Aloe Vera Questions and Answers

Q. Is there such a thing as a good medicinal plant to have handy in your home?
A. Right off the bat Aloe vera comes to mind. The gel from the inner leaf is most soothing for burns - in fact you can apply the fresh gel directly to minor burns for immediate relief The same goes for sunburns. Kids suffering from small burns love to pick the leaves for themselves, which can add greatly to the whole healing process.

Q. Can I use aloe on an open burn?
A. Amazingly enough, yes. In 1982, a study was published in the 'Journal of Burn Care Rehabilitation,' (vol. 3 p157-162) where aloe exhibited antimicrobial effects against many common bacteria (including E. coli, staph aureus and strep agalactiae). In fact, Aloe vera worked better as a topical antibiotic than the drug silver sulfadiazine.

Q. Is Aloe beneficial for the wound itself?
A. Right again. Aloe contains vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc compounds - all necessary ingredients for wound healing. Furthermore, Aloe stimulates connective tissue formation and fibroblasts to regenerate cells at the wound site. Contained in the gel are compounds called polysacharides which promote skin growth, in particular the epidermis or the outermost layer of the skin. Aloe has been used since the 1930s for radiation burns in cancer patients.

Q. Can Aloe be used in other ways?
A. Clinically, Aloe has been prescribed for peptic ulcers, immune system enhancement, diabetes and asthma. The gel can be taken orally. By scraping the leaf, the bitter latex compounds called anthrquinomes give a laxative effect. The inner layer has less of a bitter taste and is very soothing to the digestive tract.

Q. Should I be cautious with this plant?
A. Aloe vera is very safe to use. However, there have been a few rare reports of some allergic rashes appearing after topical application. Naturopathic physician Michael Murray notes that in surgical wounds (such as caesarian section) Aloe vera gel delayed wound healing. The conclusion - while Aloe works well on burns it is not advisable to use topically for deep vertical wounds.

Q. How does Aloe vera grow?
A. It is a succulent plant used medicinally in Egypt and the Middle East. Aloe loves a sunny spot in your home. There are more than 300 species. Aloe vera leaves can grow to 20 inches long and 5 inches at the base tapering to a point.

Richard White of Hazelwood Herb Farm would be an excellent source of information on the do's and don't's of growing Aloe vera. As for us naturopathic physicians, it is our role to align ourselves with the healing force of nature in order to help bring about balance to the body. And for all of us to nurture and grow a plant like Aloe is always fascinating and satisfying - particularly when we can use its special qualities to enrich and benefit our daily lives.

Dr. Doug is a Naturopathic Physician who practices in Nanaimo and Parksville. He welcomes your comments and questions. He can be reached at (250) 753-080 or (250) 954-1955).