Aloe vera oil: how to use it externally

Aloe vera oil is a familiar item in Moroccan homes; here is its traditional use, how to use it and the precautions.

Aloe vera oil (زيت الصبار (الألوفيرا))

Aloe vera oil is an oil infusion used in skin and hair care.

How to use: External use only: a few drops diluted in a carrier oil for a gentle massage. Do not swallow or apply to broken skin or near the eyes.

External-use ideas for aloe vera oil

• Massage blend: a few drops in a spoon of olive or almond oil, external use only.
• Not to be eaten or drunk; keep away from eyes and children.
• Patch-test the mix on a small area of skin first.
• Use clean tools and keep any mix in the fridge for one day at most.

Quality and storage: aloe vera oil

• Choose a product with a clear origin and a label showing ingredients, size and date.
• A natural smell and colour are good signs; avoid anything that smells off or looks damp.
• Keep aloe vera oil in an airtight container away from light, heat and moisture.
• Always use a clean, dry spoon.
• Buy enough for a few weeks so it stays fresh and fragrant.

Aloe vera oil, then and now

• In the souks of Fes, Marrakech and Essaouira, the attar (herbalist-grocer) displays herbs, spices and oils in sacks and bottles.
• Aloe vera oil is one of the products Moroccans have known for generations, with ways of using it passed down in families.
• Names vary by region, between Arabic, Amazigh and Darija, but the customs are similar.
• Today the same traditional products come with clear labels and home delivery.

General precautions

• Moderation first; herbs do not replace a varied diet.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children and anyone on medication: ask a doctor first.
• Patch-test oils and skin products on a small area; avoid the eyes.
• Store cool and dry, out of reach of children.

General, traditional information only; not medical advice.