Aloe vera has a long history of use as a medicinal plant, with written records of its use going back to 1750 BC. Today it is grown in most subtropical and tropical locations, including the Caribbean, southern United States, Latin America, and the Middle East. Many people also grow a small potted version indoors for use in healing minor burns and cuts.

Aloe gel can be used to heal both internal and external wounds. It greatly speeds the healing of many skin injuries, including ulcerations, burns, and frostbite. Aloe latex is a powerful laxative, but because it can cause painful cramping, it is not used frequently. Other gentler herbal laxatives such as cascara and senna are recommended first.

In smaller doses, aloe latex can help prevent kidney stones or reduce their size. It is also useful as a stool softener, particularly in people who have painful hemorrhoids.

Aloe juice is a liquid form of aloe gel that you can take internally. Because it has antibacterial properties, aloe juice can be used to treat bacterial infections in the gastro-intestinal tract. It is also effective for healing peptic ulcers because it reduces the stomach acids that aggravate ulcers.

Aloe vera is a perennial plant with yellow flowers. Its tough, fleshy, spearlike leaves can grow up to 20 inches long, and the whole plant up to 4 feet high. Only the leaves are used for medicine, but different parts of the leaves are used for different purposes. The clear, thick gel that is most commonly associated with aloe vera comes from the inner part of the leaf. Between this gel and the outer skin of the leaf are some special cells that contain a bitter yellow juice. When this juice is dried, it forms aloe latex.

Aloe gel contains glycoproteins, protein-carbohydrate compounds that speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation, and polysaccharides, types of carbohydrates that stimulate skin growth and repair. The anthraquinones in aloe latex are chemical compounds that work as powerful laxatives, and in smaller amounts, they can help stop kidney stone formation.

Aloe gel is best fresh from an aloe plant, but it is also available commercially in a stabilized gel form. Aloe latex is available in a powdered form or in 500 mg capsules for use as a laxative. Aloe juice is a liquid form of the gel.

Many people keep an aloe plant in their kitchen as a source of fresh aloe gel to treat minor burns or cuts. It can also be effective for treating hives and poison ivy. To use the gel, slit a leaf lengthwise and remove the gel inside. Apply liberally to the affected area.

For kidney stones and as a stool softener, take 0.05 to 0.2 g of dry aloe extract (latex).

Aloe gel is safe for external use, unless it causes a rare allergic reaction. Discontinue use if it irritates the skin. Aloe gel is not useful for treatment of deep wounds. Aloe latex may cause severe intestinal cramps or diarrhea. Pregnant or nursing women should not take aloe latex because it may cause uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage. Aloe latex is not recommended for gastrointestinal illness, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, or stomach pain. It may aggravate ulcers, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. If taken over a long period of time, aloe latex can cause dependence or disturb the electrolyte balance. It may also cause urine to turn a harmless red color. Children under 12 should not use aloe latex.

Because aloe can decrease levels of potassium, aloe should not be used internally if you are taking digoxin; low potassium levels can increase the potential for toxic effects from this medication. Likewise, you should not use aloe if you are on diuretics because of the possibility of potassium loss from this combination.

The combination of aloe vera and glyburide, a medication used to treat Type II diabetes, may help control blood sugar and triglyceride levels in the blood. However, you should not use aloe vera in these instances without first consulting with your health care practitioner. Diabetic patients using aloe vera either alone or in combination with other antidiabetic medications need to be monitored closely by health care providers to avoid potential complications from low blood sugar levels.

Aloe vera may enhance the effects of hydrocortisone on swelling. Again, consult with your doctor before using aloe with hydrocortisone for conditions involving inflammation or swelling.

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