Aloe
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 22, 2021.
What are other common names?
- A. vera
- Aloe africana
- Aloe arborescens
- Aloe barbadensis
- Aloe ferox
- Aloe indica
- Aloe perryi
- Aloe vera
- Aloe vulgaris
- Aloe Capensis
- Aloe Gel
- Aloe Latex
- Aloe Leaf Gel
- Aloe Vera
- Aloe Vera Barbenoids
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Aloes
- Barbados
- Barbados Aloe
- Burn Plant
- Cape
- Cape Aloe
- Curacao
- Curacao Aloe
- Elephant's Gall
- Ghee-Kunwar
- Ghi-Kuvar
- Ghrita-Kumari
- Gvar Patha
- Hsiang-Dan
- Indian Aloe
- Jafarabad Aloe
- Kanya
- Kumari
- Lily of the Desert
- Lu-Hui
- Plant of Immortality
- Socotrine
- Zanzibar
What is this product used for?
Aloe comes in many forms. Most of the time people put aloe on their skin, but you can also take it by mouth. Aloe used on the skin may help heal minor wounds, burns, or skin abrasions. Some people use aloe on the skin to help reduce stretch marks. It may also help ease the pain if you use it on your skin with minor skin burns, like sunburn. Some people use aloe to treat signs of frostbite or skin conditions like psoriasis. Using an aloe juice mouthwash may help prevent plaque on teeth. Some people with blood sugar problems may take aloe to help control their blood sugar.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
Only use topical aloe products on your skin. Do not swallow them. They can cause loose stools and other problems if swallowed.
Do not take this product by mouth if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.
Do not take this product by mouth if you are breastfeeding.
This product should not be taken by mouth by older people with problems having a bowel movement or by children less than 12 years of age.
Take extra care if you are allergic to pollens or plants like ragweed, daisy, aster, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.
If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
Take extra care if taking this product by mouth and check with your doctor if you have:
Diabetes
Hard stools or constipation
Bowel disease
What should I watch for?
Rash
Skin redness
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
Signs of too much aloe in your body. These include bruising or bleeding that is not normal like blood in stools or vomit; weakness; weight loss; heart problems like uneven heartbeat; back or belly pain; low amount of urine or dark urine; or swelling of ankles, legs, and feet.
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