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.
Aloe Vera Oil
Posted by Earth Clinic (USA) on 07/12/2011
Hello Everyone,
Ted is writing a lot about Aloe Vera Oil lately, so we decided to do an internet search to see if it is available and where it's sold. Here is it on Amazon, selling for $6.45 a bottle: http://www.amazon.com/100-Pure-Aloe-Vera-Oil/dp/B000S6V8CU
According to 1 reviewer, "This is Aloe Vera Oil - Which by my understanding is a carrier vegetable oil in which mashed-up aloe Vera has been soaked. Then it's separated and you get Aloe Vera Oil. It comes in a flip-top squeeze bottle labeled "Pure Aloe Vera Oil."
If anyone on Earth Clinic has located additional sources, please post them in this thread! Thanks.
General Feedback
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 07/11/2011
Hi EC, I didn't post my question on the right page. It was meant to go on the page 'Questions for Ted'. Could you please tell me how to do this? Thanks
EC: It has now been posted to the Latest Questions page. That was my oversight! Thanks for understanding, Liza
General Feedback
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 06/27/2011
Hello, In one of Ted's remedies is aloe vera oil and I have been looking for it but all I can find is a 30 ml (1 oz) bottle but it is sunflower oil with safflower oil and aloe vera gel. So it is mostly oil and both oils are not even cold pressed. If someone knows what the real aloe vera oil is and where I can get it could you reply please? Thanks.
General Feedback
Posted by Nancy (Brighton, Mi) on 12/21/2010
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A BOTTLE OF ALOE VERA GEL AND APPLIED A SMALL AMOUNT TO MY FACE. WAS TOLD IT WAS GOOD FOR ANTI AGING. I LEFT IT ON TILL IT DRIED THEN WASHED OFF WITH WARM WATER. MY FACE BURNED, TURN RED AND STAYED THAT WAY FOR A HALF AN HOUR. HAS ANYBODY HAD THIS REACTION??
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.
Aloe Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Nebraska) on 09/27/2017
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.
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Jenny (Sydney, Australia) on 04/08/2012
Hi Ujosh. That sounds great and I haven't heard of using aloe Vera in that way. Thank you - are you able to give the details of how to make/take it on Earth Clinic? Many thanks in advance!
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Lisa (Atlanta, Ga) on 02/10/2010
I have some juice recipes for anyone interested in taking aloe vera internally. I buy stalks of it at Publix for $1.99. Go to utube and watch them peel it, if you're not sure about that, you will need 1 tbls. of aloe juice or gel for each serving of juice you make. And you have to have a juicer, its well worth the money.
2 carrots
2 green apples
1 orange (peeled)
put thru juicer, then add 1 tablespoon aloe juice and drink immediatly.
1 cup pineapple (don't peel it)
1 carrot
1 green apple
put thru juicer, then add tablespoon aloe juice and drink immediatly
1 small piece of ginger
2 carrots
2 pears
1/2 small papaya
put thru juicer, then add 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice, drink immediately.
1/4 small beet
2 large carrots
1 stalk celery
put thru juicer, add 1 tablespoon aloe vera juice, drink immediatly.
General Feedback
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 09/19/2009 490 posts
Hello to all who want to grow their own aloe vera plants (cactus),
In my area, which is close to the Southern Ky. border, they will not survive the winter outside. My brother who lives within a mile of the northern Alabama border planted the ones I gave him outside, found they died back during the winter, and unfortunately, did not come back up in the spring. So unless you live further south than we do, bring them in before the first killing frost, if you want to keep them growing year round.
Lactose Intolerance
Posted by Jean (Ajax, Canada) on 07/30/2008
★★★★★
I had a very bad case of lactose intolerance, I could not eat desserts, ice cream or milk without bad stomach cramps and major gas and bloating. I drank aloe vera juice either the inner filler or the whole leaf (stronger) and I have no more problems....funny thing is I tried the juice as a cleanser...and I was pleasantly surprised...Goodbye to LACTAID!!
Shingles
Posted by Susan (Sulphur, LA) on 04/28/2008
★★★★☆
April 24th, 2008 I came down with shingles again. This is something I have dealt with for the last 13 years. In the past I have tried antibiotics, cortisone, etc. anything that I thought would bring relief. I was at my mothers and she told me to try the gel from an aloe leaf. To my surprise it brought great relief. I have done this 2 or 3 times a day. She also told me that once the blisters burst to apply honey to complete the healing process. I fully intend to try this at that time. It has been wonderful to have relief from this awful disease.
Heartburn
Posted by Shalese (Syracuse, Utah) on 03/11/2007
★★★★★
i started taking aloe vera juice 1 week ago I had come to the end of my rope after being on aciphex for heartburn for 5 years. then being told to double up on my dose. that did not even work anymore I had such bad heartburn I thought I would never make it through the day. I called my doctor and he told me to come pick up samples for other meds. I decided I was sick of the meds. so I went to my local Health foods store looking for answers. They told me to take aloe vera juice about 2oz- 8oz a day. I didn't think it would work, but i was desperate. I took it that day and it did nothing! I still slept like crap that night. but the next day i took it. after the second time i took it my heartburn just went away. It hasn't returned for 1 week. I have not taken any meds whatsoever. but yet I feel gassy. But I still would rather have gas instead of heartburn any day.
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.
Tattoos
Posted by Cocoandrico (Kingston, Ny, Usa) on 09/12/2011
★★★★★
Tattooed skin can become scarred due to poor tattooing techniques or complications during the healing process. Using Aloe can reduce the severity of scars as well as the likelihood of infection and further skin damage. With regular use, the surface of the skin will become more even and better prepared for any touch-up work necessary.
Melasma
Posted by Sansash (Puerto De La Cruz, Tenerife) on 08/13/2011
★★★★★
Hi - I just wanted to share with you my 'cure' for melasma. My partner and I recently moved to Tenerife. I have very bad melasma on my upper lip and upper right arm. Since we moved here I have discovered the aloe vera leaf. I have been applying the gel from the leaf morning and night for the past week. The melasma on my upper lip has gone completely and the melasma on my upper arm has started to fade gradually and looks a 100% better than it did a week ago. I used to hide my arms but now I'm wearing short sleeved tops which I never, ever thought I'd wear again. You need the actual aloe vera leaf. Cut a slice off the leaf and slice it open to reveal the gel inside. Rub this on your melasma morning and night and it's really like a miracle the melasma fades gradually. I don't think aloe vera gel in a bottle will work alone as it's not pure aloe vera gel. The plant grows abundantly here on Tenerife but I'm told you can buy it in health food markets or online.. Good luck to you all.
General Feedback
Posted by Elizabeth (Nashville, Tn) on 12/22/2010
You may need to check the preservatives and other chemicals that have been added to the gel. That can cause skin irritation.
Yeast Infections
Posted by Rosie (La, Ca) on 02/20/2010
★★★★★
A quick cure for yeast infections is to cut off a piece of aloe vera, remove the skin and insert it like a tampon. It burns, so it is difficult to keep there. Just putting some of the aloe vera gel on, also helps. You will have immediate relief, but keep doing it for atleast 3 days to prevent recurrence.
Skin
Posted by Barbara (Mesa AZ) on 06/20/2021
Checking to see if you have notices any reduction of age spots by using aloe? Also, when you rubbed aloe on your one leg, how long did it take to notice smoothness and softness? Az sun and heat is sooo drying to the skin!!
Aloe Vera Tip
Posted by Janise (Los Angeles, Ca) on 09/23/2009
★★★★★
Some comments on Aloe Vera. As the first poster suggested using the fresh aloe leaf is best. Most all bottled aloe vera juices use Citric Acid to preserve it. This is acidic and could be counter productive to the aloe juice. To get away from this use fresh aloe leaf blended with water. I tried the bottled aloe for my stomach Gerd and reflux and it upset my stomach but the fresh aloe did not.
For women using aloe vera juice, I was told by Dr. Deepak Chopra in a consultation to not drink aloe during a women's menses or period. It can stop your cycle.
Aloe is best drunk after meals or on an empty stomach between meals or a quarter cup before bed.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Candice (Chandler, Az) on 01/11/2010
I am amazed at what I am reading about aloe vera, thank you everyone for posting! I just wanted to let everyone know that you can go to www.youtube.com and type in Aloe Vera in the search box and there are many videos showing how to cut it open, and other benefits. I noticed many people who kept asking how to cut it open and it is made simple by watching one of these videos. Good luck to everyone! I could not find any aloe vera leaves in my health food stores in the Phoenix area so I had to buy Whole Foods brand in a bottle. I will have to plant my own since I live in the desert! Have a healthy day!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sally (Miami, FL) on 07/29/2009
Hello everyone, I love Earthclinic! Thanks so much for keeping this going. My posting is regarding the questions about Diane's Aloe Remedy. I can't speak for Diane, but from I what I understand, the length of the Aloe leave indicates that it is an "adult", full grown, well-developed leave, she must use three inches pieces at the time and as far as keeping it, I noticed that, at the grocery store, the leaves are kept refrigerated (near the berries, salad bags, etc.), so at home I would keep them in the bottom most portion of the fridge. I hope this helps.
General Feedback
Posted by Sandy (Tampa, FL) on 02/11/2009
Hey! Just take the aloe vera leaf and you know cut off the spikes on the side and peel off the leaf and use the gel inside. Sometimes I leave some of the leaf. It's also beneficial for you. You can eat just raw aloe vera just like that. I have been using on my gums because they've been swollen and hurting or you can put it in a blender and just mix it with orange juice or whatever you'd like to mix it with. The aloe gel it self doesn't actually taste like anything so go ahead and just start using it :). You might want to start off with smaller doses because it does detox your body and depending on where you are it might cause nausea, etc.
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!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Cynthia (Rosemont, Sacramento) on 06/09/2009
you drink 21 oz daily? too much!
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.
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!
