Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera #

Aloe barbadensis miller

Placehoder

Quick Info #

  • Distribution & habitat: originating in Barbadosis Islands and now growing in Africa, Central America, China and India – growing in sandy, well-drained soil and full sun
  • Family: Liliaceae
  • Name origin: the genus name comes from the Arabic “alloeh” meaning “bitter and shiny substance” while “vera” comes from “verus” meaning “true” in Latin
  • Plant: perennial

Description #

The leaf is a long, fleshy, pale, pointed green blade. It often has teeth along the margins. The light-brown root is fibrous and strong.

The base of the plant is stemless, but it eventually produces a flowering stem, which has spikes of narrow, trumpet-shaped flowers that are either yellow or orange, and offshoots that play a role in propagation.

Uses & Ecology #

Warning: consuming aloe vera juice containing large amounts of the yellow fluid in the outer casings of the leaf can have a laxative effect in some individuals. Internal use is also not advised during pregnancy. Always seek medical attention for serious burns. Old aloe vera sap deteriorates rapidly when isolated.

Aloe vera contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and E.

It is known for its medicinal uses, being applied to burns, insect bites and skin ailments such as eczema, or added to animal feed. It is used in the treatment of wounds and fungus and in the stimulation of bile flow.

The advantage of growing your own aloe vera is its freshness, as commercial aloe vera may contain stabilisers that aren’t ideal in medicinal use. The juice is reported to provide relief for arthritis, circulatory disorders, diabetes, diarrhoea, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, rheumatism, stomach inflammation and stomach ulcers.

Cosmetically, aloe vera gives a shining, smooth and soft appearance to the skin and hair due to its role in restoring the pH balance. The gel can also help rid the skin of toxins, resulting in accelerated circulation, cleared pores, exfoliated dead cells, and counteracted blemishes and sun spots. Aloe vera’s cooling and healing effect makes it useful in suntan lotion. You can even fight pimples with aloe vera.

Some animal ailments are treated using aloe vera. This includes external use for skin problems and the addition of gel to food for conditions such as arthritis, constipation and stiffness.

Aloe vera has been used as an appetite stimulant and a natural laxative.

It is said that aloe vera treats radiation burns and that the US government has stockpiled it for this purpose.

Aloe plants native to the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean have been used to create a gorgeous violet dye.

It’s also not a bad ornamental pot plant.

References #

  • Bremness, L. (1998) The Complete Book of Herbs: A practical guide to growing & using herbs. South Africa: Southern Book Publishers (Pty) Ltd
  • Christoffels, G. & Pauwels, I. (2006) Gekruid: Lewe Gesond en Lekker met Kruie Uit Jou Eie Tuin. Cape Town: Struik Publishers.
  • Craze, R. & Webb, M.A (2004) The Herb & Spice Companion. New York: Barnes & Noble Inc.
  • Roberts, M. (2012) My 100 Favourite Herbs. Cape Town: Struik Nature.
  • Wikipedia (2026) Aloe vera. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera#:~:text=The%20genus%20name%20Aloe%20is,Burman%20in%20the%20Gardener's%20Dictionary. (Accessed: 7 January 2026)

Caution: Consult a qualified health practitioner before considering medically using or ingesting any plant parts. Any mentioned traditional uses are based on cultural practices and anecdotal evidence. They are not necessarily clinically proven or supported by modern scientific studies.