Respiratory: Asthma, colds

Eyes: Glaucoma

Cardiovascular:  Varicose veins

Gastrointestinal: Constipation (German Commission E), acid reflux (esp. aloe juice), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-diarrhea, external hemorrhoids, gas, possibly ulcers, possibly heartburn, anal fissure, oral ulcers (canker sores), indigestion, possibly ulcerative colitis

Genitourinary: Reset menstruation: in the absence of a menstrual period (amenorrhea)

Musculoskeletal: Possibly osteoarthritis, MS (Multiple sclerosis)

Skin: Dandruff, seborrhea, burns, minor wounds, abrasions (scrapes), herpes simplex sores, psoriasis, acne, canker sores, pressure ulcers, protective effects of sun radiation of the skin, sunburn, radiation dermatitis (severe sunburn), alopecia (hair loss), fungal infections, bacterial infections, itching, inflammation, bleeding, insect bites and stings

Mental Health: May help decrease depression

Glucose: Aloe vera (juice) lowers sugar

Cholesterol: Helps to lower

Cancer: May reduce cancer

Infectious Disease: HIV/AIDS

Other: Anti-aging (topical), weight loss, fever

                                                            *   *   *

CONTRAINDICATIONS/CAUTIONS:  Latex allergies (occasional cross reactivity), serious ulcerative disease, kidney disease, hypoglycemia, and allergies, obstruction, stomach problems (abdominal pain of unknown origin, suspected appendicitis, constipation, nausea, vomiting, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis). Some cardiac drugs.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dermatitis (skin inflammation, itching, burning). If taken internally (by mouth): Diarrhea, electrolyte abnormalities, increased bleeding, toxic  (rare) may cause stomach pain, cramping, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight loss, low potassium (causing muscle weakness and heart problems), and liver problems (rare). Oral aloe non-decolorized products have compounds that are known to cause cancer and genetic mutations.

FORMS: Gels, liquids, capsules, juices, extracts, creams, powdered sprays, toothpaste, powder

Notes: Be sure you are using the correct aloe plant, the correct leaf part (inner section), with adequate purification or "decolorized".

Note: Safest oral and topical preparations are filtered or purified.

Recommended Aloe Products

Oral Aloe Products

These are commonly used inner‑leaf juices or capsules. Availability varies by retailer.

• Lakewood® Organic Pure Aloe

• Lily of the Desert® Aloe Vera Juice

• GNC Aloe Vera (softgels)

• Nature’s Way® Aloe Latex With Fennel (capsules)

• Priority One® Aloe Complex (capsules) — available through my Fullscript link

Topical Aloe Products

These are typically used for skin soothing, minor irritation, or general hydration.

• Burn Out Aloe Vera Skin Fix — often available at Walmart

• Lily of the Desert® 99% Aloe Vera Gelly

Recommended Brands

I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, transparency, and quality. I research each product before sharing it. Some links—such as Fullscript—are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase thrNo recommended brands avaiough them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support the free educational content on this site.

Dosage

Herbal use of aloe varies widely across traditional and consumer sources, and many suggested amounts are not supported by strong clinical evidence. Always follow the instructions provided on the product label, and remember that suggested amounts may not be backed by high‑quality research.

For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, you may refer to Epocrates.

A Note on Oral Aloe

Discuss oral aloe use with your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.