baileysup
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Aloe Vera vs. other Aloe

Hey everyone! I haven't been here for a while, but I guess life just gets in the way sometimes. I was just curious if other Aloe plants (Japanese Aloe, and all the others) shared ALL of the nutritional properties of the Aloe Vera? Or is the Aloe Vera healthier for you than all the other varieties of Aloe, because it has nutritional properties that the other varieties lack? I wish to know this because if the Aloe Vera is healthier than the other varieties, I will be sure to always have some around, instead of swapping them all out for other varieties. Like maybe some Japanese Aloe, because I heard they aren't bitter, and taste better to eat. I searched the web, but was unable to find an answer, so that is why I posted. THANKS FOR ANY INPUT!!!

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Kisal
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It's possible that other aloe species have some uses similar to those of Aloe Vera, but I don't have the knowledge or experience to advise you which specific ones would be safe. Sorry about that. :(

baileysup
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So, there are toxic aloes then? I thought there may be, and I've heard that you're not supposed to eat the skin of the Aloe Vera, but you can eat the skin of the Japanese Aloe? LOL, I don't know. How have you been Kisal? Good to see you.

baileysup
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All I know is that the skin of the Aloe Vera contains a chemical called Aloin, and this is basically a natural laxative. This is OK in small doses if you need that kind of help, but to much will give one diarrhea. I heard that one can eat the skin of the Japanese Aloe, so I wounder if the Japanese Aloe contains Aloin or not? The skin of the Aloe Vera also contains a mild skin irritant. Are there any severely poisonous aloe varieties out there?

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Kisal
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I have always heard that only the clear gel of Aloe vera was edible. I have heard that the yellowish gel from right beneath the skin of the plant, was bitter and, although not necessarily poisonous, not particularly good for one.

However, although my grandmother, with whom I lived when I was growing up, was an herbalist (nearest doctor was 50 miles away ... one way), I have no interest in the medicinal use of herbs, myself.

I honestly don't feel that I have sufficient knowledge of the medicinal use of Aloe vera, or any other Aloe species, to answer your question. If you like, I can move this thread to the Herb Gardening forum. Someone there might be able to help. That's the best I can offer. [img]https://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh27/Kisal_photos/dunno.gif[/img]

baileysup
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No, that's OK Kisal. Don't worry about it. I just wanted to see if anyone knew. No big deal, cause I can just research a bit more. Thanks for the reply though.

baileysup
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why is this thread at the top of succulents?

baileysup
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Posts: 435
Joined: Fri Nov 12, 2010 11:04 am
Location: NE-PA(Zone 6a-5b)

why is this thread at the top of succulents?



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