established. Aloe gel can sting a bit when first applied to a wound, but the unpleasantness passes in 20 to 30 minutes. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, the gel is well-tolerated when taken orally.
Aloe vera juice requires much more caution and should not intentionally be ingested at all.
In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled that aloe laxatives in over-the-counter drug products are not safe and required that they be removed from the market or reformulated.
In general, it’s best to avoid any type of laxative unless a doctor recommends it, and you should not take any laxative that stimulates the colon for more than one or two weeks.
Be aware that aloe juice may interact in a hazardous way with diuretics, corticosteroids, laxatives, heart drugs known as cardiac glycosides, warfarin, and drugs taken to prevent arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat; it may also reduce the potency of other prescription drugs.
In addition, long-term use of aloe juice can result in severe diarrhea, potassium loss, muscle weakness, weight loss, kidney inflammation, heart disturbances, and blood in the urine.
How should I shop for aloe gel?
If you’re not getting your aloe directly from a freshly plucked leaf, it pays to be cautious. Some so-called aloe products contain very little of the plant material, and the aloe that is there might be a pale shadow of the fresh gel. Don’t buy products that offer “aloe vera extract” (that’s code for “extremely watered down”) or “reconstituted extract” (that means “far from fresh”). Look for a product that lists “aloe gel” high in its list of ingredients.
What are the typical dosages?
Aloe gel is applied to the skin 3 to 5 times daily as needed.