Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe (aloe vera) is a type of cactus that grows in hot, dry climates. Aloe Vera Gel and latex of aloe are both beneficial.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe (aloe vera) is a type of cactus that grows in hot, dry climates. Aloe Vera Gel and latex of aloe are both beneficial.
Overview
Aloe (aloe vera gel) is a type of cactus that grows in hot, dry climates. The gel and latex of aloe are both beneficial.
Some skin conditions, such as psoriasis, may benefit from aloe vera gel. It also appears to hasten wound healing by improving blood circulation and may be effective against certain bacteria and fungi. Aloe latex contains laxative-like chemicals. Some aloe products contain both gel and latex because they are made from the entire crushed leaf.
People commonly apply aloe vera gel to their skin to treat conditions such as sunburn, acne, dandruff, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to back up these claims. Some people take aloe products orally for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and others, but there is no good scientific evidence to back up these claims.
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Source
Sources of Aloe Vera
There are no foods that contain aloe vera, so it must be taken in supplement or gel form.Because it can live and bloom without soil, aloe vera is often referred to as the “plant of immortality.”
It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, which includes over 400 other aloe species.
For thousands of years, aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine, and studies have linked it to a variety of health benefits. The plant is used to treat sunburns, fight dental plaque, and lower blood sugar levels, among other things.
Furthermore, aloe vera contains over 75 potentially active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, fatty acids, and polysaccharides.
However, you may be wondering if the plant is safe to eat.
This article will tell you whether or not you should eat aloe vera.
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Uses & effectiveness
Aloe Vera Gel serves a variety of purposes.
These are some of them:
- Acne. Some children and adults can benefit from applying aloe gel to their skin in the morning and evening, along with prescription anti-acne medication.
- Burns. Applying aloe gel or cream to the skin can help people with first- or second-degree burns heal faster.
- Constipation. Constipation can be alleviated by ingesting aloe latex.
- Diabetes. In people with type 2 diabetes, taking aloe by mouth can lower blood sugar and HbA1c levels.
- Herpes genitalis. Applying a 0.5 percent aloe extract cream three times per day may help heal genital herpes outbreaks.
- An inflammatory condition that results in a rash or sores on the skin or in the mouth (lichen planus). Pain from itchy rashes in the mouth can be relieved by using an aloe vera gel mouthwash three times per day for 12 weeks or applying an aloe gel twice daily for eight weeks.
- Obesity. In overweight or obese people with diabetes or prediabetes, taking a specific aloe product (Aloe QDM complex, Univera Inc.) twice daily for 8 weeks may reduce body weight and fat mass.
- A painful mouth disease that makes it difficult to open one’s mouth (oral submucous fibrosis). The application of aloe vera gel alleviates the burning caused by this condition. However, it does not appear to improve the ability to open the mouth or the movements of the cheeks and tongue.
- Itchy, scaly skin (psoriasis). Applying a cream containing 0.5 percent aloe extract for four weeks appears to reduce skin plaques. However, using aloe vera gel does not appear to have the same effects.
- Mouth ulcers are caused by injury or rubbing (traumatic oral ulcers). Applying an aloe vera gel to the gums after receiving dental appliances such as braces aids in the prevention of mouth sores.
Although there is little scientific evidence to substantiate these treatments, Aloe Vera Gel has also been used for:
- Radiation therapy caused skin damage (radiation dermatitis). Applying aloe vera gel to the skin during and after radiation treatment has no effect on reducing radiation-induced skin damage. However, it may postpone the appearance of skin damage.
There is some interest in using aloe for a variety of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it would be beneficial.
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Side Effects
When taken orally. Short-term use of aloe vera gel may be safe. Aloe vera gel has been used safely for up to 42 days at a dose of 15 ml daily. In addition, a specific gel (Aloe QDM complex Univera Inc) has been used safely for up to 8 weeks at a dose of about 600 mg daily. When taken in small doses, aloe extract may be safe.
At any dose, taking aloe latex or aloe whole-leaf extract by mouth is potentially dangerous. When taken in large doses, aloe latex is most likely dangerous. Side effects of aloe latex include stomach pain. Long-term use of large quantities of aloe latex may result in serious side effects such as kidney and heart problems. Taking 1 gramme of aloe latex daily can be fatal.
When applied to the skin. Aloe vera gel is likely safe.
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If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed on this page. In the UK you can also report side effects directly to the Yellow Card Scheme By reporting side effects you can help provide vital information on the safety of this medical supplement.
Is this medicine suitable for you?
Take precautions:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding. When taken orally, aloe vera gel and latex may be hazardous. According to one report, aloe is linked to miscarriage. It may also increase the likelihood of birth defects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking aloe by mouth.
- Children. When applied correctly to the skin, aloe vera gel may be safe. Aloe latex and aloe whole leaf extracts may be harmful to children if consumed orally. Children under the age of 12 may experience stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhoea.
- Intestinal conditions such as Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction. If you have any of these conditions, avoid using aloe latex. Aloe latex is a gastrointestinal irritant. Aloe latex will be present in products made from whole aloe leaves.
- Kidney problems. Aloe latex in high doses has been linked to kidney failure and other serious conditions.
- Surgery. Aloe has the potential to affect blood sugar levels and interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using aloe at least two weeks before your surgery.
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Consult your doctor
If you are taking any of the following medicines please consult your doctor:
- Digoxin (Lanoxin). Aloe latex is a type of laxative known as a stimulant laxative when taken orally. Stimulant laxatives have the potential to lower potassium levels in the body. Digoxin side effects can be exacerbated by low potassium levels.
- Diabetes medications (Antidiabetes drugs). Blood sugar levels may be reduced by using aloe gel. Taking aloe with diabetes medications may cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.
- Laxative stimulants. Aloe latex is a stimulant laxative, which is a type of laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhoea and potassium deficiency. Taking aloe latex in conjunction with other stimulant laxatives may result in increased diarrhoea and very low potassium levels.
- The anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin). Aloe latex is a stimulant laxative, which is a type of laxative. Stimulant laxatives make the bowels move faster and can cause diarrhoea in some people. Diarrhoea can make warfarin less effective and increase the risk of bleeding. Do not consume excessive amounts of aloe latex if you are taking warfarin.
- Tablets of water (Diuretic drugs). Aloe latex has laxative properties. Certain laxatives can cause diarrhoea and lower potassium levels. Potassium levels can also be reduced by taking “water pills.” Taking aloe latex with “water pills” may cause potassium levels to fall too low.
- Anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs (medications that slow blood clotting). Blood clotting may be slowed by aloe. Taking aloe in conjunction with medications that slow blood clotting may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
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Dosage
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Other names
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