Even though there are over 300 species of Aloe, only a few have been traditionally used as herbal medicines. Some of these are Aloe perryi from northeastern Africa and Aloe ferox from South Africa, but it is Aloe Vera which has the widest use. The clear gel that is found inside the fleshy leaves, can be used for treating minor burns, wounds and certain skin irritations such as ringworm and eczema. The soothing effect of the gel is almost immediate, and and it forms a coating over minor wounds that seems to help prevent infection. Aloe Vera also has another use in herbal  medicine, the yellow, bitter liquid that is derived from the outer layer of its leaves, has a powerful purgative effect. A chemical compound ( anthraquinones ) will induce contractions in the walls of the digestive tract, accounting for the herbs laxative properties. The gel is most effective when it is used immediately from fresh cut leaves, and it is only the leaves that are used in herbal medicine.

Aloe Vera which is commonly grown as a potted plant, requires full sun, well drained soil, and temperatures which do not fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. When growing as a potted plant do not over water and allow the soil to completely dry out between watering's. Aloe Vera is propagated by rooting the small plantlets produced by the parent plants. This succulent, tender perennial, aloe has a tough, fleshy grayish green leaves that taper to a point like a spear. They have small, spiny teeth along their margins, and yellow tubular flowers are produced which rise above the rest of the plant.

This is how you would apply the medicinal properties of the Aloe Vera herb, as a gel freshly cut from the leaves apply directly to burns, wounds, dry skin, fungal infections, and insect bites. You can also split several leaves, to collect a large quantity of gel, and boil it to form a thick paste then store in clean jars in a cool place and use it in the same matter as fresh gel. You can use the leaves as a tincture, about 1-3 ml per dose as an appetite stimulant or for constipation, but you will find the taste to be very bitter. Aloe Vera is also available in capsules, 100-500 mg per dose for stubborn constipation and to stimulate bile flow.

As with all herbs there are some cautionary notes, avoid using during pregnancy because of the anthraquinone glycosides  which are strongly cathartic. Also high doses of the leaves can cause vomiting. Consult with a herbalist or your family doctor, if you plan to use this herb as a purgative.