Aloe barbadensis
Aloe vera has been used in wound healing for thousands of years. The Egyptians used it in 1,500 BC for skin problems and infections. The Greek physician Dioscorides recommended it externally for wounds, haemorrhoids, ulcers and hair loss. The plant has thick fleshy leaves that contain a clear gel, and is easy to grow indoors.
When taken internally, Aloe vera has a cleansing effect on the body, by virtue of its action on the digestive tract. This makes it useful for a number of skin conditions, especially psoriasis, where the process of internal detoxification is deemed by naturopaths to be important. Scientific use of Aloe in wound healing was first documented in 1935. Since then, there have been a number of studies showing its effectiveness as a treatment for minor burns and other wounds.
Aloe vera can have a laxative effect.