Aloe (often called aloe vera) is a plant related to cactus. It has been used for thousands of years to heal a variety of conditions, most notably burns, wounds, skin irritations, and constipation. Aloe was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines throughout most of the 18th and 19th centuries and it remains one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States today.
Aloe vera is a perennial, succulent plant (meaning its leaves hold large quantities of water). The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall, and its tough, fleshy, spearlike leaves can grow up to 36 inches long. The clear, thick gel found in the inner part of the leaf is most commonly used for minor cuts and burns.
It is grown in most subtropical and tropical locations, including South Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It produces two substances, gel and latex, which are used for medicines. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes from just under the plant's skin and is yellow in color. Some aloe products are made from the whole crushed leaf, so they contain both gel and latex. The aloe that is mentioned in the Bible is an unrelated fragrant wood used as incense.
Although aloe is 99 percent water, aloe gel also contains substances known as glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoproteins speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation, while polysaccharides stimulate skin growth and repair. These substances may also stimulate the immune system.
Aloe medications can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Aloe gel is taken by mouth for osteoarthritis, bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis, fever, itching and inflammation, and as a general tonic. It is also used for stomach ulcers, diabetes, asthma, and for treating some side effects of radiation treatment.
But most people use aloe gel topically, as a remedy for skin conditions including burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis, and cold sores. Some people also use aloe gel to help surgical wounds and bedsores heal faster. There is some science supporting these uses. Some chemicals in aloe gel seem to be able to increase circulation in the tiny blood vessels in the skin, as well as kill bacteria. Together, these effects suggest that aloe gel might be effective in speeding wound healing.
Some people take aloe latex by mouth, usually for constipation. Less often, aloe latex is used orally for epilepsy, asthma, colds, bleeding, absence of menstrual periods, colitis, depression, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, bursitis, osteoarthritis, and glaucoma and other vision problems.
But taking aloe latex by mouth is likely unsafe, especially at high doses. There is some concern that some of the chemicals found in aloe latex might cause cancer. Additionally, aloe latex is hard on the kidneys and could lead to serious kidney disease and even death.
Aloe gel, made from the central part of the aloe leaf, is a common household remedy for minor cuts and burns, as well as sunburns. It can be found in many commercial skin lotions and cosmetics. Aloe contains active compounds that may decrease pain and inflammation and stimulate skin growth and repair. For this reason, aloe vera gel has gained tremendous popularity for relief of burns, with individual success in helping minor burns. In one study, burn sites treated with aloe healed completely in less than 16 days compared to 19 days for sites treated with silver sulfadiazine. In a review of the scientific literature, researchers found that patients who were treated with aloe vera healed an average of almost 9 days sooner than those who weren't treated with the medicinal plant. However, other studies show mixed results, including at least one study that found aloe actually delayed healing. Aloe is best used for minor burns and skin irritations, and should never be applied to an open wound.
Preliminary evidence also suggests that aloe gel may improve symptoms of genital herpes and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis. In fact, one study found that aloe vera gel displayed anti-inflammatory effects superior to 1% hydrocortisone cream or a placebo gel. As such, researchers claim that aloe vera gel may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, such as ultraviolet induced erythema.
Aloe juice or aloe latex, a yellow, bitter liquid derived from the skin of the aloe leaf, is a powerful laxative. Taking aloe latex by mouth can reduce constipation and cause diarrhea. It takes about 10 hours for aloe latex to cause a bowel movement. With continued use, increasing doses are needed for the same laxative effect. That's because aloe latex causes a loss of potassium from cells lining the intestine. This results in a kind of paralysis of the walls of the intestine, literally making a bowel movement difficult. Taking large doses of aloe latex or using for a long time can be dangerous. That's why the FDA took laxatives that contained aloe latex off the market in 2002.
Preliminary studies suggest that aloe juice may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. Two studies indicate that taking aloe gel by mouth can reduce blood sugar in women with type 2 diabetes. But another study did not show the same benefit. More research is needed to determine whether aloe is helpful for diabetes.
When applied to the skin, aloe gel seems to help skin survive frostbite injury.
There is some evidence that applying aloe extract 0.5% cream 3 times daily increases healing rates compared to aloe gel or a cream without active ingredients.
Preliminary evidence suggests that taking 10 mL or 20 mL of aloe orally daily for 12 weeks can reduce total cholesterol by about 15%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 18%, and triglycerides by about 25% to 30% in people with hyperlipidemia.
So far, applying aloe gel to skin during and after radiation treatment doesn't seem to reduce skin damaged caused by the radiation. However, there is some evidence that aloe gel might delay the appearance of skin damage.
Preliminary evidence suggests that some people with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis who take aloe gel 25-50 mL twice daily have significantly reduced symptoms.
You can get aloe by simply breaking off leaves of the plant (which can be grown as a houseplant), but it is also available commercially in ointments, creams, and lotions. Aloe gel is often included in cosmetic and over the counter skin care products as well. You can purchase aloe in the form of capsules, tablets, juice, gel, ointment, cream, and lotion.
Pediatric
Pure aloe gel may be applied to the surface of the skin for minor skin irritations. Children should never take oral aloe preparations.
Adult
Slit the leaf of an aloe plant lengthwise and remove the gel from the inside, or use a commercial preparation. Carefully clean affected area and then apply aloe gel liberally to the skin. Do not apply to open wounds.
Are there safety concerns?
Aloe gel is LIKELY SAFE
when applied to the skin and POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth
in adults. Once in a while aloe gel might cause burning and itching
of the skin.
Taking aloe latex is POSSIBLY UNSAFE at
any dose, but LIKELY UNSAFE when taken in high doses. Aloe
latex can cause some side effects such as stomach pain and cramps.
Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea,
kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness,
weight loss, and heart disturbances. Taking aloe latex 1 gram per day
for several days can be fatal.
There have been a few reports
of liver problems in some people who have taken an aloe leaf extract;
however, this is uncommon. It is thought to only occur in people who
are extra sensitive (hypersensitive) to aloe.
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy or
breast-feeding: Aloe -- either gel or latex -- is POSSIBLY
UNSAFE when taken by mouth. There is a report that aloe was
associated with miscarriage. It could also be a risk for birth
defects. Do not take aloe by mouth if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding.
Children: Aloe is POSSIBLY UNSAFE
for children when taken by mouth. Children younger than 12 years old
may experience abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea.
Diabetes:
Some research suggests aloe might lower blood sugar. If you take aloe
by mouth and you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels
closely.
Intestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease,
ulcerative colitis, or obstruction: Do not take aloe latex if you
have any of these conditions. Aloe latex is a bowel irritant.
Remember, products made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe
latex.
Hemorrhoids: Do not take aloe latex if you have
hemorrhoids. It could make the condition worse. Remember, products
made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe latex.
Kidney
problems: High doses of aloe latex have been linked to kidney
failure and other serious conditions.
Surgery: Aloe
might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar
control during and after surgery. Stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks
before a scheduled surgery.
Do not take this combination.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
When taken by mouth, aloe latex is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).
Be cautious with this combination.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Aloe gel might decrease
blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar.
Taking aloe gel along with diabetes medications might cause your
blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose
of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
Some
medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide
(DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin
(Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia),
chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide
(Orinase), and others.
Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)
When taken by mouth, aloe latex is a laxative. Laxatives can decrease how much medicine your body absorbs. Taking aloe latex along with medications you take by mouth might decrease the effectiveness of your medication.
Sevoflurane (Ultane)
Aloe might decrease clotting of the blood. Sevoflurane is used as anesthesia during surgery. Sevoflurane also decreases clotting of the blood. Taking aloe before surgery might cause increased bleeding during the surgical procedure. Do not take aloe by mouth if you are having surgery within 2 weeks.
Stimulant laxatives
When taken orally, aloe
latex is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant
laxatives speed up the bowels. Taking aloe latex along with other
stimulant laxatives could speed up the bowels too much and cause
dehydration and low minerals in the body.
Some stimulant
laxatives include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), cascara, castor
oil (Purge), senna (Senokot), and others.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
When taken orally, aloe latex is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives speed up the bowels and can cause diarrhea in some people. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin, do not take excessive amounts of aloe latex.
Water pills (Diuretic drugs)
When taken by mouth, aloe
latex is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the
body. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium in the
body. Taking aloe latex along with "water pills" might
decrease potassium in the body too much.
Some "water
pills" that can decrease potassium include chlorothiazide
(Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix),
hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), and others.
The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.
Herbs and supplements that can lower blood sugar
Aloe might lower blood sugar. If it is taken along with other herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar, blood sugar might get too low in some people. Some herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar include alpha-lipoic acid, bitter melon, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.
Herbs containing cardiac glycosides
Aloe can decrease the amount of potassium in the body. This can be a special problem for the heart if aloe is taken along with other herbs that contain chemicals (cardiac glycosides) that affect the electrical system of the heart. Herbs that contain cardiac glycosides include black hellebore, Canadian hemp roots, digitalis leaf, hedge mustard, figwort, lily of the valley roots, motherwort, oleander leaf, pheasant's eye plant, pleurisy root, squill bulb leaf scales, and strophanthus seeds.
Horsetail
Using aloe along with horsetail increases the risk of lowering potassium levels too much.
Licorice
Using aloe along with licorice rhizome increases the risk of lowering potassium levels too much.
Stimulant laxative herbs
Using aloe along with other stimulant laxative herbs may increase the risk of lowering potassium levels too much. Stimulant laxative herbs include blue flag rhizome, alder buckthorn, European buckthorn, butternut bark, cascara bark, castor oil, colocynth fruit pulp, gamboge bark exudate, jalap root, black root, manna bark exudate, podophyllum root, rhubarb root, senna leaves and pods, and yellow dock root.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The following doses have
been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For constipation: 100-200 mg aloe or 50 mg aloe latex taken in the evening; however, it might not be safe to take aloe latex for this use.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
For psoriasis: Aloe extract 0.5% cream applied 3 times daily.
Here are a some reviews taken from two different famous Internet websites which further highlights some of the health benefits of using aloe vera products:
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WebMD
Reason for taking: Ulcerative colitis
8/11/2009 4:42:02 PM
Reviewer: GammaBee, 75 or over Female on Treatment for 6 months to less than 1 year (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
Spent a year on all the drugs, etc., still problems. Started some reading and went to the UC site...read some more and then decided to try Aloe Vera Caps...I found a place where the Aloe is organic, no pesticides, etc. Within a couple of weeks of taking a couple per day, I no longer had the little knives playing tic-tac-toe in my gut. Feel better and better. Still am under a specialist's care and taking noninflammatory, etc., but there is a remarkable difference since going on this supplement.
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WebMD
Reason for taking: Burns
10/28/2010 10:08:35 AM
Reviewer: bar2goode4u, 45-54 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I burned my finger tips the first of this month. A crock with a removeable bowl inside was on and empty so I didnt think it was on. I reached in with my hand and grabbed the bowl which was 150 degrees.I started to lift it out, then it started burning my fingers. I let go and ran to cold water. Hours later while I am still holding ice on the hand, a friend pulls out Emprizine and the pain was almost instantaniously gone. It didn't peel for almost 2 weeks. The amazing thing was that it wasn't sore either. This is one of the products I will have in every vehicle I own and every purse and bathroom. Just glob it on don't rub in let it sit. AMAZING!
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth its weight in Gold, May 12, 2005
By
James S. Saletel (Cleveland Ohio)
I have had Inflammatory Bowel Disease since I was 14, now I am 21. I have tried many diffrent types of remedies, with only descent results at best. I had suguery at 17 and it removed a lot of the problems. But ever since surgery, I have still suffered from diarrhea and constipation. I have only taken [the] aloe [juice] for about two weeks, and it seems to have drastically improved both. For anyone who has any kind of digestive problem, I would really give it a try.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Happy with this Aloe Vera Gel, November 1, 2010
By
Novee "L" (Oakland Gardens, NY)
I just received this gel a little over a week ago and for some reason I
started getting itchy skin and scalp with eczema since the weather changed.
I just used some on my scalp and skin and it stop the itching automatically.
I will definitely purchase again. Doesn't taste bad either I mixed with
some aloe fruit juice. I think for 2011 I will replace soda with this Aloe
Vera Gel in addition to more water for a more healthy me in 2011.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Aloe minimizes age spots, January 13, 2011
By
eaglefaith
Customer reviews are a major factor of why I use Amazon--I like the first-hand user reports, and many of my purchasing decisions are based on these. I like this product for the following reasons:
1) It diminishes age spots! I have a fair, freckled Irish complexion that tends to be too pink and flushed, and, with time, has brought on age spots and reddening of some freckles. I read online for "home" remedies of age spots that aloe vera works. I tried this gel and have seen tremendous results on my skin. Not only has it solved the red, flushed appearance and reddened freckles, but also it has diminished the brown age spots. I think it's a tremendous product, especially compared to the other expensive products I have tried, and this one really works for me.
2) I use the product on my feet because of dry and cracking skin, especially in winter. It softens them and actually heals the skin. Aloe is hailed as having anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and healing properties. For anyone who fights these issues on your feet, I would strongly recommend at least trying this product. There is also a Vitamin E formula by the same company that I have tried.
While we should all be concerned about the chemicals used in modern-day products, the fractional amount in this product coupled with the fact that it can be used very sparingly--a little goes a long way compared to ordinary hand lotion--I think it's not a safety hazard, at least to me. I have found that radical changes to my diet have had the most beneficial and long-term results on my health.
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