Medicinal benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe plant on my north facing windowsill.

Aloe Vera's miraculous list of benefits are many and mankind has been using this plant for both internal and external applications for over 5000 years. The bulk of the Aloe Vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water.

Aloe contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, poly-saccharides and fatty acids. No wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies.

Using Aloe in treating the eyes is from the Sunnah.

Aloe Vera  is particularly good for the eyes and the optical nerve, particularly if the patient is suffering from inflammation of the eyes:

A Muhrim (someone who is in the state of Ihram) being permitted to use Aloe to treat an illness of the eyes -
Nubaih bin Wahb said ‘Umar bin ‘Ubaid Allah bin Ma’mar (radhi Allahu anhu) had a complaint in his eyes. He sent (someone) to Aban bin ‘Uthman - the narrator Sufyan said that he was the chief of pilgrims during the season of Hajj – asking him what he should do with them. He said Apply aloes to them, for I heard ‘Uthaman (radhi Allahu anhu) narrating this on the authority of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Classed as Sahih from Sunan Abi Dawood Book 10, Hadith 1834

Most people will know Aloe Vera for its skin healing properties or its digestive benefits. In addition to this, Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah) said it also helps to clear the stomach of excess bile and phlegm if two tablespoons of its freshly pressed juice are taken with some water [perhaps half a cup or so].

Juice from fresh leaves is vastly superior to that which is bought in a bottle from the market and there are a number of ways of preparing the juice, the simplest of which is to take the largest and fattest mature leaf from the plant and cut it into chunks. the juice from these chunks can be left to drain naturally into a bowl placed under a colander. If not much juice is coming out, you can press it gently with the back of a spoon.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very painful condition which leads to deformities in the joints as well as severe stiffness. Research published in the Journal of the American Union of Podiatrists in 1985 showed how, due to its anti inflammatory properties, Aloe Vera applied topically to the inflamed joints of mice was able to reduce the swelling in 88% of cases.

I would highly recommend everyone who is keen about the Cures from the Sunnah to grow an Indian Aloe (Sabir) plant at home, particularly if you have kids. It may well become invaluable for applying the juice to cuts and grazes. If you live in a cold climate, Aloes will do best indoors in a shady but well lit spot. They only need to be watered around once every two weeks (even less in the winter time). When you can see roots popping out of the bottom of the plant pot, its time to repot your Aloe and and since Aloes have a long life, in sha'Allah your plant will reward you with plenty of leaves to come.