Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant renowned for treating sunburns, skin injuries, and healing wounds. The plant has been used for thousands of years to heal and soften the skin. Since no food contains aloe vera as an ingredient, aloe vera is ingested as a supplement or in gel form. Understanding that some forms of aloe vera are safer than others is crucial. Therefore, chronic use of aloe vera is discouraged because it can cause serious side effects.

Aloe Vera Uses

• Heartburn relief
• Mouthwash alternative
• Lowering blood sugar level
• Natural laxative
• Accelerates wound healing
• Reduces dental plaque
• Reduces constipation
• Improve the skin and prevent wrinkles. Aloe vera treats acne, psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, and skin abrasions.

Side Effects of Aloe Vera

It is essential to talk to your doctor before using aloe vera. Typically, chronic use of aloe vera is risky, and researchers highly discourage it. Here are some of the side effects of using aloe vera:

• The topical application of aloe vera can cause skin irritation.
• Oral aloe can cause cramping and diarrhea because it has a laxative effect. Oral use of aloe vera can cause electrolyte imbalance, especially in people who ingest aloe vera regularly, i.e., for more than a few days. Sometimes, oral aloe can stain the colon, making it hard for the doctors to have a good look at the colony during a colonoscopy examination. Therefore, avoid ingesting aloe vera for at least a month before having a colonoscopy. To avoid irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, aloe gel for oral or topical use should not contain aloin. Aloin is an extract of aloe vera

Contraindications Related to Aloe Vera

• Breastfeeding women – if you are breastfeeding, avoid taking aloe-containing aloin. Aloin can cause colic in infants.
• Pregnant women – taking aloe could lead to contractions of the uterus leading to spontaneous abortion of the fetus, especially during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
• People who have undergone an organ transplant.
• People who ingest anticoagulants – aloe vera contains Vitamin K, which could interfere with the work of anticoagulants in the body.
• People with stomach ulcers or colon disease.

Other risks to consider:

• Do not apply topical aloe if you have severe burns or deep cuts.
• If you are allergic to tulips, garlic or onions, avoid using aloe vera because there is a high chance you are allergic to aloe too.
• Avoid taking high doses of aloe.
• Avoid taking oral aloe if you have any intestinal problems, electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, kidney problems, or heart disease.

Origins of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera originated in the Arabian Peninsula.