Aloe Uses, Benefits & Side Effects - Drugs.com Herbal Database

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# Aloe

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 22, 2022.

## What are other common names?

- A. vera
- Aloe africana
- Aloe arborescens
- Aloe barbadensis
- Aloe ferox
- Aloe indica
- Aloe perryi
- Aloe vera
- Aloe vulgaris
- Aloe Capensis
- Aloe Gel
- Aloe Latex
- Aloe Leaf Gel
- Aloe Vera
- Aloe Vera Barbenoids
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Aloes
- Barbados
- Barbados Aloe
- Burn Plant
- Cape
- Cape Aloe
- Curacao
- Curacao Aloe
- Elephant's Gall
- Ghee-Kunwar
- Ghi-Kuvar
- Ghrita-Kumari
- Gvar Patha
- Hsiang-Dan
- Indian Aloe
- Jafarabad Aloe
- Kanya
- Kumari
- Lily of the Desert
- Lu-Hui
- Plant of Immortality
- Socotrine
- Zanzibar

## What is this product used for?

Aloe comes in many forms. Most of the time people put aloe on their skin, but you can also take it by mouth. Aloe used on the skin may help heal minor wounds, burns, or skin abrasions. Some people use aloe on the skin to help reduce stretch marks. It may also help ease the pain if you use it on your skin with minor skin burns, like sunburn. Some people use aloe to treat signs of frostbite or skin conditions like psoriasis. Using an aloe juice mouthwash may help prevent plaque on teeth. Some people with blood sugar problems may take aloe to help control their blood sugar.

## What are the precautions when taking this product?

- Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

- Only use topical aloe products on your skin. Do not swallow them. They can cause loose stools and other problems if swallowed.

- Do not take this product by mouth if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

- Do not take this product by mouth if you are breastfeeding.

- This product should not be taken by mouth by older people with problems having a bowel movement or by children less than 12 years of age.

- Take extra care if you are allergic to pollens or plants like ragweed, daisy, aster, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.

- If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

- Take extra care if taking this product by mouth and check with your doctor if you have:

  - Diabetes

  - Hard stools or constipation

  - Bowel disease

## What should I watch for?

- Rash

- Skin redness

## When do I need to call the doctor?

- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

- Signs of too much aloe in your body. These include bruising or bleeding that is not normal like blood in stools or vomit; weakness; weight loss; heart problems like uneven heartbeat; back or belly pain; low amount of urine or dark urine; or swelling of ankles, legs, and feet.

- Your skin problem is not getting better or is getting worse

## Where can I learn more?

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Integrative Health

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/aloevera

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/aloe/index.cfm

## Last Reviewed Date

2021-03-22

## Consumer information use

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

## Copyright

Copyright © 2022 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

## More about aloe vera topical

- Reviews (1)
- Side effects
- Drug class: herbal products
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Drug Information

#### Other brands

OraMagic Rx

### Professional resources

- Advanced Reading

### Related treatment guides

- Skin and Structure Infection
- Sunburn
- Angular Cheilitis
- Burns, External
- Eczema
- Psoriasis

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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