Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species. The species is frequently cited
as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century AD.
Aloe Overview Information
Aloe medications can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Aloe gel
is taken by mouth for osteoarthritis, bowel diseases including ulcerative
colitis, fever, itching and inflammation, and as a general tonic. It is also
used for stomach ulcers, diabetes, asthma, and for treating some side effects
of radiation treatment.
Taking Aloe latex is POSSIBLY UNSAFE at any dose,
but LIKELY UNSAFE when taken in high doses. Aloe latex can cause some side
effects such as stomach pain and cramps. Long-term use of large amounts of Aloe
latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium,
muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. Taking Aloe latex 1 gram
per day for several days can be fatal.
Aloe Vera produces two
substances, latex & gel, which are used for medicines. Aloe gel is the
clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the Aloe plant leaf. Aloe
latex comes from just under the plant's skin and is yellow in color. Some Aloe
products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and
latex.
Some people take Aloe latex by mouth, usually for constipation. Less
often, Aloe latex is used orally for epilepsy, asthma, colds, bleeding, absence
of menstrual periods, colitis, depression, diabetes, multiple sclerosis,
hemorrhoids, varicose veins, bursitis, osteoarthritis, and glaucoma and other
vision problems.
Most people use Aloe gel topically, as a remedy for skin conditions
including burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis, and cold sores. Some people
also use Aloe gel to help surgical wounds and bedsores heal faster. There is
some science supporting these uses. Some chemicals in Aloe gel seem to be able
to increase circulation in the tiny blood vessels in the skin, as well as kill
bacteria. Together, these effects suggest that Aloe gel might be effective in
speeding wound healing. But it’s too early to come to that conclusion. Evidence
is contradictory. One study suggests that Aloe gel may actually delay wound
healing.
But taking Aloe latex by mouth is likely unsafe, especially at high
doses. There is some concern that some of the chemicals found in Aloe latex
might cause cancer. Additionally, Aloe latex is hard on the kidneys and could
lead to serious kidney disease and even death.
How does it work?
The useful parts of Aloe are the gel and latex. The gel is obtained
from the cells in the center of the leaf; and the latex is obtained from the
cells just beneath the leaf skin. Aloe gel might cause changes in the skin that might help diseases like
psoriasis.Aloe seems to be able to speed wound healing by improving blood
circulation through the area and preventing cell death around a wound. It also appears that Aloe gel has properties that are harmful to
certain types of bacteria and fungi. Aloe latex contains chemicals that work as a laxative.
Possibly Effective for
i.
Taking Aloe latex by mouth can reduce
constipation and also cause diarrhea.
ii.
Some evidence shows that applying an Aloe
extract 0.5% cream 3 times daily increases healing rates
in men with cold
sores.
iii.
Research
shows that using a mouthwash containing Aloe 3 times daily for 12 weeks or
applying a gel containing Aloe twice daily for 8 weeks can reduce pain
associated with itchy rashes in the mouth. Other research shows that using a
mouthwash containing Aloe 4 times daily for one month reduces pain and
increases healing similarly to standard treatment in people with itchy rashes
in the mouth.
iv.
Applying
a cream containing 0.5% Aloe for 4-8 weeks seems to reduce the skin plaques and
decrease the severity of psoriasis. However, using an Aloe gel does not seem to
improve other symptoms associated with psoriasis, including skin redness.
Possibly Ineffective for:
i.
Early research suggests that taking 400 mg of a
supplement that comes from Aloe 4 times daily does not improve immune function
in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
ii.
Applying Aloe gel to the skin during and after
radiation treatment does not seem to reduce skin damage caused by the
radiation. However, there is some evidence that Aloe gel might delay the
appearance of skin damage.
iii.
Research
suggests that applying Aloe gel to the skin does not prevent sunburn or reduce
skin redness when applied before or after sunlight exposure.
Insufficient Evidence for:
i.
Research
shows that applying acemannan, a chemical that comes from Aloe, to the tooth
socket
of people with dry sockets after standard treatment, reduces pain and
improves symptoms more than standard treatment alone.
ii.
Applying Aloe
gel to the skin might improve healing of certain types of burns called “partial
thickness burns.” Some research shows that applying Aloe cream twice daily
decreases the size of first or second degree burn wounds and reduces the amount
of time needed to heal. However, other research suggests that applying Aloe
daily is no more effective than standard treatment for reducing healing time.
iii.
Early
research suggests that when given with standard chemotherapy, three daily doses
of a mixture containing fresh Aloe leaves and honey dissolved in alcohol
increases the number of patients with lung cancer who are able to heal
completely, partially, or maintain control of their disease when compared to
just chemotherapy alone. However, other research shows that taking Aloe has not
benefit in people with lung cancer.
iv.
Early
research suggests that taking acemannan, a chemical that comes from Aloe,
shortens the amount of time needed for canker sores to heal. However, other
research suggests that a gel containing Aloe does not consistently shorten the
length of time between canker sores.
v.
Some
research suggests that using a toothpaste containing Aloe daily for 24 weeks
reduces plaque. However, other research evaluating another substance containing
Aloe found it to be comparable to a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
vi.
There is
conflicting information about whether Aloe can reduce blood sugar in people
with diabetes. Two studies indicate that taking Aloe gel by mouth can reduce
blood sugar in women with type 2 diabetes. But another study did not show the
same benefit.
vii.
Early
research suggests that applying a cream containing Aloe gel and olive oil 3
times daily for 10 days reduces the severity of diaper rash in children younger
than 3 years-old.
viii.
Early
research suggests that applying a cream containing Aloe to the skin for 2 weeks
increases the amount of water in the outermost later of the skin, but not on
the inner layers. Other research suggests that wearing gloves coated in Aloe
improves symptoms of dry skin in women. However, it is not clear if the
benefits were from the Aloe or the gloves.
ix.
When
applied to the skin, Aloe gel seems to help skin survive frostbite injury.
x.
Some
research suggests that using a toothpaste containing Aloe daily for 24 weeks
reduces gingivitis. However, other research evaluating another substance
containing Aloe found it to be comparable to a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
xi.
Early evidence suggests that taking Aloe 3
times daily for 12 weeks reduces symptoms of hepatitis in people with liver
fibrosis mainly caused by hepatitis B or C.
xii.
Preliminary evidence suggests that taking 10 mL
or 20 mL of Aloe by mouth daily for 12 weeks can reduce total cholesterol by
about 15%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 18%, and
triglycerides by about 25% to 30% in people with hyperlipidemia.
xiii.
Applying
a product containing coconut oil, jojoba oil and Aloe to the feet twice daily
for one week intervals seems to reduce the number of sandfleas in people with
flea infestations.
xiv.
Some evidence
suggests that using an Aloe solution 3 times daily during radiation therapy
lowers the risk of developing painful inflammations in the mouth.
xv.
Some
preliminary evidence suggests that applying Aloe gel does not improve the
healing rate of bedsores compared to management with gauze moistened with salt
water. However, other research suggests that a spray containing Aloe does
reduce the severity of sores compared to a standard treatment spray.
xvi.
Early research
suggests that applying Aloe twice daily for 4-6 weeks improves dandruff.
xvii.
Preliminary evidence suggests that some people
with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis who take Aloe gel 25-50 mL twice daily
have significantly reduced symptoms.
xviii.
There is
conflicting information about whether Aloe works to improve wound healing. Some
research shows that applying an Aloe gel product (Carrington Dermal Wound Gel)
to surgical wounds might actually delay wound healing. But other research using
a different form of Aloe cream applied to hemorrhoid-related wounds shows that Aloe
might improve wound healing and provide some pain relief.
Aloe gel is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin and
POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in adults. Once in a while Aloe gel might
cause burning and itching of the skin.
Taking Aloe latex is POSSIBLY UNSAFE at any dose,
but LIKELY UNSAFE when taken in high doses. Aloe latex can cause some side
effects such as stomach pain and cramps. Long-term use of large amounts of Aloe
latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium,
muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. Taking Aloe latex 1 gram
per day for several days can be fatal.
There have been a few reports of liver problems in
some people who have taken an Aloe leaf extract; however, this is uncommon. It
is thought to only occur in people who are extra sensitive (hypersensitive) to Aloe.
Special Precautions &
Warnings:
i.
Aloe either
gel or latex is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. There is a report that Aloe
was associated with miscarriage. It could also be a risk for birth defects. Do
not take Aloe by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
ii.
Aloe is
POSSIBLY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. Children younger than 12
years old may experience abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea.
iii.
Some
research suggests Aloe might lower blood sugar. If you take Aloe by mouth and
you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely.
iv.
Do not take Aloe latex if you have any of Intestinal
conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction
conditions. Aloe latex is a bowel irritant. Remember, products made from whole Aloe
leaves will contain some Aloe latex.
v.
Do not
take Aloe latex if you have hemorrhoids. It could make the condition worse.
Remember, products made from whole Aloe leaves will contain some Aloe latex.
vi.
High
doses of Aloe latex have been linked to kidney failure and other serious
conditions.
vii.
Aloe
might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control
during and after surgery. Stop taking Aloe at least 2 weeks before a scheduled
surgery.
Topical Aloe Uses
1. Take the sting or itch out
of insect bites.
2. Reduce tissue damage from
frostbite.
3. Alleviate mysterious rashes.
4. Make feet baby soft with
an exfoliating foot mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal,
a half
cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of Aloe Vera gel and a half cup of unscented body
lotion.
5. Help heal herpes outbreaks.
6. Fight Athlete's Foot.
7. Swab over blisters for quick
relief.
8. Use as an antidote to allergic
skin reactions.
9. Replace creams and lotions as a
general moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!
10. Prevent pesky pimples and
treat acne.
11. Make skin new again with an
exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing together two tbsp.
of Aloe Vera, 2 tbsp. of organic
brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.
12. For rougher patches mix together
an organic salt skin scrub using two cups of sea salt, one \
cup of Aloe Vera, one cup of
organic coconut oil and two tbsp. of local, organic honey.
13. Speed up hair growth by
massaging Aloe into the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and
rinsing.
14. Reduce hair dandruff by
mixing Aloe Vera juice with coconut milk and wheat germ oil.
Massage into scalp and rinse.
15. Replace Aloe with conditioner
for silkier, smoother hair.
16. Remove eye makeup.
17. Treat minor vaginal irritations.
18. Treat minor vaginal irritations.
19. Drink Aloe Vera juice to relieve
gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion.
20. Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice Aloe
leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides
As a biodegradable body scrub in
the shower.
21. Treat burns from minor mishaps
in the kitchen—from grease splatters or hot utensils.
22. For more major kitchen mishaps
like a scald, mix some Aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little
jar for a homemade burn healer.
23. Banish black and blue bruises by
swapping on the good goo.
24. Soothe and
heal sunburns the feel-good way. Aloe contains cooling properties
similar to
Menthol.
25. Soothe Psoriasis.
26. Prevent scarring and stretch
marks.
27. Help rid of Rosacea.
28. Shrink warts.
29. Reverse signs of aging skin and
wrinkles. Cleopatra did!
30. Help eliminate Eczema.
31. Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease
pigmentation and dark spots.
32. Sip it to aid in elimination.
Many times, it's recommended for its laxative effects.
33. Take a swig to reduce symptoms
of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating and
discomfort.
34. Take Aloe orally to relieve
heartburn, arthritis and rheumatism pain.
35. Boil leaves in a pan of water
and breathe in the vapor to alleviate asthma.
36. Drink to lower blood sugar levels—especially
for diabetics.
37. Strengthen gums and promote
strong, healthy teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with
Aloe Vera ingredients.
38. Drink to help ease congestion,
stomach ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections
and prostate problems.
39. Take orally to reduce
cholesterol and triglycerides for a healthy heart.
40. Sip to minimize inflammation and
infection of the eye and ear.
