Herb. No. 011 · Asphodelaceae
Arabian and East/South African succulent; a windowsill plant in the rest of the world.
Native · Africa
Native Also grown
OpenCautionplant
Aloe
Aloe vera
A windowsill succulent: clear inner gel for burns — yellow latex is a harsh purgative.
Two products live in one leaf. The inner parenchyma is a soothing polysaccharide gel. The yellow sap just under the rind is aloe latex, rich in anthraquinones — a stimulant laxative with a poor safety profile for regular use. Know which part you are using.
Flavor
Inner gel is almost flavorless, faintly green and slimy; the yellow latex is intensely bitter.
Parts used
Inner leaf gel · Latex (not recommended for self-care)
In favor
- Always on the sill when you need it
- Gel is soothing and cheap
Against
- Latex causes cramping diarrhea and electrolyte loss
- Not for deep or infected burns
- Oral latex is unsafe in pregnancy