Herb comparison
Aloe (Aloe vera) vs Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 1 of the same condition, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
- About
- Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis) is a succulent commonly grown as a potted plant, notable for its thick, fleshy leaves that contain two distinct medicinal components. Historically, the inner clear gel was used for skin conditions and to promote wound healing (NCCIH), while the bitter yellow sap from the leaf base, often called “bitter aloes,” is a strong laxative.Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), also called linseed, is a slender annual plant growing up to about 3 ft (1 m). It produces narrow leaves, delicate blue flowers, and spherical seed capsules containing shiny, flat seeds. Long cultivated in the Middle East and beyond, flaxseeds are rich in fatty acids (particularly alpha-linolenic acid), protein, fiber, mucilage, and lignans (phytoestrogens). Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements are promoted for the heart, brain and immune system, although NCCIH describes the research on them as being of varying quality.
- Safety & precautions
- The outer leaf sap contains anthraquinone glycosides (like aloin) that act as a strong stimulant laxative; NCCIH notes that in 2002 the FDA required aloe latex to be removed from over-the-counter laxative products because of a lack of safety data. Liver: Oral aloe leaf extracts have been tied to cases of acute hepatitis (NCCIH), and LiverTox rates oral aloe a likely but rare cause of liver injury. Pregnancy: NCCIH says aloe gel, latex, or whole leaf extract taken by mouth may be unsafe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Some herbalists advise that children and older adults not drink aloe juice containing the strong laxative compounds. Avoid internal use if suffering from kidney disease or hemorrhoids. Concentrated or unfiltered products (containing the outer rind) can be irritating.Oxidation: Ground flaxseeds spoil quickly due to oxidation. Grinding fresh seeds as needed is best. Immature Seeds: Avoid consuming unripe seeds - they may be toxic. Storage: Ground or cracked seeds should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.