for letting me in, it sounds good but am i gonna get some.
🙏😇, Will Try it. God, Bless ✌️
Very interesting article. I use aloe gel mixed with lemon grass, lavender and tea tree essential oils for insect bites. Redness, pain and swelling vanished almost instantly. The sooner it’s applied the greater the effect, but it works even on established bites. Terrific plant . Thanks for all the information.
We use a piece of a cut cold ( from the fridge) aloe leaf and rubbed it on cold sores. Helps with the pain and healing too. Applied it as often as possible. Cuts, bruises too.
A great plant!
I have aloe vera in muy patio and very often drink aloe juice with some lemon to treat my gastritis and constipation. It has been very effective for those ailments
I put a whole leaf in my daily smoothy. All three layers
Thank you Brian Vaszily for all you do .
My husband gets wicked poison ivy and aloe rubbed on it will make it disapear! It is a wonder plant. My friend had poison ivy and was so scared because she said that she has been admitted into the hospital for it. We sliced it, and rubbed it on her poison ivy and it was gone the next morning. You have to try this.
I cured my puppy of PARVOVIRUS in 5 days using a blended mixture of fresh aloe vera gel and chamomile tea. The puppy was emaciated, vomiting with bloody diarrhea. I gave her 3 to 5 ml of the blended mixture (can store rest in fridge) about every 20 to 30 minutes from 7 am to about 8 p.m. for 5 days (intense treatment!). Every day her stools had less and less blood until she was completely healed! I think parvovirus basically strips the intestinal lining, so the aloe combined with antibacterial and soothing chamomile helped heal it.
Question about DMSO. I had some, and might still, but it came in a plastic bottle, which kind of scared me. Since DMSO absorbs anything that touches it you have to be careful that you don’t put something to dissolve in it like, say –poison for example. so is there some kind of danger that it absorbs the plastic it’s contained in and that that could be harmful to me? I stopped using it. If anybody knows anything about this, I’d appreciate a response.
Very interesting commentary. I grew up in south Florida and aloe was our go-to for sunburn. In my senior years now, I go to the dermatologist twice a year to have actinic keratosis removed with liquid nitrogen. I always take a piece of fresh aloe, and immediately on getting into the car in the parking lot, apply it to the treated areas. Soothes immediately, they don’t blister like before I started doing this, and they heal much faster. I have been recently diagnosed with throat/neck cancer and will have to begin radiation treatment soon. Side effects are loss of taste, mouth sores, and sore throat. I have found only limited information about how to use aloe to help with the side effects. My oncologist is fine with me using it, as long as it’s pure with no additives. Does anyone have any information, recommendations, or experience in using aloe for this? Thanks!
I decided to focus on organic garden and so I’m going to to revive an aloe Vera plant and search how to create more quickly.
I have a plant with light green spots on it,looking like it the family of aloe Vera. It blooms light peach.
what a surprise aloe Vera have so many benefits Thanks very much for the information
Has anyone used aloe gel to heal/cure psoriasis?
Thanks for the really useful information. I’ll try to read and digest it when I get a free moment.
Aloe is truly a miracle plant. I’ve been drinking and using it topically for over 25 years. I love it so much that I distribute it to my family, friends and clients.
My understanding is that you need to mix it with a fat source like coconut oil or it can be drying alone—according to Ayurveda. But together–awesome. Any views on this?
Awesome information, thanks so much for sharing. I have a sore on my left temple that I acquired when I fell 2 yrs ago and it WILL NOT HEAL. I am going to try some aloe on it and see if it will work. Thsanks again.
I knew that Aloe vera plant sap inside helped heal burns. Some of the other things that was mentioned in article was new to me. This really good information.
Thanks for the article, enjoyed reading about Aloe vera.