Herbs & Botanicals
What is aloe?
Aloe is a small, fleshy plant with greenish-yellow wedge-shaped leaves.
It is found throughout Latin America, the southern United States and the
Middle East. Many people also grow smaller potted versions of the plant
in their homes and gardens.
Aloe has been used as a medicinal plant since biblical times. It is now
found in many commercial items, including skin care products, shampoos
and conditioners.
Why do we need aloe? What is it used for?
Historically, aloe has been used to soothe and treat burns. Recent studies
have shown aloe gel to increase the healing rate of a variety of skin
injuries, including skin ulcers, frostbite, hives and poison ivy.
Aloe latex, which is made from specialized cells in the aloe leaf, has
been used as a laxative and to reduce the size of kidney stones. It is
also employed as a stool softener.
Other studies have found that aloe juice fights HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS. Certain compounds in the juice attack the virus directly; they also
enhance the effects of AZT, an expensive but potent drug used to fight
HIV infection.
How much aloe should I take?
The type and amount of aloe to take depends on the condition. For skin
injuries and wounds, a liberal amount of aloe gel should be used, depending
on the size of the injury. As a stool softener, 0.5-0.20 grams of dry
aloe extract are recommended.
What forms of aloe are available?
The most common form of aloe is aloe gel, which can be taken either directly
from the aloe plant and rubbed on the skin, or purchased in a more stable
form. Aloe juice is also available in a liquid form, while aloe latex
can be taken as a powder or capsule.
What can happen if I take too much aloe? Are
there any interactions I should be aware of? What precautions should I
take?
Aloe gel is considered safe for external use unless it causes an allergic
reaction. If it irritates the skin, discontinue use and consult your health
provider.
Certain precautions should be taken regarding aloe latex. Women who are
nursing or pregnant should not take aloe latex because it may cause contractions
and trigger a miscarriage. It should not be used for gastrointestinal
illness, intestinal obstructions, appendicitis, or stomach pain. It may
also aggravate ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, colitis
or irritable bowel syndrome. Chronic use of latex could also lead to a
deficiency of potassium, which could interfere with certain heart medications.
References
- Danhof I. Potential benefits from orally-ingested internal
aloe vera gel. International Aloe Science Council Tenth Annual Aloe
Scientific Seminar; 1991, Irving, Texas.
- Fulton JE Jr. The stimulation of postdermabrasion wound
healing with stabilized aloe vera gel-polyethylene oxide dressing. J
Dermatol Surg Onco 1990;16:460.
- Grindlay D, Reynolds T. The aloe vera phenomenon: a
review of the properties and modern uses of the leaf parenchyma gel.
J Ethnopharmacol 1986;16:117-151.
- Heggers J, et al. Beneficial effects of aloe in wound
healing. Phytother Res 1993;7:S48-S52.
- Saoo K, et al. Antiviral activity of aloe extracts
against cytomegalovirus. Phytother Res 1996;10:348-350.
- Vazquez B, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts
from aloe vera gel. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;55:69-75.
