Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) is a member of the Asphodelaceae family, native to Sahelian Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Southern Asia. Traditionally, its leaves, sap, and resin have been used for poultices, infusions, and decoctions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, african traditional medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Aloe Vera
Scientific Name	Aloe vera
Plant Family	Asphodelaceae
Genus	Aloe
Species	vera
Native Range	Sahelian Africa, Arabian Peninsula, Southern Asia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Sap, Resin
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, African Traditional Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Poultice, Infusion, Decoction

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Aloe vera
Common Name: Aloe Vera
Synonyms / Alternative Names: True Aloe, True Aloe, Aloe Vera
Plant Family: Asphodelaceae
Genus: Aloe

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 60 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Succulent leaves arranged in a rosette, with a fleshy, bluish-green upper surface and a pale green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Sessile, tubular flowers arranged in clusters, yellow with red markings, actinomorphic, with three stamen and three lobed petals.
Stems: Succulent, erect, branching at the base, with smooth, pale green, fleshy, ridged surfaces, and adventitious roots at the base.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
African Traditional Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Poultice
Infusion
Decoction
Ointment

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Astringent: Historically regarded as a gentle astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a calming tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a moderate stimulant, in energy-related contexts.

Active Compounds

Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Saponin: Secondary plant compounds composed of sugar-linked aglycones.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: This herb has been associated with interactions when used alongside certain pharmaceutical medications.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Extract: Plant compounds are extracted using water, glycerin, or other solvents.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.