| Login | Register
LIVESTRONG.COM Blog: 10 Mistakes People Make in the Gym with DietTribe's Jessie Pavelka
  • Food & Fitness
  • Members

Aloe

Text size:  |  Print  |   | 

What is Aloe?

Clear gel from the pulp of Aloe vera leaves has been used on the skin for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, minor burns and other skin conditions. Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been shown to have laxative effects and may help to treat irritable bowel syndrome.



Side Effects

Dependency on using laxatives, delayed wound healing, redness or burning when applied to the skin, rash, diarrhea, lowered blood sugar levels, low blood potassium levels, irregular heartbeat, stomach cramping, dehydration, muscle spasms of the uterus.



Reactions / Interactions

Drugs that affect blood sugar levels, some heart drugs (like digoxin), some blood pressure drugs like thiazide diuretics ("water pills like hydrochlorothiazide), laxatives, corticosteroids (taken by mouth or applied to the skin), some HIV drugs, licorice, and herbs or supplements with similar effects.



What is Aloe?

Clear gel from the pulp of Aloe vera leaves has been used on the skin for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, minor burns and other skin conditions. Dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf has traditionally been shown to have laxative effects and may help to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Side Effects

Dependency on using laxatives, delayed wound healing, redness or burning when applied to the skin, rash, diarrhea, lowered blood sugar levels, low blood potassium levels, irregular heartbeat, stomach cramping, dehydration, muscle spasms of the uterus.

Reactions / Interactions

Drugs that affect blood sugar levels, some heart drugs (like digoxin), some blood pressure drugs like thiazide diuretics ("water pills like hydrochlorothiazide), laxatives, corticosteroids (taken by mouth or applied to the skin), some HIV drugs, licorice, and herbs or supplements with similar effects.

Safety

Avoid if allergic to aloe or other plants of the Liliaceae family (garlic, onions, tulips). Avoid injecting aloe. Avoid applying to open, surgical wounds or pressure ulcers. Avoid taking by mouth with diarrhea, bowel blockage, intestinal diseases, bloody stools, hepatitis, a history of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), electrolyte imbalances, diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease. Avoid taking by mouth if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage

Aloe gel can be applied on top of the skin. Immediately seek a qualified healthcare provider to treat bad burns (blistering, oozing, bleeding).

Adults (18 years and older)

Topical (skin) use of aloe gel is common and appears to be well tolerated.

Children (18 years and younger)

Topical (skin) use of aloe gel in children is common and appears to be well tolerated.

Evidence

Condition: Constipation (laxative) Grade: A

Condition: Dandruff/seborrhea (sebhorrheic dermatitis) Grade: B

Condition: Genital herpes Grade: B

Condition: Psoriasis Grade: B

Condition: Cancer prevention Grade: C

Condition: Canker sores (aphthous stomatisis) Grade: C

Condition: Diabetes (type 2) Grade: C

Condition: HIV infection Grade: C

Condition: Skin burns Grade: C

Condition: Ulcerative colitis Grade: C

Condition: Wound healing Grade: C

Condition: Mouth sores (mucositis) Grade: D

Condition: Pressure ulcers Grade: D

Condition: Radiation dermatitis Grade: D

Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Content provided by:

"Content Licensed by Natural Standard. Copyright 2009 by Natural Standard Corporation."


While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Aloe Videos

Aloe Articles

  • About Aloe

    There are approximately 250 species of aloe plants, the most familiar of which is aloe vera. The raw and commercially processed sap exuded from aloe vera leaves has been used for centuries as a med...

  • Is Aloe Vera Good for Your Health?

  • How Does Aloe Vera Prevent Acne?

  • Does Aloe Vera Help Hair to Grow Again?

Show More

Images provided by Google

Vitamins

  • Aloe

    Clear gel from the pulp of Aloe vera leaves has been used on the skin for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin in...

  • Milk thistle

    Milk thistle has been used most commonly for the treatment of liver and gallbladder disorders for over 2,000 years. A...

Related Poisons

  • Aloe

    aloe is an extract from the aloe plant that is used in many skincare products. aloe poisoning occurs when someone swa...

Conversations On Aloe

  • Aloe Vera anyone?


    • Posted On January 27, 2009 11:26:51 AM

      So, I bought a can of aloe vera in light syrup from TJ's, cause, well, it was 99 cents, and I was curious. It seems rather nutritionally void - mostly sugar from the syrup & some calcium for s... Read More

    • Posted On January 27, 2009 11:59:38 AM

      ... concoction (LOL Oshkey ) that had aloe Vera in it. When he took a swig, the long strand of aloe was hanging out of his mouth. EWW!! Read More

  • What are your favorite natural/organic products?


    • Posted On August 1, 2008 09:07:34 AM

      ... Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme Burt's Bees Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer Tom's of Maine Natural Cleansing Mouthwash-Spearmint Alba Pineapple Quench Lip Balm What are your favorites? Read More

    • Posted On August 1, 2008 09:26:31 AM

      i've thought about trying the berts bees shampoo..it has great reviews..but i'm so picky about hair products! as far as food, my fav organic products have to be just plain fruits and vegetables. w... Read More

  • What in the world??!!


    • Posted On July 10, 2008 07:34:23 PM

      ...ming to my rescue) got me this spray on aloe-pain-relief-itch-relief stuff. It works wonders...but I think it's reacting weird with some rub on medicine I put on.. I ran my hand over my shoul... Read More

    • Posted On July 11, 2008 02:36:01 PM

      eww, that IS weird?! has it helped the burn yet? Read More

  • Sunburn ... help!


    • Posted On August 4, 2008 05:47:20 AM

      ...hh! All I have is some Solarcaine with Aloe Vera. The sunburn keeps waking me up at night and I want to sleep all night tonight if possible. Does anyone know what else I can use to make it fe... Read More

    • Posted On August 4, 2008 12:07:52 PM

      Pure aloe...not lotion with aloe in it. If you or a neighbor has an aloe plant, cut a piece off, slice it down the middle and apply the gooey inside to the burn. If you don't have access to a plant... Read More

  • Sunburn + Fancy Wedding This Weekend -- Please Help!


    • Posted On June 16, 2008 05:45:14 AM

      ...ne know of something besides lotion and aloe that might take the red away quickly? Does anyone have suggestions of what to do about the strange tan/burn lines? Thanks! Read More

    • Posted On June 16, 2008 06:10:02 AM

      ...uce the redness, and cool the burn, use Aloe Vera. Keep lathering it on. Its sticky at first, but trust me, it will moisturize your skin! The lines, well, I cant really help with those, ... Read More

  • So i'm pretty sure i have a peptic ulcer...


    • Posted On May 29, 2008 12:00:52 PM

      Drink alot of water until you see the physcian. It will dilute the acid that is tormenting you. Read More

    • Posted On May 29, 2008 12:24:14 PM

      aloe vera can cure ulcers. you can eat it straight from the plant (just peel off the skin so you eat the "gelly" part). or they also sell aloe vera juice. It heals irritations of the... Read More

Show More

Aloe Blogs

Santaverde Aloe Vera Shower Gel Eco Product Review

A new friend to Life Goggles, the Natural Beauty Store sent us one of its products to test - Santaverde’s shower gel, made from Aloe Vera. Santaverde products are new to me but very interesting as they don’t contain water, but pure fresh aloe...

Natural Aloe Vera Treatments

*Use the sap/gel from a fresh cut aloe leaf & apply to clean face as a face mask. Leave on until the aloe has dried, 5-10 minutes. Rinse face with warm water. This will help to soften, and gently smooth out fine lines leaving you with supple glowing...

The High Priestess: Perfumes

The High Priestess’ perfumes : camphor and aloes Camphor - Associated with water and the Moon, camphor is an anaphrodisiac. Burning it cools passion and promotes chastity. It’s also used in incenses to aid divination and produce sleep. Aloe...

Technical Analysis: ALO & QCOR - Zacks Tale of the Tape

Shares of Alpharma Inc. ( ALO ) are experiencing unusually high trading volume. The stock advanced almost 2% this afternoon. Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( QCOR ) stock is trading on an unusually low volume. Shares of the specialty pharmaceutical...

Show More

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More

Aloe Topic Guide

Advisor

Name Your name here

Profession What do you do?

What makes this topic important to you: Did you train for this? Do you work in this profession? Are you affected by this topic?

Is this topic important to you?

Do you know a lot about it? Become a guide and lead the conversation on this topic. Be a Guide

advertisement

Related Topics

more

Connect With People Who Have Aloe

avatar avatar

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More

Talk

Adi_Hoedanov: Moss pirri's ben bij Madrid pitaatjes en aloe vera ja mangg!

BarbsBlvd: Aloe Vera, The Forgotten Plant: The Aloe Vera Plant, its gel and extract offer just such a possibility. If you .. http://bit.ly/08zOa0z

BarbsBlvd: Ken Paves Healthy Hair Daily Shampoo: ... Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera).. http://bit.ly/07bzdH3

SandyCourtney: Plenty of young aloe vera plants now ready to ship! http://tinyurl.com/ygr2qog at Bonanzle.

dlebouthillier: RT @ThinkRawFood: I just made this awesome concord grape, guava, aloe vera smoothie. What a great combination! http://twitpic.com/pmu2t

Additional Reading



Tools

The Daily Plate

Track your daily calories. See how many calories you burn and consume.

Body Mass Index

BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

LIVESTRONG Loops

Map your local running, cycling, walking and hiking routes and track your calorie burn.

Stay Motivated

Find us on the web, receive emails and use our mobile app to keep you motivated.

Symptom Checker

This tool will help you to decide whether to treat at home or see a doctor.