Aloe vera, when used to treat a variety of medical conditions, is considered a complementary or alternative medicine, and its use is growing. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 38 percent of Americans now use some form of complementary medicine. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that, according to the Arthritis Foundation, affects an estimated 1.3 million Americans, and many are turning to alternative medicine, including aloe vera, to relieve symptoms and pain.
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic disease that has no cure. It is an autoimmune disease in which your body's immune system attacks the synovium, or the thin membrane that lines your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a symmetrical disease, in that it affects both sides of the body equally. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis in one shoulder, you are likely to have it in the other shoulder. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, decreased range of motion and pain. It is treated with a variety to drugs designed to suppress the immune system and slow the progression of the disease.
About Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant related to the cactus that produces gel and latex which is used as medicine. Aloe can be applied to the skin for a variety of conditions as well as taken orally. When applied to the skin, aloe is most likely safe, but when taken orally, precautions need to be taken. Aloe may lower blood sugar, so those with diabetes are advised against taking it orally. Aloe works as a laxative when taken orally and can affect the absorption of medications you may be taking.
Medical Research
Research has looked at the health benefits of aloe for years. A 2008 study published in "Phytotherapy Research" looked at the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract from aloe and its effects on reactive oxygen species mediated diseases, where oxidation damage is part of the disease pathology, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The research determined that the use of aloe extract could be a functional drug in the treatment of these diseases by reducing inflammation and joint pain.
Considerations
Before beginning any new treatment or supplementation for your rheumatoid arthritis, you should consult with your physician or alternative health care professional. While aloe vera used topically to treat inflammation is safe for most people, the use of aloe vera as an oral supplement should be done under the supervision of a medical professional. Make sure your physician is aware of all your medical conditions and medications before adding aloe vera. Aloe can decrease blood sugar levels as well as inhibit the bloods ability to clot, so if you are diabetic or taking medications like warfarin to thin your blood, aloe vera should be used with caution.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States; December 2008
- Arthritis Foundation: What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- MedlinePlus; Aloe; April 7, 2011
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antinociceptive, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ethanol Extracts from Aloe Saponaria Haw; E.A. Yoo et al.; October 2008
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