Aloe Ferox

You’ve likely heard of aloe vera, but what about Aloe Ferox?

Read on to find out what it is and how it may be able to help you.

What is Aloe Ferox?

Aloe Ferox, also known as bitter aloe or cape aloe, is an evergreen naturally grown succulent. Usually, you will find it in rocky areas or Fynbos, an area on the southern tip of Africa.

Aloe Ferox is a tall, single-stemmed plant, with thick and fleshy leaves (similar to aloe vera) with reddish-brown spines. The flowers are candelabra-like of orange or red colour.

What’s The Difference Between Aloe Vera And Aloe Ferox?

The main difference is the different chemical properties and where the substance is taken from and extracted.

In ‘ferox’, the bitter aloin is found just under the skin and can easily be separated from the gel-like inner leaf. In ‘vera’ the aloin is found throughout the leaf and is extracted in a chemical process. According to some studies, Aloe Ferox has a higher level of aloin by 25% and amino acids by 35% in comparison with Aloe Vera that grows in America.² This composition has an impact on the use of the plant.

For this reason, it’s advised not to mistake the benefits of Aloe Vera with Aloe Ferox.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Aloe Ferox?

As you would likely know, aloe is famous for its medicinal properties and is even mentioned in the Bible as a healing herb. The ancient people of Mesopotamia used the juice from Aloe to treat skin issues. The herb reached Europe, when Spanish explorers kept the leaves on board their ships. There is some evidence that Aloe Ferox was used to heal burns and wounds after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.¹

Scientific studies found Aloe Ferox has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, immune-boosting and anti-tumour effects. Others confirm the plant demonstrates antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

To use the herbal remedy properly, let’s look through its potential helpful properties:

Skin Health

In 1967 Prof Chris Barnard found that Aloe Ferox gel applied to wounds accelerated the reproduction of the cells responsible for the formation of collagen. It became the groundings to skin health benefits of the plant and the gel from Aloe Ferox leaves may help heal a number of skin problems including burns, acne, rashes and psoriasis. It also has soothing, calming, and cooling effects maintaining skin health.

In a 2008 study, it was indicated that whole-leaf juice preparations have significant therapeutic properties, including the healing of skin wounds, inhibition of microbial growth, elimination of harmful fungal spores and treatment of atopic dermatitis.³

What you may not know, is that Aloe Ferox is a significant ingredient of many cosmetic products - the plant juice provides a glow to the skin, making it look younger and healthier.

Digestion

The bitter parts of Aloe Ferox may be helpful with various digestive problems and may assist with encouragement of bowel movements, cleaning the intestines, and prevention of constipation.

Some studies found that the plant has significant laxative properties and may be effective against irritable bowel syndrome.⁴

STI Treatment

Aloe Ferox was traditionally used as a herbal treatment against sexually transmitted diseases. The traditional African healers use both fresh and dry leaves of the plant, with some using infusions made from fresh or dried material and taken orally; others squeeze out the juice for direct application on penile sores.

Another method, is mixing of pulverised leaves with Vaseline to form a paste which is applied on the sores. Some studies were carried out and as a result, found the succulent has potential properties against some sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes.

Extracts from this plant have demonstrated significant activity against bacteria and fungi being helpful with both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.⁵

Immunity Booster

Aloe Ferox juice contains many vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, calcium and sodium. Due to these compounds, the juice can help boost the immune system too.

As well as this, phytonutrients and antioxidants may support against various pathogens and chronic illnesses. It can also help restore the immune function in UV-damaged cells.⁴

Oral Health

Aloe Ferox Juice is helpful in some gum diseases, including gum bleeding and gingivitis. It can also be effective against mouth ulcers.

Aloe Ferox juice used as a mouthwash helps maintain proper dental health, with its antimicrobial effects helping prevent many oral infections.⁶

Allergy Relief

Aloe Ferox is helpful against symptoms of allergies such as rhinitis.

Applications containing Aloe Ferox juice may help with skin allergic reactions, along with help to relieve inflammation symptoms.²

But wait, there’s more… According toofficial information of the Department for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the Republic of South Africa Aloe Ferox leave have been traditionally used for arthritis, conjunctivitis, hypertension and stress.⁷

What can’t this amazing plant do!

Is Aloe Ferox Safe?

Aloe Ferox is safe, however is recommended to be used in moderate doses and only for a short period. The usage of the herbal remedy for an extended period may cause some side effects, including stomach cramps or acne. Long term use of the plant can also contribute to issues in the kidney, liver, heart and muscles.

Doctors recommend refraining from taking any supplements containing Aloe Ferox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or in large amounts if you have ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids or Crohn’s diseases due to its influence upon intestines.

As you can see, there’s a lot this amazing plant can do. Talk to your health practitioner to see if this ingredient is right for you.

Properties

Adaptogen²^,⁷
Allergies²
Anti-Bacterial⁴
Anti-Fungal⁴
Anti-Inflammatory⁷
Anti-Stress⁷
Antibiotic⁴^,⁵^,⁷
Antimicrobial⁴^,⁵^,⁷
Antioxidant²^,⁷
Antiseptic⁴^,⁵^,⁷
Antiviral⁴^,⁵^,⁷
Arthritis⁷
Asthma²
Constipation⁴
Demulcent⁴
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁷
Digestive Function⁴
Digestive Restoration⁴
Encourages Healing⁷
Eye Health⁷
High/Good Levels of Calcium²
High/Good Levels of Phytochemicals / Phytocompounds²
High/Good Levels of Vitamin C²
Hypertension⁷
Immune Booster⁴
Laxative⁴

References: