Aloe (Mediterranean Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Aloe Vera) |
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Aloe (Mediterranean Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Aloe
Vera)
BASIC INFORMATION
Biological name (genus and species):
Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe officinalis
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Leaves
Chemicals this herb contains:
Barbaloin (not present in Aloe vera)
Beta-barbaloin (purgative)
Socaloin
Resin (See Glossary)
Tannins (See Glossary)
KNOWN EFFECTS
Milky exudate (not dried preparations) from leaves helps reduce
inflammation and hasten recovery in first- and second-degree
burns.
Acts as cathartic, but whether this is beneficial or dangerous
depends on many factors.
Treats x-ray or radiation burns.
Interferes with absorption of iron and other minerals when
taken internally.
Miscellaneous information:
Not useful for clearing intestinal tract before surgery
because it only cleanses small intestine.
Is used as an ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives.
Is used as an ingredient in some cosmetics.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Applied to skin, it kills PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA a bacterium,
but probably does not promote healing.
Taken internally, treats amenorrhea (lack of menstrual
periods).
Is used as an aphrodisiac.
Causes breast development to progress more quickly.
Is applied to head to relieve headache.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Have ulcers.
Have small-bowel problems, such as regional enteritis.
Have ulcerative colitis.
Have diverticulosis or diverticulitis.
Have proctitis or hemorroids.
Consult your doctor if you:
Have any digestive disorder.
Intend to take internally.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
Problems in pregnant women or in breast-fed infants of
lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been
proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless
prescribed by your doctor.
Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal
preparation is hazardous.
Others:
Healing properties of aloe taken internally are still
tentative and need more study.
Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from
children.
Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.
TOXICITY
Generally regarded as safe when taken in appropriate
quantities for short periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See below.
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
| Signs and symptoms: |
What to do: |
| Abdominal cramps |
Discontinue. Call doctor when |
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convenient. |
| Bowel irritation |
Discontinue. Call doctor when |
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convenient. |
| Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| High dose: bloody diarrhea, |
Seek emergency treatment. |
| shock |
| Minor skin irritation (for |
Cleanse skin with clear |
| external applications) |
water. Do not apply aloe |
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again. |
| Nausea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Red urine |
Discontinue. Call doctor when |
|
convenient. |
| Urinary frequency, backache, |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
| pain on urination with long, |
immediately. |
| continued use |
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| Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
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