Aloe, or Aloe barbadensis, is a commonly used medicinal herb that can trace its roots back to early Egypt. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine notes that Egyptian stone carvings depicted aloe, which was known as a valuable “plant of immortality.” This herb is also called aloe vera, burn plant, lily of the desert and elephant's gall. Before using this or any other herbal treatment, you should consult with your health care provider for instructions.
Treatment for Minor Burns
The most common use for aloe is to treat minor and moderate skin burns. It is used to decrease the pain from the burn and to help it heal more quickly. Medline Plus, a website from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, says that proof that aloe is effective when used this way is so far only anecdotal. Much more research needs to be done before it can be recommended. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises using aloe only for minor burns and to never apply aloe to an open wound.
Additional Topical Uses
In addition to burn treatments, the topical applications of aloe include treatment for genital herpes, psoriasis, and skin ulcers. Medline Plus notes that although there is some evidence that aloe may be effective in treating these conditions, there needs to be more research to confirm its efficacy.
Cancer Prevention
There has been some evidence that aloe taken orally may reduce the risk of lung cancer. However, Medline Plus states there is unclear scientific evidence to support this use and that there should be much more study done to be sure that it was the aloe and not other factors that caused this result. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds, however, that there is evidence that "some components of aloe, such as acemannan, aloeride, and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) may have immunomodulating and anticancer effects."
Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
One of the conditions aloe is used to treat is type 2 diabetes. But so far, Medline Plus warns, there are only mixed results in studies of aloe used for diabetes. Because aloe may interact harmfully with other medications for this condition, consult your health care provider before you begin taking aloe and do so only under his advisement.
Constipation Relief
Medline Plus reports that the inner lining of the aloe leaves are used as a laxative. Several studies on animals seem to prove aloe juice is effective as a laxative, Medline Plus states, but there have not been enough studies on humans to determine its efficacy.
Other Uses
According to both the Medline Plus and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center websites, aloe is often used to treat inflammation, pain, radiation dermatitis, pressure ulcers, mucositis, wound healing, dry skin, canker sores and ulcerative colitis. Some research has been done to determine whether aloe is an effective treatment for these conditions, but there needs to be much more research before it can be recommended.
Caution
Taking aloe orally can cause intestinal cramps and diarrhea.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, aloe can adversely interact with many other medications you may be taking. You should discuss this and every substance you use for your health with your health care provider to prevent dangerous interactions.
Any new treatment can cause serious allergic reactions. Watch for rash, hives or shortness of breath when using aloe. If these symptoms occur, stop using it, and contact your health care provider.
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