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Aloe Vera

Posting Date: 06/10/2002

In animal studies, injected aloe gel improved circulation and sped wound healing. Both injection and topical application were shown independently to reduce inflammation in animals. Aloe gel blocks bradykinin, which may be how it alleviates pain.

Latex: Aloe latex is a powerful laxative that irritates the intestine. We do not recommend using this product.

Dose

Gel: For external application, a little dab from a broken leaf will do you.

Special Precautions

Latex:

Pregnant women must avoid aloe latex; use has been known to trigger abortion or premature birth.
Nursing mothers should take this laxative only under medical supervision.
Children must not take aloe latex.
Women who are menstruating should not use aloe latex, as it may increase blood flow.
Aloe latex may be very dangerous when there is an intestinal blockage and must be avoided in such cases.
Aloe latex is not appropriate for people with intestinal inflammation such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, and it should not be taken by people with inflamed hemorrhoids.
People with kidney problems should avoid aloe latex.

Adverse Effects

Latex: The most serious difficulties encountered with aloe latex occur at higher than recommended doses or when used for more than a few days.

This laxative herb causes the loss of potassium and other minerals, which over time can result in a loss of muscle tone of the intestine and diminished effectiveness. Frequent use may cause irreversible damage.

Large doses of aloe have caused bloody diarrhea, kidney damage, and even death.

The urine may take on a reddish color after taking aloe latex. This color is harmless; however, with the possibility of kidney damage from large doses or prolonged use, any persistent color in the urine may call for medical diagnosis.

Possible Interactions

Low potassium levels can be dangerous in a person taking a heart drug like Lanoxin.