The majority of herbal weight loss remedies are laxatives, diuretics, central nervous system stimulants or serotonin agents that increase the sensation of fullness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Traditional medicine and folk remedies have used the yellowish sap collected from the aloe plant's skin as a laxative. No reliable scientific research supports taking aloe vera gel or sap for weight loss. Consult a physician before you use aloe vera internally.
Aloe Facts
The aloe plant is a member of the lily family that is native to North Africa. Aloe vera juice or solutions may contain only the clear gel found inside the leaves or a combination of gel and latex. Some extractors crush the entire aloe leaf, creating a mix that contains both. Sacred Earth notes that aloe vera extract that contains the latex is yellowish, but pure aloe gel is transparent.
Uses
Egyptian texts from 1500 BC mention the use of aloe plants to treat sunburn and for skin care. The clear gel inside the leaves of the aloe plant is useful for skin infection and burns, according to Mayo Clinic.com. Aloe vera creams are beneficial for treating psoriasis and genital herpes. Medline Plus says that aloe appears to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. The sap from the skin or latex evacuates the bowels after consumption. Mayo Clinic states that the most common dose for constipation is 0.04 mg to 0.17 mg of dried juice by mouth.
Potential
The Cleveland Clinic says that weight loss using aloe vera is temporary. Products that contain aloe extracts usually claim to be internal cleansers. Since the yellow sap in the plant's outer skin is a strong laxative, the pounds that you shed will come from your digestive tract and water instead of body fat.
Side Effects
The side effects of aloe vera taken internally include cardiac problems, potassium loss, electrolyte imbalance, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The lack of scientific research on high doses of aloe or the effects of long-term use indicate that consumers should refrain from taking aloe internally, according to Medline Plus. If you are allergic to onions, garlic or other members of the lily family, you may have an allergic reaction to aloe vera.
Warning
Aloe vera latex, or sap, is harmful to your kidneys, and several 1 mg daily doses are lethal, according to Medline Plus. The FDA has expressed concern that repeated use of aloe vera seems to create insensitivity to the plant's laxative effect. Consumers who resort to higher doses to achieve the same effect risk taking toxic doses. According to Medline Plus, the FDA has removed all over-the-counter aloe vera extracts from retail markets until manufacturers provide safety data.
Member Comments