Used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, aloe vera is thought to benefit a broad range of conditions, though scientific evidence for some uses is lacking, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Traditionally, aloe vera has been used both topically, for wounds and skin conditions, and orally, as a laxative. Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Constipation
The Mayo Clinic gives aloe vera a grade of “B” as a treatment for constipation, meaning good scientific evidence exists for this use, but further research is needed. The outer skin of the aloe vera leaves contain aloin and are used to produce aloe latex. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that over-the-counter stimulant laxative preparations containing aloe latex must be taken off the shelves because no evidence was submitted proving them safe and effective. However, in 2010, many herbal remedies containing aloe latex are sold as gentle laxatives to relieve constipation.
Skin Ailments
A hydrophilic, emollient-type aloe cream and aloe lotion may be effective in treating psoriasis and seborrhea, respectively, as suggested by early study; however, more research is needed, according to the Mayo Clinic. The succulent leaves of the aloe vera plant contain a clear gel with anti-inflammatory, anti-itch and moisturizing properties that can soothe sunburned skin, insect bites, cuts and abrasions, as well as reduce skin dryness and help heal skin ulcers. The Mayo Clinic gives these uses a grade of “C”– scientific evidence is unclear, and more high-quality studies are needed.
Genital Herpes
Limited evidence suggests aloe vera in a hydrophilic cream may effectively treat genital herpes–Mayo Clinic grade: “B.” The University of Michigan Health System’s Healthwise Knowledgebase cites a 1997 study in which applying such a cream three times a day shortened genital herpes outbreaks in men, with 87 percent of participants having no recurrences 15 months after treatment.
Diabetes
The University of Michigan Health System cites two 1996 studies in which aloe effectively lowered blood sugar, either alone or in combination with another hypoglycemic drug, in people with non-insulin-dependent, or type 2, diabetes. The Mayo Clinic states study results regarding the use of aloe vera in diabetics are mixed and more research is required.
Cautions
Herbs and supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration; use caution and consult your doctor before using aloe vera. It should not be used if you are allergic to plants in the lily family, such as garlic, onions or tulips, according to the Mayo Clinic. Aloe vera latex may cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps and may lessen the effectiveness of other medications because of diarrhea. The laxative effect of aloe may also cause electrolyte imbalances, which may be more pronounced in diabetics. Aloe may lower blood sugar levels. Deaths in association with injections of aloe vera have also been reported.
