Aloe Vera Health Benefits

Aloe vera, also known as lily of the desert, has been used for many years for a variety of medical symptoms. Aloe vera health benefits are numerous and affect many bodily systems.

Aloe vera health benefits may assist in the treatment of arthritis, irritable bowel diseases, fever, itching, dermatitis, ulcers, asthma, constipation, colds, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, wound healing, psoriasis, sunburn, frostbite, cold sores, and dry skin.

Aloe does have potential risks

Although there may not be robust data to support all aloe vera health benefits, aloe vera is categorized as generally safe for topical and oral use. However, excessive ingestion of aloe latex in doses greater than 1 gram per day for several days can cause kidney disease, renal failure, and even death. Avoid use in pregnancy and lactation and in children younger than 12 years old.

The aloe vera health benefits that have the most scientific data behind them are as a stimulant laxative and for psoriasis. Aloe vera contains anthraquinones that when taken orally act as a cathartic. When used topically for psoriasis, 0.5% cream used three times daily for 4 weeks has been shown to significantly improve psoriatic plaques as compared to placebo.

As with all herbs or drugs, aloe vera health benefits must be weighed against the potential risks of use. Theoretically, overuse of oral aloe vera could interact with cardiac glycosides like digoxin, or diabetic medications that lower blood sugar. Concomittant use with licorice, horestail, wild cucumber fruit, blue flag rhizome, alder buckthorn, butternut bark, cascara, castor oil, colocynth fruit pulp, jalap root, black root, manna bark, podophyllum, rhubarb, senna, and yellow dock could lead to dangerously low potassium levels.

Always consult with a trusted healthcare professional before taking any new medication or herb.

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