
General Information
OTHER NAMES:
Aloe barbadensis, Aloe ferox, Aloe indica, Aloe perfoliata, Aloe perryi, Aloe spicata, Aloe capensis.
HISTORY: Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years (around 4000 BCE)- back to Egyptian times, "the plant of immortality."
PROPERTIES: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, emollient, immunomodulatory, analgesic, anticancer
Considered Uses
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 BRANDS:
Oral:
Lakewood® Organic Pure Aloe - May be ordered on Amazon link available here.
Lily of the Desert® Aloe Vera Juice - Can be ordered on Amazon link here
GNC Aloe Vera (softgels) - May be ordered on Amazon link here
Nature's Way® Aloe Latex With Fennel (capsules) - May be ordered through Amazon link here
Priority One® Aloe Complex (capsules) - (order through Fullscripts link) - Sorry - Out of Stock
Topical:
Burn Out Aloe Vera Skin Fix - May be available at Walmart - check your local store
Lily of the Desert 99% Aloe Vera Gelly - Available on Amazon link here
I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—like those to Amazon—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support this free site. Plus, these links often offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.
DOSAGE: As directed
Reported doses - Often NOT supported by evidence reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.
For topical use (skin application), you can use the gel directly from the plant - read directions
Acne: 50% gel twice daily
Anal Fissure: 0.5% powdered spray topically 3 times daily
Canker sores: Apply 0.5% gel 3 to 4 times daily
Eczema: Apply cream topically 2 times daily
Burns: Apply topically to the area 2 times daily
Dental plaque, periodontitis or gingivitis: Brush with toothpaste daily to 3 times daily
Diabetes: 100-1000 by mouth daily (or 15-150 ml of juice daily
Dry skin: Apply 0.1%-0.5% cream daily
Genital herpes: Apply 0.5% cream to area 3 times daily
Hepatitis: 50 mg by mouth 3 times a day
Scarring: Apply 15% gel topically daily (start 2 weeks after skin insult)
IBS: 250-5-- mg by mouth 2 times daily or 60 ml juice 2 times daily
Obesity: 147 mg by mouth 2 times daily
Pressure ulcer: Apply gel topically 2 times daily
Psoriasis: Apply 0.5% topically 3 times daily
Scabies: Apply gel to the area daily
Oral ulcers: Apply 80% gel topically twice a day
Vaginitis: Apply 5 mg (2% cream) topically at night
Wound healing: Apply 0.5% cream topically 3 times daily
Dry mouth: Swish and spit 20 ml of 50% mouthwash 3 times daily
Note: Recommend that you discuss oral use with your healthcare provider
*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.