
Aloe vera
Asphodelacea
Available as
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Medicinal
A familiar houseplant, the fleshy leaves of Aloe vera contain a clear gel that has been widely marketed in skin products for conditions where soothing and cooling actions are helpful, such as sunburn, superficial burns, haemorrhoids and other circumstances where the skin is angry and inflamed.
Internal use of the gel has been considered to help those with digestive problems, particularly where there is thought to be related to inflammation or irritability of the lining of the bowel.

Caution: Internal use of Aloe vera may interfere with some heart medications and steroids.
Please note: The information provided here is for educational interest only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat significant health problems. Any serious or long-term health concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
See our blog for more information about the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
Growing
• Grown from seed: No• Propagation: Cuttings & Division
• Maintenance: (See Jekka's Blogs on Early Spring, Late Spring, Summer and Autumn maintenance)
• Harvest: N/A
Details
• Aspect: Full Sun• Soil type: Sand, Light Loam
• pH: Universal pH
• Habit: Mat forming
• Flowering colour: Yellow, Orange
• Flowering time: Summer
• Uses: Medicinal (Read Jekka's Guide To Medicinal Herbs for more information)
• Attracts pollinators: No
• Container suitability: Yes
• UK native: No
• Caution: The leaves are a potent laxative, not for home medication.
Jekkapedia
Aloe vera, Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Bitter Aloes
Family: Asphodelacea
Genus: Aloe
• Hardiness: H1c (5 to 10C)
• Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Height: 60cm
• Spread: 60cm
Aloe can be seen at the herb farm in Jekka's Herbetum and is available to buy as herb plants.
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