Aloe Vera
Two plants in one. The inner gel heals the gut lining. The outer latex is a powerful laxative. Know which part you're using, they do opposite things.
Quick Facts
Also Called
Aloe barbadensis, Ghritkumari, Lily of the Desert
Tradition
Egyptian, Ayurveda, Worldwide
Primary Use
Gut healing (inner gel), laxative (latex)
Form
Inner gel juice, whole leaf, latex extract
What It Is
Aloe vera has two distinct medicinal parts. The inner leaf gel is a clear, mucilaginous substance that soothes and heals tissue. The latex (aloin) is a yellow, bitter substance found just under the skin that acts as a stimulant laxative.
Most "aloe vera juice" products are inner gel only, these are safe for daily use and help heal leaky gut. Products containing "whole leaf" or "aloin" include the latex and should be used like cascara or senna, short-term only.
How It Works
- →Inner gel (healing): Polysaccharides coat and soothe inflamed gut tissue, promote mucus production, support tight junction repair
- →Acemannan: Complex sugar in inner gel that stimulates immune function and tissue repair
- →Latex (laxative): Anthraquinones (aloin) irritate the colon like senna, triggering evacuation
- →Anti-inflammatory: Both parts reduce inflammation, but through different mechanisms
Traditional Use
Egypt:Cleopatra reportedly used aloe for skin. Called the "plant of immortality" and placed in tombs with pharaohs.
Ayurveda:Known as "Ghritkumari" (young virgin) and "Kumari" (princess). Used for skin conditions, digestive issues, and as a general rejuvenator.
Worldwide:One of the most widely-used medicinal plants across cultures. Conquistadors called it "the doctor in a pot."
Dosing Protocol
Inner Gel (Daily Gut Support)
2-4 oz inner gel juice, 1-2x daily on empty stomach. Safe for long-term use. Look for "inner fillet" or "aloin-free."
Whole Leaf / Latex (Laxative)
50-200mg aloin at bedtime. Short-term only (7 days max). Use like senna/cascara.
Fresh Leaf
Fillet out inner gel, blend into smoothies. Avoid yellow latex layer unless you want laxative effect.
Contraindications
- • Pregnancy, latex stimulates uterine contractions; inner gel likely safe but limited data
- • Intestinal obstruction, latex can worsen
- • Long-term latex use, dependency, electrolyte depletion (same as senna)
- • Diabetes medications, aloe may lower blood sugar
- • Blood thinners, theoretical interaction
Best Products
George's Aloe Vera
Inner gel only, filtered, no aloin, tastes like water, easy daily use
View in shop →Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gel
Inner fillet, certified organic, unflavored or flavored options
View in shop →Fresh Aloe Vera Leaves
Available at many grocery stores. Fillet yourself for freshest gel.
View in shop →