TOPICAL HERBAL TREATMENT

The aloe vera plant (Aloe barbadensis) is a perennial succulent that looks a bit like a cactus. The clear, thick gel obtained from the leaves is one of the earliest herbal-based therapies used by man, with recorded applications for wound and skin care dating back 6,000 years to ancient Egypt.

Aloe is used topically in humans to treat burns, psoriasis, frostbite and similar conditions. There are many laboratory and clinical studies supporting this use. Compounds found in aloe gel inhibit molecules that play a role in inflammation, and aloe inhibits the formation of thromboxane, a molecule that is detrimental to the healing of burn wounds.

In laboratory studies, aloe kills bacteria and fungi directly. Ingestible aloe products are becoming increasingly popular, but scientific data does not support this use in people or horses. A 2018 study from Australia in horses with naturally occurring gastric ulcers found orally administered aloe vera was inferior to treatment with omeprazole.

Note: Aloe gel is distinct from aloe juice and aloe latex, which are both potent laxatives.