The aloe vera plant is widely known for its effectiveness at soothing minor burns. Although topical treatment with aloe vera is the most common use, juices from the plant's leaves can be distilled into a liquid substances known as "latex." Frequently referred to as "aloe vera juice," this alternative medicine can be taken orally or by injection to treat a variety of conditions. Certain effects are noted to occur in those taking aloe vera juice internally.
Diarrhea
The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative medicine notes that aloe vera juice was once marketed as an over-the-counter cure for constipation. An effective laxative, the latex of the aloe plant can result in diarrhea in certain individuals. Diarrhea can decrease the absorption rate of many types of medication, presenting a clear danger for the consumer. In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed all laxative products containing aloe latex from shelves due to the manufacturers' failure to include adequate safety information on the products' packaging.
Allergic Reactions
Internal use of aloe vera juice is not recommended for individuals who have never used the product previously, and are not aware of whether or not they may suffer from an aloe allergy. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) notes that consumers who suffer from allergies to onion, garlic or tulips may be more susceptible to an aloe allergy. Allergic reactions may include hives or a rash, and more severe reactions have been reported with the internal use of aloe vera juice through injections. The NIH recommends that all consumers refrain from injecting aloe vera juice due to the current lack of safety regulations, and the fact that cases of death have been reported after injection.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Electrolytes are minerals in the body's bloodstream. These minerals carry an electric charge and have a direct effect on the amount of water present in an individual's body. Common substances such as sodium, potassium and magnesium are all electrolytes. Because aloe vera juice has the potential to cause diarrhea, it can significantly disrupt the body's amount of electrolytes, and can result in muscle weakness and lower heart rhythms. Individuals with kidney disease or diabetes have an increased risk of suffering from an electrolyte imbalance due to oral use of aloe vera.
Lower Blood Sugar
A 1996 report in "Phytomedicine" indicates that internal use of aloe vera juice may lower blood sugar levels. The NIH seconds this research. Although lower blood sugar may present a benefit for individuals suffering from diabetes, if used in conjunction with other blood sugar altering substances, aloe vera juice may present a danger to diabetic patients. The product should only be used by diabetics when blood sugar levels are closely monitored by a physician.
References
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine: Aloe Vera
- National Institutes of Health--Medline Plus: Aloe (Aloe vera)
- Causeof.org: Electrolytes
- "Phytomedicine": Antidiabetic Activity of Aloe Vera L. Juice; Bunyapraphatsera N., Yongchaiyudha S., Rungpitarangsi V., Chokechaijaroenposen O.; Vol 3; 1996
Member Comments