While widely acknowledged as safe for topical use on burns and scrapes, the safety and efficacy of drinking aloe juice is subject to more debate. Folk wisdom and traditional medicine assert that taking aloe internally has many benefits, including balancing the digestive system, stimulating the body's healing mechanisms and boosting the immune system. The American Cancer Society, on the other hand, maintains that taking aloe internally is dangerous and, while not proven, may in fact increase your chance of contracting cancer.
Diarrhea and Cramping
When used as a laxative, aloe vera drinks may cause intestinal discomfort, cramping and diarrhea. While antispasmodic herbs may ease the worst of the cramping, gentler laxatives like senna and cascara sagrada are usually recommended before aloe. Diarrhea caused by aloe's laxative effects may also reduce the absorption rate of many medications.
Female Concerns
Aloe drinks are reputed to stimulate the uterus and promote menstrual flow. You should always consult your doctor before taking aloe internally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; the American Cancer Society, which is markedly conservative in its recommendations about aloe, recommends that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take aloe internally at all.
Diabetics
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, aloe vera may, when taken internally, lower blood sugar levels, especially if taken in combination with diabetes medications. Because of this, diabetics should consult a physician before drinking aloe; blood sugars must be carefully monitored to ensure that the aloe does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Potassium
Drinking aloe may lower your body's potassium levels. Potassium is vital for the proper function of your muscles and internal organs, including your heart and brain, so it's important not to take aloe in conjunction with other diuretic supplements or medications that may further reduce your potassium levels. In particular, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns that aloe should not be taken together with digoxin, a medication used to treat heart problems.
Unknown
Because aloe vera juice and drinks containing aloe vera are usually classified as herbal supplements, they're not subject to regulation by the FDA. This means that products advertised as "aloe drinks" or "aloe supplements" may contain other ingredients than aloe or in fact very little aloe at all; the aloe may be of unknown potency, and may or may not be contaminated with other herbs or toxins. This variability makes it difficult to anticipate all possible side effects from ingesting supplements that contain aloe vera.
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