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Also known as:
Aloe barbadensis
Uses:
• Psoriasis
Description:
Aloe vera has been used in wound healing for thousands of years. The Egyptians
used it in 1,500 BC for skin problems and infections. The Greek physician
Dioscorides recommended it externally for wounds, haemorrhoids, ulcers and
hair loss.
The plant has thick fleshy leaves that contain a clear gel, and is easy to
grow indoors.
How it works:
When taken internally, Aloe vera has a cleansing effect on the body, by virtue
of its action on the digestive tract. This makes it useful for a number of
skin conditions, especially psoriasis, where the process of internal detoxification
is deemed by naturopaths to be important.
Scientific use of Aloe in wound healing was first documented in 1935. Since
then, there have been a number of studies showing its effectiveness as a treatment
for minor burns and other wounds.
Additional advice:
Aloe vera can have a laxative effect.
