1) Acemannan, which is a substance made from aloe gel, is being studied for use as a treatment for cancer and HIV/AIDS.
2) In animals aloe vera has been shown to help heal burns caused by radiation.
3) Psoriasis is treated with an extract from aloe vera gel.
4) Aloe vera prevents the growth of bacteria and decreases swelling.
5) Gel from aloe vera is applied inside the mouth to treat canker sores.
6) Gel from aloe vera is also taken to treat stomach ulcers and diabetes.
7) Though the lining of the aloe vera leaf is used to make a laxative, this aloe vera based laxative is known to cause more cramping, diarrhea, and nausea than other laxatives.
8) Aloe vera gel may slow the absorption of other medicines and takers are told to avoid aloe vera intake within two hours of ingesting additional medicines.
9) Diabetics must monitor intake of aloe vera gel carefully because it may lower blood sugar levels.
10) Laxatives made from aloe vera may cause a deficiency of potassium.
Because aloe vera is a plant, there are some people who are allergic to it. Usually, though, the reactions to aloe vera are manifest as skin irritations and not life threatening. Even for those who are not allergic, aloe gel can sting a bit, so it is recommended that aloe gel be kept cold, which reduces the sting. No long-term ill effects have been found to come from aloe gel, though the laxative produced from the lining of aloe vera leaves can have more serious consequences if not used carefully. Internal use of aloe vera is not recommended for children below the age of 12 or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The gel from aloe vera can be used on the skin three or four times a day. Taken internally the amount and frequency can vary, and seeking a physician’s guidance on using aloe in this form is a good idea. In general, it is recommended that the lining from the aloe vera leaf, as used as a laxative, should not be taken more than ten consecutive days.
As with any kind of herb or supplement, health care providers, especially physicians, should be told if you are using aloe vera.
Copyright © Dennis Becker, 2004.
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