The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Heartburn, Excessive Burping
Posted by Donna (MA) on 11/01/2020
★★★★★
I have been suffering from excessive burping and awful heartburn at night. I decided to try aloe vera juice and after the first 2oz dose I felt better. I took it 3xs yesterday, once before bed and finally a night with no burping and heartburn. I will continue for a few days and see where I'm at.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Posted by Ros (United States) on 03/18/2020
★★★★★
I have used stabilized organic Aloe Vera powder for many years and believe it is the best IMMUNE support available. During these uncertain times I have doubled my dose to 2 tsp. daily. I used to have Upper Respiratory Infections (URI) every winter and since taking the Aloe I have only been ill 3 days in 18 years - usually when I ran out of product. I was recently able to persuade the laboratory who grow and process the Aloe to allow me to buy directly from them, so I am grateful to be able to help others with compromised immune systems. Roz
Aloe Vera Side Effects
Posted by Lyn (Ohio) on 09/04/2018
@Sara: That makes no sense because aloe vera supplies potassium along with other important minerals (calcium copper selenium chromium manganese magnesium sodium and zinc) that are essential for proper functioning of various enzyme systems in different metabolic pathways as per Dr. Josh Axe.
Skin
Posted by Susan Cunningham (Ma) on 09/02/2018
Aloe is not bitter if you get the green off. The gel inside is clean tasting. If you cut off the side edges and then since down the peel and scoop out the gel with a spoon. As long as you get all of the green out there should be no bitterness. I put the gel in a blender with a little h2o to blend, then add more, I put the outer leaves in the fridge and use them to wipe over my face after I wash then throw away. Nothing is wasted. I live in New England and grow the Aloe inside in pots, I put the pots out in the summer. You don't need a big pot as the Aloe has a rizome root system. I have put my large Aloe in the cellar in the winter and in the spring there are new babies.
Aloe Vera Oil
Posted by Shay (Cape Town, S Africa) on 08/02/2018
Oh interesting, Yogananna. Especially as I'm the perfect guinea pig for everything as a hypersensitive. I've been using Aloe Ferox/ aka Bitter Aloe (supposedly 20x more potent all around than the Vera variety) on and off for a couple of years. As often as I can harvest it and blend in our summer as a sunblock and ingest it also. Never once have I had anything but soothed and calmed facial skin and I apply 2/3 times. I harvest big and small leaves, from the bottom and top of the stem.
Aloe Vera Oil
Posted by Yogananna (France) on 02/13/2018
Just wanted to remind/inform that OLD Aloe leaves can be very bad for sensitive skin. If you break open an old leave and smear you skin with it you're in big trouble if you have sensitive skin. It happened to my daughter. Raised red itchy everywhere the aloe touched. I believe the lavender oil we put as soon as she noticed it helped a lot to clam it down. Just make sure you use young leaves.
Aloe Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Nebraska) on 09/27/2017
Aloe Side Effects
Posted by Roma (New York) on 09/26/2017
I was reading all these wonderful remedies using the aloe leaf but I must caution you on other effects. I would use a sliver of the leaf in my smoothie but a blood lab result showed that my hemoglobin levels lowered. Some people don't mind that happening but I did. It can act as a blood thinner. I abstained for a few weeks and took another blood test and my levels increased. Proving my point.
General Feedback
Posted by Nicola (Walsall Uk) on 03/11/2017
It looks to me as the aloe you had was from the outer leaf which is a laxative for drinking and taking internally you should only be having the pure gel which is the pulp inside the leaf.
We have a product which is 96% pure aloe inner leaf. Anything over 18% can be known as gel anything content below this can only be retailed as a juice and there is a lot on the market that states aloe but has very little goodness in it.
Hope this helps
Kind regards,
Nicola Khadhraoui
Yeast Infections
Posted by Loulou (Warwick, Ny) on 10/11/2016
Aloe Vera should be soaked for about 15 minutes before using. I saw this on Youtube and several other sites. You cut the pieces, soak them in water then proceed to cut it and extract the inner gelatinous section.
Supposedly there is a layer of protective ''latex'' between the outer skin and gel. When you cut aloe this latex seeps out and works to protect the exposed aloe gel. It can cause problems with digestion or irritation to the skin. Soaking it in water after cutting it in sections will allow the latex to seep out and then you rinse the pieces, discarding the water.
This is the same for many foods we consume like rice, legumes and oatmeal.... They have a ''poison'' as a way to protect themselves from insects and one needs to soak them, rinse it out and then cook it before consuming.
Nail Fungus
Posted by Steffy77 (Washington Dc) on 05/19/2015
★★★★★
I had nail fungus after manicure, which would not heal for more than 3 months. My sister recommended fresh aloe vera juice to apply, which I did twice a day and it has healed 90 percent. It is an amazing herb, use for any problems and you must also take fresh juice on empty stomach. It is a guaranteed cure. It is also helpful for brown spots or pigmentation on your face. Just rub the pulp on affected areas morning and night for 3 minutes and go to sleep with it. You will find improvement in few days.
How to Use Aloe Vera
Posted by Jenn (Coborra, Australia) on 01/04/2015
★★★★★
Aloe vera, the plant would be good for healing.
Because the sap stains clothing permanently, it may be wise to wear old daggy clothes, when doing this process...so cut with a sharp knife, a leaf or a piece of same depending on the size of the leaf, about 6 inches, and put in a cup of cool water.... With this same knife, take leaf out and cut off the spines along the edge and discard it and the water which may have a brownish tinge. Rinse knife and cut open the leaf to reveal the white inner gel. Now this gel, although extremely bitter, can be taken internally for those die-hards out there, and will help with digestive and constipation problems and can assist if taken on a regular basis with internal cleansing and inner healing.
But, for healing of skin it's wonderful.
If using for this purpose, scrape as much of the inner leaf out as possible, put into clean drinking water in a cup ( preferably not tap water due to the chemicals) and discard the leaf afterwards. You may find it easier to put a small piece onto your scars and cover with a piece of clean cotton material or bandage, or a wide band-aid . You can change it as often as you like but try and leave it on for at least 2 days at a time, to allow it to heal. Try and use the Aloe vera gel in water within 5 days and make a fresh batch. After you have made it a couple of times all these instructions will seem like nothing, you'll just whizz through it because it is so easy to do.
Long term healing is possible if taking a good quality calcium, zinc supplement with possibly magnesium , silica, biotin or brewers yeast..some or all, as these help to renew your skin.
There is Aloe vera juice available in many places and is marketed as 99.92% pure and if you do not have access to the actual plant then this would be acceptable but it does generally have Potassium Sorbate or Sodium Benzoate as a preservative, which are necessary to stabilise the Aloe vera to market it to the public, otherwise it would go 'off' but is used only in very small quantities.
Fresh is best but if it is not available then the inner leaf juice available commercially can be used.
If using the commercial juice, soak clean cotton strips ( an old sheet, not flannelette will do) in the juice , wring out slightly and either use straight away or hang to dry and use as a medicated dressing. Sorry about this long answer! This can also be used for burns and general skin healing.
Hope this will be of assistance.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Posted by Jnell (Bc) on 06/05/2014
★★★★★
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome is a "chronic" condition in women that is caused by varicose veins in your lower abdomen. Like the varicose veins some people get in their legs, blood pools and creates pressure, forcing the veins to bulge, causing a great deal of pain.
It has been 2 1/2 years since I was diagnosed with this AND Aloe Vera has I believe totally healed me!
Aloe Vera Oil
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 04/17/2014 392 posts
There IS aloe vera oil. It is found in Australia suppliers and Texas where they make aloe vera oil. My friend also sells aloe vera oil here in Thailand. No oils is mixed in, only aloe oil. Ted
Aloe Vera Oil
Posted by Grannyof2 (Texas, Usa) on 04/16/2014
This message is for Ted: Searching the internet, the only aloe vera oil I have found is aloe vera gel mixed with different oils like almond oil or safflour oil. I haven't found a way to extract oil from the aloe vera plant. I grow aloe vera and would rather make my own aloe vera oil, but I don't know which oil to use. Ted, can you please clear up which oil to mix with the aloe vera gel to get the aloe vera oil you recommend? Or a source for the aloe vera oil? Thank you.
General Feedback
Posted by Jo (Abq, Nm) on 04/11/2014
★★★★★
High in the mtns of NM, I can't grow Aloe outside, but keep great pots of it inside. Have to throw it on the compost, it multiplies so fast.
Aloe Vera Side Effects
Posted by Bachcole (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 04/01/2014
Where did you hear this about potassium?
Gum Issues
Posted by Sonal (Charlotte Nc) on 09/13/2013
★★★★★
Want to share my experience with aloe vera. My gum was hurting from eating too much sweets and nothing was helping. I tried oil pulling with sesame oil, mustard oil, turmeric powder, salt but all in vain. Finally I tried aloe vera and it helped and was healed in a day. Have a aloe vera plant so I took tbsp of gel from leaf and mixed it with water. Did some gargles/squished around mouth with this water and voila gum is not hurting.
Aloe Vera Side Effects
Posted by Sara (Sacramento, Ca) on 06/29/2013
You cannot take Aloe Vera for a longer period of time because your body will be depleted of Potassium.
Aloe Vera Side Effects
Posted by Sunny (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 06/29/2013
Does Aloe Vera have any negative side effects?
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Posted by Sunny (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 06/29/2013
Can you tell us more about Pelvic Congestion Syndrome and what other symptoms did you have besides the stomach pain? Thanks!
Varieties of Medicinal Aloe Plants
Posted by Jolole (Beaconsfield, Tasmania, Australia) on 06/26/2013
I have spend many hours researching how to use aloe vera to support my health and in particular during cleansing periods. I am an organic home gardener and have some mature aloe plants in the garden. Also have my own limes and lemons. I was about to introduce a regular aloe vera smoothy in my diet, when I came across the warning by Fountainflower on 03/26/2010. Thank you Fountainflower, your feedback came absolutely at the right time for me. Having seen a chinese health practitioner a couple of years ago, I am aware that I too suffer from lack of digestive fire and the inability to digest my food properly. I still intend using aloe vera to help me clease but no longer than a week and will monitor progress carefully. Other people have also mentioned that aloe vera is not the only medicinal aloe. Aloe Ferox and Aloe Aborescens are just as good sources, whilst also beautiful ornamental flowering plants. The three varieties have nutrients in common but also have differences and worthwhile to do some research on this. To my delight I discoverd that I even had a big aborescens x ferox aloe in the garden and never knew its medicinal value. Blessings of good health and wellbeing to all.
Aloe Vera Preparation and Recipe
Posted by Franko (Perth/mindarie, W/australia) on 06/21/2013
Franko again! Do not be afraid to experiment. I never ever follow anything blindly any longer. Things have to be adjusted to YOU! . Your body/organism communicates with you, so listen to it. When you try anything with Aloe Vera, first try it only simple! - like 1 stick of (I use a large/old) Aloe Vera, 1 banana, some lemon juice, (maybe half of a lemon), and a tbs of honey. It adds up to around 1/2 litres of drink. I drink it all at once. My wife drinks only a small glassful. And finally the benefits: Makes me feel full of energy. There are lots of necessary/beneficial minerals in Aloe, just like in Lemon, Dandelion, Asparagus, other herbs you can add, you may experiment with. Cleanes my digestive system out! Although I didn't check, but my bloodpressure isn't bothering me any longer. I was diagnosed with chronic gastritis, suffering from heart burning, (all this as the consequences of the drugs/medications I was given, never even slightly improving whatever it was given for, but causing a truckload of other complications), dissappeared, or eased up to a level that I live a pretty normal life. My body totally rejects even the simpliest medications. In contrast to my problems caused by medications, I do tolerate all the above mentioned, in spite of the bitter taste etc. I am also a huge believer/user of Kefir. (See my comments on Kefir). You can become "with an ease" your own very best DOCTOR, as long as you are willing/learn to listen to the needs of your body, and not to someone whose existence dippends on you being sick/treated and never ever cured. The less Doctors you see the less problems you have. The only time my grandma was seen by a Doctor, when she died in the arms of my grandfather. The only person who could give him a Death Certificate was the Doctor. My grandma always managed to cure/treat herself with simple herbs, home remedies she made at home. She had no medical training or education of any kind. Used only her simple/pure logic/honesty in approaching anything in life. Always worked!
Aloe Vera Preparation and Recipe
Posted by Franko (Perth, Mindarie, W. Australia) on 06/14/2013
Like I said I grow my own Aloe Vera, it is as organic as possible. I just can't go wrong in there. On the other hand I've noticed, if I use/add other goodies from unreliable sources my body indicates/protests nearly immediately. The same applies if I eat something good, with healing qualities, my body indicates/communicates "keep doing it, I love it". Therefore keep communicate/listen to your body/organism. It is the very best indicator, your best advisor. No Doctor can beat that communication/advise. Unlike medications herbal/home remedies act pretty much immediately, and unlike medicatios/drugs have no or minimal side effects. Probably the biggest problem with the common use of everyday medications is the fact that they damage your bodies/organisms capacity to warn/communicate/indicate you are on the wrong path. In conclusion try to selfeducate yourself and use herbs, home remedies wherever and whenever possible. It might be time consuming, but extremely rewarding. "Its about your health! " Just about anything could be grown in your garden or in a pot. Good luck, Franko from Perth
Aloe Vera Preparation and Recipe
Posted by Frank (Perth and Mindarie, W. Australia) on 06/07/2013
I am a big believer, use Aloe Vera for years already, and do not understand why would anyone use/trust any Aloe product, when it is so easily available in its God created natural form? One can easily grow it in the garden, or in pots. It multiplies endlessly. Every year at least double the amount you've planted. I do one 4 to 6 weeks course 2x a year. To increase its benefits and to prevent/heal other problems I have, I use it in the following manner:
I take one stick of Aloe, wash it, gently cut the thorns off and slice it into the blender. Add 1 washed sliced lemon (all included), add 4 sticks of asparagus, 10 flowers of Dandelion, 1 banana and a tbs of honey, (for taste). If you find it too strong, you can thin it up with water or milk. I use it first thing in the morning, my wife after a meal. It is our most important home remedy.
To keep it interesting please spend a few minutes and search the healing effects of Aloe Vera, Dandelion flowers plus roots (it grows wild in any part of the world), Asparagus. Like I mentioned banana and honey I add mainly for better taste. It has a bitter taste, but remember! Anything good in life tastes bitter.
General Feedback
Posted by Charlotte (Kenmore, Wa) on 04/26/2013
The dose makes the poison. You shouldn't exceed the recommended daily dose of aloe vera juice (about 1/4 cup) if you don't want to experience any side effects. When you drink it with caution, it can bring many health benefits, but if you stick to the recommended dose and still experience the side effects, probably it's better to stop taking it.
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Posted by Jnell (Lumby, Bc, Canada) on 04/04/2013
★★★★★
Aloe Vera for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: I'll try and keep this short but to the point. Back in November of 2011 I was hospitalized for severe abdominal pain that radiated down my legs, after then going in and out of the hospital and several clinics for tests to be run including blood work, urine analysis ultra sounds and a CT scan, and then finally seeing a specialist I was diagnosed with Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. I was given a prescription (which I never filled! ) for dilaudid and told that I would need to have a hysterectomy in order to "possibly" relieve my symptoms .. I was not yet even 30! I did a bunch of research and decided to try taking Aloe internally, I started at the beginning of February 2012 and by the end of the month my pain was gone!!! I have since kept taking the Aloe in hopes that not only will my pain be gone but that I might actually CURE myself of this... I have heard that long term use of Aloe will in fact cure it :) I take 2 oz 3x per day, it tastes nasty but it works like a charm.
Long Term Use of Aloe Vera
Posted by Roma739 (Mamaroneck , New York ) on 03/27/2013
After abstaining from aloe leaf for a few weeks my blood test results improved. The platelets increased to 169 which indicated that one has to be aware that one remedy can cause another issue. The aloe did help with my lactose intolerance and increased my energy. Since the leaf is much stronger than other bottled forms, I know to limit my intake per week and be mindful that ginger, vitamin E and omega 3 thin the blood. So if you are on blood thinners or anemic be mindful. My doctor was intrigued by the aloe vera and told me that double digit platelet results are more dangerous than my results. However I think it's important to monitor your health.
Long Term Use of Aloe Vera
Posted by Roma739 (Mamaroneck, New York ) on 03/12/2013
Warning about taking aloe vera for a long period of time. I took it with my smoothie for about 5 months after much research on Lactose Intolerant issue. It worked, but after my blood test I discovered that my blood platelets decreased from 185 to 144. Puzzled, I further researched and came upon research lab results on aloe usage after 30 days culminating in sharper decrease in platelets than vitamin E usage and ginger.
Immediately I stopped using aloe and tried to deal with this issue. I intend to take another blood test soon hoping that the absence of aloe will regenerate my platlets.
Where to Buy
Posted by David (Anchorage, Ak, Usa) on 02/15/2013
If you want the least expensive option other than the fresh plant take a look at 200x aloe powder. There are companies that offer dehydrated 200x organic aloe powder that can be reconstituted. I suggest sourcing aloe from Australia and not China or Mexico (the 3 big producers). You must use the reconstituted aloe within 20 minutes or it will begin to ferment. So add your preservative or consume/apply immediately.
General Feedback
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky) on 10/26/2012 2048 posts
Good news, one can grow many of the common medicinal herbs for personal use OR can order the herb in "raw" or "bulk" form as it is not a controlled substance. The diet herb Ephedra Senica got pulled from the market as an ingredient for energy and weight loss. Manufacturers cannot add this herb to products but it isn't a controlled substance (not illegal) so one can buy the raw herb. As a side note the herb Bitter Orange (isn't "banned") is very similar to Ephedra Senica as it contains the alkaloid Synephrine slightly less harmful than the Ephedrine in E.S. For those of you out there not getting the necessary boost from caffeine products, add a little Bitter Orange and you will feel the difference (and lose weight).
General Feedback
Posted by Wayout (Motown, Ca/ Usa) on 10/25/2012
Aloe vera is an incredible plant. It has not often been processed carefully enough to retain its full healing elements. It is now being discovered to have a critical role in the diet, a previously unrecognized "neccesary nutrient" status. As such, it is being branded a "Nutraceutical, " which could too easily become,
food that needs a prescription.
Real aloe vera with the mannose molecules still intact, gathered and dried right, can then tell the body when to stop inflammation, and blocks or connects proteins to cells, thus modulating against auto-immune (self-fighting) conditions. And most conditions are being found to be such, as inflammation is the root of disease. This could literally prevent and heal many diseases, which is why it is becoming the "point man" for the battle to control the health of mankind. And unfortunately, I suspect there are some, who simply do not want to see everyone be well, but would rather make profits.
And a quote:
"Mannose molecules are components of the surface membranes of cells and are responsible for essential complex biochemical activities of cell life."
--T.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Yvonne (Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico) on 08/28/2012
★★★★★
I can vouch for the aloe lemon drink. I discovered that when I start my day (best to do it first thing for highest potency and absorbability) with a fresh aloe vera leaf blended in a glass of water with a lemon or two, I lose weight without changing anything else.
I did this for about four months and had lost 6 pounds, when I went for my yearly dental exam. My gums had been receding for years, and I could always count on a scolding for not taking care of my teeth (which was not accurate). This time, not only did I have no cavities and no further gum disease, but the dentist congratulated me for doing such a great job of my oral hygiene! Ha!
I have read it is best to pick the aloe fresh each morning before the sun comes up (it has higher nutritients at that time), so I now grow my own aloe plants organically, rise early, and drink my fresh aloe and fresh lemon before eating anything else. I have also discovered it lowers both my blood sugar and blood pressure, both of which were beginning to concern me. Blessings.
General Feedback
Posted by Shannon (San Antonio, Tx) on 08/11/2012
Hi, To answer the question on how to make aloe Vera juice, here's my method. I cut about five thick arms of the aloe plant from the very bottom of the plant. I then peel off the skin with a sharp knife and place the gel in a flat container. Once I get all the gel I possibly can, I spread it out on the container and freeze it. Once frozen hard I bring it out and thaw it. Once it thaws, it'll be pure liquid and not gel anymore. Then I strain it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for longevity. You don't have to strain it if you don't mind the little fibers. This is the way I make aloe juice in its purest form. Hope this helps anyone!
General Feedback
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/19/2012
True. Many popular brands, big companies, etc put alcohol or other stabilizer in their aloe vera gels so they will be quick-drying. Beware of that on the ingredients label.
