Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant that grows in hot climates and is known for its use in cosmetic products due to its healing and soothing properties. There are many different species of the aloe plant which also vary in medicinal quality and use.

It has uses both externally and internally. Externally, it is most commonly used as a skin soother to moisturise or to cool skin after sun exposure. It can be particularly helpful for burns of all types including sunburn, but is also helpful for irritations such as bites, acne spots or eczema.

Internal use comes in the form of juice or more concentrated supplement capsules. It also tends to be an ingredient in digestive complexes and probiotic formulas too. The herb is mucilaginous which means that when taken internally, it has a viscous consistency and can stick to digestive tissues to help soothe and heal this tissue on its way through the body. Mucilaginous herbs are not broken down by the human digestive system, but they are thought to absorb toxins from the bowel and give bulk to the stool to act as a laxative[i].

It is used for many conditions relating to various parts of the digestive system from acid reflux, to IBS, to inflammatory bowel disease and is also often included in digestive cleansing protocols. When choosing aloe vera to support health, it is important to only use ones that are extracted from the inner leaf gel rather than the outer leaf and we also advise against choosing any liquid forms that contain preservatives such as potassium sorbate. We also recommend that aloe vera is only used for short term periods as after the tissue has been supported or bowel transit time is regulated then the natural rhythm of the body should maintain this.