Aloe vera, which belongs to the Asphodelaceae plant family, can grow up to 4-feet in height. It is a perennial with yellow flowers and thick green fleshy leaves. Aloe vera is available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, juice and gel. It is also incorporated into a variety of creams and lotions. Historically, this plant has been used for a variety of health conditions including skin care, burns and constipation. Aloe vera use does, however, have some side effects.
Electrolyte Imbalance
According to MayoClinic.com, the laxative effect of aloe vera may cause electrolyte imbalances in the blood. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge, for example, sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium and bicarbonate.
It is important to keep a balance of electrolytes in your body, explains Medline Plus, as they affect important body processes such as muscle action, blood acidity and the amount of water in the body. Because people with kidney or liver disease are at greater risk of electrolyte imbalance, they should not take aloe vera.
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Cells in the pancreas regulate the level of sugar in the blood; it is thought that aloe vera's ability to help support the function of the pancreas is responsible for its blood sugar-lowering properties. Medline Plus recommends that people who take supplements, herbs or drugs to lower blood sugar, or who suffer with hypoglycemia or diabetes, use caution when taking aloe vera. Ideally, a doctor should be consulted first.
Allergies
According to Medline Plus, people with an allergy to plants of the Liliaceae family such as tulips, onions or garlic should avoid aloe vera as it may cause an reaction. Using aloe topically over a long period of time has also caused allergic reactions such as rashes and hives. MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding aloe vera injections as these have caused severe reactions in people.
Delayed Wound Healing
In a study published in the 1991 issue of "Obstetrics & Gynaecology," lead author Dr Schmidt and his team researched the use of aloe vera gel in women who had wound healing complications after gynaecological surgery. The team found that aloe vera gel significantly delayed wound healing. The University of Michigan therefore recommends that people with severe wounds or burns avoid using aloe vera gel.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Aloe
- Medline Plus: Electrolytes
- Medline Plus: Aloe
- "Obstetrics & Gynaecology;" Aloe vera dermal wound gel is associated with a delay in wound healing; JM Schmidt, JS Greenspoon;1991.
- University of Michigan: Aloe
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