Aloe (Mediterranean Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Curacao Aloe, Aloe Vera)

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
	convenient.
Bowel irritation	Discontinue. Call doctor when
	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
	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
Vomiting	Discontinue. Call doctor
	immediately.