Aloe vera; the gel and its juice can cause side effects such as skin allergies, diarrhea, constipation, dehydration, among many other problems. Aloe vera can also interact with different medications, which can cause a problem. To find out more sides effects, precautions, and dangers of using the different variations of aloe vera read on.
What is the aloe vera plant?
This plant that looks like a cactus grows in hot, dry environments. Aloe produces two compounds, latex, and gel, which are used as medicines. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like compound found in the inner part of the aloe plant leaf. Aloe latex comes from under the plant's skin and is yellow in color. Some products that contain both the latex and the gel is made from crushing the whole leaf.
How is aloe vera used?
Aloe products can be taken orally or applied topically. People take aloe gel by mouth for stomach ulcers, weight loss, asthma, diabetes, liver disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, osteoarthritis, radiation-related skin sores, fever, swelling and itching, and as a general tonic. HIV/AIDS patients take acemannan orally. This is a chemical in aloe.
Oral latex from aloe vera is taken as a laxative for constipation. It is likewise used for seizures, colds, asthma, bleeding, lack of a menstrual period, swelling of the colon, diabetes, anxiety, eye conditions that trigger loss of sight (glaucoma), several sclerosis, osteoarthritis, varicose veins, joint inflammation, hemorrhoids, and vision problems. Fresh aloe vera leaves can be taken orally for cancer.
The topically application of the aloe vera gel is to tackle acne, lichen planus, burning mouth, inflammation in the mouth, radiation-induced skin damage, oral plaque, diaper rash, frostbite, gum disease, bedsores, scabies, dandruff, injury healing, hemorrhoids and discomfort after surgery to eliminate internal hemorrhoids, osteoarthritis, inflammation, and as an antibacterial. Aloe extract and aloe gel are likewise applied to the skin for scaly and itchy skin, sunburns, dry skin, burns, and genital herpes. An extract can be used as an insect repellant when applied on the skin.
How does aloe vera work?
As discussed, aloe vera leaves produce the gel and latex, and these are the useful components. The gel is acquired from the cells in the center of the leaf, and the latex is obtained from the cells beneath the leaf skin. Aloe gel may trigger changes in the skin that may help diseases like psoriasis. Aloe seems to be able to speed injury recovery by enhancing blood circulation through the area and avoiding cell death around a wound. It likewise appears that aloe gel has properties that are hazardous to specific types of germs and fungi. Aloe latex works as a laxative.
Is Aloe Vera Safe To Drink?
Is it good to drink aloe vera juice every day?
Not actually. Taking aloe vera orally is understood to trigger major damage-- it can cause stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. Other negative reactions include muscle weak point, swelling in the throat, and in severe cases, even loss of vision. Other studies have actually demonstrated how ingesting aloe vera might harm internal organs. And taking in large quantities of aloe for extended durations can also lead to kidney failure.
Aloe Vera Juice Side Effects
What are the side effects of aloe vera juice?
Below are some of the known side effects of aloe vera juice
Aloe vera causes skin allergy
Prolonged usage of aloe gel can cause skin allergies like hives and extensive swelling. It can also trigger redness of the eyelids. Other impacts on the skin include its hardening, splitting, dryness, and the advancement of purple areas.
The gel can also trigger skin rashes or irritation. Studies suggest that the gel can decelerate the healing of surgical wounds. Facial application of aloe juice after a skin peel can likewise cause inflammation and burning. Doing so after direct sun exposure can lead to rashes. Your skin may get swollen too.
Using aloe latex on the skin can stain the skin yellow if improperly applied. Other studies show that the topical application of aloe vera can trigger a stinging feeling. In certain individuals, it can likewise trigger a moderate form of dermatitis.
Diarrhea and aloe vera
Consuming aloe vera latex can cause diarrhea. If you have an existing digestive condition, drinking aloe juice can also cause diarrhea. Oral use of aloe vera has actually been linked to diarrhea as well as throwing up. Aloe vera latex may trigger watery diarrhea, eventually causing electrolyte imbalance. It is highly recommended to avoid the oral consumption of aloe vera latex as it can lead to extreme intestinal cramps and diarrhea. Aloe vera might have a helpful impact on people experiencing ulcerative colitis, but it might likewise trigger diarrhea. The leaves of the aloe plant consist of slightly harmful substances, which can also trigger diarrhea. And so does the sap of the plant, when in large amounts.
Diabetes and aloe vera
The laxative effects of aloe vera may increase the chances of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance in diabetic people.
Lower blood sugar levels and aloe vera
This may be good news, in such a way. However, the problem develops with the fact that aloe vera juice can reduce blood sugar levels, which, in turn, can impact the performance of particular diabetes medications.
Constipation and aloe vera
There are some that believe that aloe vera is helpful when it comes to dealing with constipation, however, there is no evidence for this. In reality, according to the American Cancer Society, the sale of aloe vera items as a treatment option for constipation was prohibited due to lack of proper evidence. Research shows that the latex or aloe juice can cause unpleasant stomach cramping which may potentially cause constipation due to its effective laxative properties.
Dehydration and aloe vera
The laxative effects of aloe vera can likewise lead to dehydration. One report advises against making use of aloe vera in clients suffering from serious dehydration.
Aloe vera cause electrolyte imbalance
It is known that electrolyte imbalance can be caused by aloe vera. More so in individuals who are currently experiencing diarrhea. This can also cause low potassium levels. Studies say that it is the laxative property of aloe vera that causes electrolyte imbalance. Aloe vera should be used meticulously in people who already are on medication that increases potassium excretion.
Aloe vera can lead to irregular heartbeat
According to a Nigerian study, utilizing aloe vera can increase the danger of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
Liver toxicity and aloe vera
High-dose ingestion of aloe vera, according to studies, can lead to liver swelling. The bioactive compounds in aloe vera may disrupt the liver's detoxing process, thus causing issues in delicate individuals. According to some research, aloe vera can trigger hepatotoxicity. Another study discusses liver damage that is related to aloe vera consumption.
Aloe vera can lead to kidney failure
Aloe vera can combine with certain medications and exacerbate a few conditions, with kidney illness being one of them. Additional research recommends that aloe vera juice can, in many cases, cause major kidney injury that may even result in death. Thus, people experiencing any kidney problem need to avoid consuming aloe vera.
Aloe vera can cause muscle weakness
Consuming aloe latex can likewise trigger weaknesses on the muscles. One Chinese study states muscle weakness as one of the typical adverse effects of aloe vera supplements.
Aloe vera can cause thyroid dysfunction
Aloe vera may block the absorption of thyroid medication, therefore triggering the signs to exacerbate. Intake of aloe supplements has been connected to thyroid problems.
Aloe vera can cause stomach discomfort
Though aloe vera can help relieve stomach bloating, it might trigger stomach cramps in many cases. The latex can likewise trigger vomiting if consumed.
Aloe Vera Juice During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Topical use of aloe vera throughout pregnancy or breastfeeding might not be as harmful, but internal usage is not advised. Based on a theory, aloe vera can stimulate uterine contractions and cause issues. Likewise, we do not understand if aloe vera would be excreted in breast milk. Hence, avoiding internal usage is for the best. Intake of aloe vera juice is likewise not recommended.
Aloe Vera Interactions
Does Aloe Vera Juice Interact With Supplements?
As aloe vera might decrease blood sugar level, care is suggested while taking medications that lower blood sugar. Aloe vera might likewise communicate with agents for cancer, heart, brain, intestinal tracts, liver, and stomach. It can engage with substances that increase urination or potassium excretion. It can also interact with hormone agents, antifungals, anesthetics, thyroid hormonal agents, and wound healing agents. It can likewise interfere with supplements associated with all of the conditions stated above.
Significant Aloe Vera Interaction- Avoid this combination
Aloe vera with digoxin (Lanoxin)
When consumed orally aloe latex is a kind of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can reduce potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the danger of side effects of digoxin.
Moderate Interaction- Beware of this combination
Aloe vera with diabetes medicines
Aloe gel might reduce blood glucose. This is what the typical diabetes medicines do. Taking aloe gel in plus diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. The dosage of your diabetes medication might need to be altered.
Some medications utilized for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Aloe vera with oral medications
As discussed, aloe vera taken orally is a laxative. Laxatives can reduce just how much medicine your body absorbs. Taking aloe latex in addition to medications you take by mouth might decrease the effectiveness of your medication.
Aloe vera with stimulant laxatives
When taken orally aloe latex is a kind of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives accelerate the bowels. Taking other stimulant laxatives with aloe latex could accelerate the bowels too much and trigger dehydration and low minerals in the body. Examples of stimulant laxatives include castor oil (Purge), bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), senna (Senokot), and cascara.
Aloe vera with Sevoflurane (Ultane)
Aloe might decrease the clotting of the blood. Sevoflurane is utilized as an anesthesia during surgical treatment. It also reduces the clotting of the blood. Taking aloe before surgical treatment may cause increased bleeding during the surgery. Avoid aloe vera consumption if you are having surgical treatment within two weeks.
Aloe with Water tablets (Diuretic drugs)
Some laxatives can reduce potassium in the body. "Water pills" can likewise decrease potassium in the body. Taking aloe latex along with "water pills" may reduce potassium in the body excessively. Some "water tablets" that can decrease potassium include chlorthalidone (Thalitone), chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), furosemide (Lasix), and others.
Aloe vera with Warfarin (Coumadin)
When taken orally, aloe latex is a kind of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives accelerate the bowels and can cause diarrhea in some individuals. Diarrhea makes the effects of warfarin more pronounced thereby increasing the danger of bleeding. Avoid high amounts of aloe latex if you take warfarin.
Warnings and Preventative Measures
Don't take aloe vera if you have intestinal conditions, piles, diabetes, and kidney issues. Likewise, stay away from aloe if you are allergic to onions tulips or garlic. Though stunning, it is something we should accept. Aloe could be healthy, however keeping in mind its side effects is the only way to make the most out of this precious plant.
Conclusion on the side effects of aloe vera
Aloe vera is a multipurpose natural remedy. It is very efficient in tackling a lot of skin related conditions. The plant is very easy to grow, maintain, and harvest. For this reason, it is very popular in our homes. However, it might not be good for everyone. There are circumstance where the plant can have adverse effects when used, especially when taken orally. Moreover, if you are under some medications aloe vera might interact with it. Pregnant women and people with certain conditions, such as diabetes should also take caution. Before using aloe vera, consult with your doctor on the possible risks and side effects.
