What is Aloe Vera used for?+
Aloe Vera is best known for everyday skin care, women's reproductive health. Use the infused oil, salve, or tea as a wash on clean skin daily.
What's the best way to prepare Aloe Vera?+
Aloe Vera can be prepared as topical gel, infused gel base for skin care, and internal juice (food-grade only). For leaves and flowers, an infusion (steep in just-boiled water, covered) is best. For roots, barks, and seeds, a decoction (simmer for 20–30 minutes) is needed to extract the actives. Tinctures and capsules are convenient when you don't want to brew.
How much Aloe Vera should I take?+
Topical: apply pure gel as needed; Internal: 1-2 tablespoons food-grade gel/juice daily — never the latex (yellow sap) which is a strong laxative and irritant
What forms does Aloe Vera come in?+
Aloe Vera is sold as fresh leaf gel, bottled food-grade gel, dried inner-leaf powder, and juice. Whole dried herb is the most economical and lets you brew tea; tincture is convenient for daily use and travel; capsules are easiest if you don't like the taste.
How should I store Aloe Vera?+
Fresh leaf: refrigerate uncut up to 2 weeks; cut gel: refrigerate 7-10 days. Bottled food-grade gel: follow label.
Is Aloe Vera safe during pregnancy?+
Aloe Vera has pregnancy cautions. Strip the yellow latex layer thoroughly before any internal use — aloin in the latex is a strong cathartic and not safe for long-term use. Avoid internal aloe during pregnancy, nursing, or with kidney/intestinal conditions. Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested (mainly the latex). If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your midwife, doctor, or a certified herbalist before using.
Is Aloe Vera safe for pets?+
No — Aloe Vera is not safe for pets. Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested — keep aloe plants out of reach and never give internally to pets.
Where does Aloe Vera come from?+
Inner leaf gel; tropical regions worldwide, commercially common from Mexico, USA, Africa
What are the energetics of Aloe Vera?+
In traditional herbal systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, Aloe Vera is considered cool and moist. Energetics describe how an herb feels in the body — cooling or warming, drying or moistening. They help match the herb to the person and the season.
