For thousands of years,people have used the gel from Aloe Vera leaves for healing and softening the skin. In fact,aloe has also long been a folk treatment for many maladies,including constipation and skin disorders. Modern-day research into aloe vera's benefits is mixed,with some evidence showing it fights tumors and some showing it causes colorectal cancers. There are no foods that contain aloe vera,so it must be taken in supplement or gel form. Some forms of aloe vera are safer to take than others and chronic use is discouraged.
What are the use of aloe vera ?
Research backs up the ancient use of topical aloe vera as a skin treatment,at least for specific conditions. Studies have shown that aloe gel might be effective in treating psoriasis,seborrhea,dandruff,and minor burns and skin abrasions, as well as radiation-induced skin injuries. Aloe gel also seems helpful in treating the sores caused by genital herpes in men. There's also strong evidence that aloe juice (also called latex) taken by mouth is a powerful laxative.
In fact,aloe juice was once sold in over-the-counter constipation drugs. However,because aloe's safety was not well established, the US FDA ordered in 2002 that over-the-counter laxatives containing aloe vera either be reformulated or removed from store shelves. Aloe vera gel taken orally (by mouth) seems to help people with diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.It may also help to lower cholesterol. The result of aloe vera studies for other medical conditions have been less clear.
How much aloe vera should you use ?
Creams and gels with aloe vera vary in dosage.Some creams for minor burns have just 0.5% aloe vera. Others used for psoriasis may contain as much as 70% aloe vera. As an oral supplement,aloe has no set dose. For constipation, some use 100-200 milligrams of aloe juice or 50 milligram of aloe extract daily as needed. For diabetes, 1 tablespoon of the gel has been used daily. High oral doses of aloe or aloe latex are dangerous. Ask your doctor for advice on how use aloe.
What are the risks of using aloe vera ?
Researchers warn against the chronic use of aloe vera,however,if the aloe product is free of aloin-an extract of the plant that has been found to cause colorectal cancer in rats-it is fine as a topical remedy for sunburn and to drink in juice form. Aloin is found between the outer leaf of the aloe plant and the gooey stuff inside. Do not apply topical aloe vera to deep cuts or severe burns. People allergic to garlic,onions,and tulips are more likely to be allergic to aloe. High doses of oral aloe are dangerous. Don't take oral aloe if you have intestinal problems,heart disease,hemorrhoids,kidney problems,diabetes or electrolyte imbalances.
Side effects.
Topical aloe vera might cause skin irritation. Oral aloe,which has a laxative effect,can cause cramping and diarrhea. This may cause electrolyte imbalances in the blood of people who ingest aloe for more than a few days. It can also stain the colon,thus making it difficult to visualise the colon during a colonoscopy. So avoid it for a month before having a colonoscopy. Aloe gel, for topical or oral use,should be free of aloin,which can be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract.
Interactions.
If you take any drugs regularly,talk to your doctor before you start using aloe supplements. They could interact with medicines and supplements like diabetes drugs, heart drugs, laxatives, steroids and licorice root. The oral use of aloe vera gel may also block the absorption of medicines taken at the same time. Given the lack of evidence about its safety.aloe vera supplements should not be used orally by children and women who are pregnant of breastfeeding.