Herb Notes: The Benefits of Aloe Vera

Most people are familiar with Aloe vera as an undemanding houseplant that can be called upon in times of sunburn.

And while it is true that the inner filet of the Aloe vera plant is one of our go-to plant allies for mild sunburns, this succulent plant also offers so many more healing gifts.

So, let’s dive into 3 benefits of Aloe vera…

1. Aloe vera Benefits: Soothing Inflamed Mucous Membranes

The mucilaginous gel of aloe’s inner filet is cooling and moistening and can soothe irritated tissues in both the digestive and respiratory tract. I often call on aloe’s soothing gel for acid reflux, sore throat, and dry cough.

2. Aloe vera Benefits: Immunomodulator

As an immunomodulator, Aloe vera gel can potentially help bring greater balance to the immune system when it’s over or underactive. Plus the fresh gel — fresh is the key here! — also demonstrates some antibacterial properties and antifungal properties.

3. Aloe vera Benefits: Soothe Inflamed Skin

Whether it’s from a mild sunburn, acne, or eczema, topical aloe gel has an affinity for soothing minor dry, red, inflamed skin, potentially reducing pain, and promoting tissue repair. With the application of aloe to a sunburn, the aloe tends to work most effectively when applied immediately after the burn occurs.

And when tending cuts or broken skin, it’s important to only use the fresh aloe gel because the store-bought preparations can encourage Staphylococcus bacteria.

Special Considerations When Working with Aloe vera

And right now you may be wondering why I keep specifying the inner filet of aloe. That’s because the inner filet and the outer leaf of aloe have super different properties. While the inner filet has a mild taste and is soothing and hydrating for the body, the outer leaf is very bitter and is an incredibly strong laxative that can have some adverse effects. As herbalist Christa Sinadinos writes in her Aloe Plant Profile on HerbMentor, “Overdosing on aloe juice [outer leaf] can cause abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic gastritis, or nephritis.”¹ So that’s why we’re sticking with the gentle, soothing aloe inner filet in this Herb Note.

A few frequently asked questions about aloe…

What is aloe good for?

We get this question a lot at LearningHerbs, and while I don’t necessarily like to just think about what a plant is “good for” per say because I like to consider each plant as a whole dynamic being, I also recognize that this is a useful question for learning more about the gifts of a plant. Some of aloe’s gifts, as I’ve mentioned above, include soothing inflamed skin and mucous membranes and also modulating the immune system.

What does aloe gel contain?

As Christa Sinadinos writes in her Aloe Plant Profile on HerbMentor, “Aloe gel contains mucilaginous polysaccharides, saponins, β-sitosterol, lectins, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals , lipids, fatty acids, tannins, and small amounts of anthranoids.”²

Is Aloe vera a cactus?

Actually, aloe is a succulent rather than a cactus, and it’s a member of the Xanthorrhoeaceae family.

Written by Tara Ruth

Tara Ruth is an herbalist and the Communications Director at LearningHerbs. She graduated from the California School of Herbal Studies’ Community Herbalist Program and is a total herb nerd. Tara is passionate about teaching folks how to become confident home herbalists. In her free time, you can find Tara hiking in the forest and waving to all the plants along the way.