Aloe vera plants products/benefits/uses/medicinal value (juice, gel, skin, cancer, burns)

Aloe Vera, also known as the ‘plant of immortality’ by the ancient Egyptians, was used for its healing properties since time immemorial. The scientific epithet ‘vera’ means true and genuine. Aloe Vera plants are commonly found in the African regions and belong to the family of Liliaceae, known for its succulent or fleshy leaves. Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long. Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, asymbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil. Aloe Vera leaf looks unique; lanceolate, it doesn’t have any stems and the edges of leaves have tiny spikes.

The Aloe leaf structure is made up of four layers:

Rind - the outer protective layer;

Sap - a layer of bitter fluid which helps protect the plant from animals;

Mucilage Gel - the inner part of the leaf that is filleted out to make Aloe Vera gel.

Aloe Vera (inner gel) contains the 8 essential Amino Acids that the human body needs but cannot manufacture.

Aloe Vera is considered to be a miracle plant. Since, it contains phytochemicals and other nutrients which are beneficial for hair, health and skin. Aloe Vera extracts are also used in food and energy drinks. It is a very good habit to drink aloe vera juice on empty stomach every morning, to get maximum benefits of this plant.

Product

Aloe Vera is a popular ingredient in skincare products, gel, powder, juices, and herbal remedies. Though these products have their advantages, it’s hard to improve upon the effectiveness of Aloe gel straight from the leaf of the plant. You can also make fresh aloe juice at home by cutting the leaf and extracting the aloe gel from it. Aloes are tough, low maintenance plants, and easy to grow indoors. Harvesting the Aloe gel for yourself allows you to access the good stuff at its freshest, most concentrated, and most effective. This is especially important when using Aloe topically. If you choose to ingest it, you can control the concentration of Aloe in your juice mixtures and smoothies.

The Aloe Vera Gel and Aloe Vera Juice

There is much confusion between Aloe Vera Gel and Aloe Vera Juice with the two often being thought synonymous. The term Gel refers to the inner leaf only, whereas Juice refers to "Aloe Latex" a bitter substance found just under the skin of the leaf.

Leading authorities on Aloe Vera maintain that only Aloe Vera gel as fresh as preservation allows from the inner leaf has any remarkable properties.

Nutritional Value:

Aloe vera consist as much as 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 200 active enzymes. Aloe vera contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 and B12, Vitamin C and E, folic acid and Niacin. Minerals found in aloe vera include copper, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, potassium, chromium, magnesium and manganese. The nutrients naturally present in aloe vera makes it a potential herbal product that can be safely used both internally and externally. This exotic plant contains other beneficial compounds like polysaccharides, mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones, anthraquinones, such as emodin, and various lectins. The presence of these nutrients makes it possible to use aloe vera for variety of therapeutic purposes. Aloe vera not only cures the skin, health and hair problems, it so soothing that it also helps you to relax. Let’s have a look at various aloe vera uses and benefits.

Benefits/ uses/ medicinal value Of Aloe Vera:

There are around 400 species of Aloe, but it is the Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera or "true aloe") plant which has been of most use to mankind because of the medicinal properties it displays. Aloe Vera contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, polysaccharide, and fatty acids – no wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies! The bulk of the aloe vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water. Aloe Vera is highly regarded as a miracle or wonder plant for its healing properties. You must have seen this ornamental plant in terrace gardens, but didn’t realize its worth. The various healing properties make aloe vera a favourite choice among organic and fitness enthusiasts. This magical plant is used for the treatment of various kinds of diseases and illness. Here is a list of the Benefits of Aloe Vera (including some medicinal uses):

1. Aloe Vera Is High in Vitamins & Minerals:

Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12. Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.

2. Aloe Vera is High in Amino Acids & Fatty Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are about 22 amino acids that are necessary for the human body and it is said that 8 of these are essential. Estimates of the amino acids found in aloe range from 18-20 amino acids, with all 8 essential amino acids. Aloe vera also includes quite an impressive range of fatty acids. Aloe contains three plant sterols, which are important fatty acids – HCL cholesterol (which lowers fats in the blood), campesterol, and B-sitosterol. All are helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and acid indigestion. Other fatty acids include linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and  stearic.

3. Boosts Your Vitamin & Mineral Intake

This juice is a cornucopia of vitamins and minerals. Very few drinks or foods can boast these large amounts. It contains:

• Vitamins A, C, E.
• Contingent of B including B1, B2, B3, B6 & B12.
• Folic Acid
• Choline

What is more, it has over twenty different minerals. For example, there’s:

• Calcium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Selenium
• Iron

It also contains fatty acids and 8 essential amino acids. Overall, this one has more bang for the buck than any other choice on the market right now.

4. Aloe Vera is an Adaptogen

Aloe vera is a well-known adaptogen. An adaptogen is something that boosts the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness. It is thought that aloe’s power as an adaptogen balances the body’s system, stimulating the defense and adaptive mechanisms of the body. This allows you an increased ability to cope with stress (physical, emotional and environmental stress like pollution)

5. Aids Digestion and Treats Intestinal Issues:

Aloe vera when taken internally aids in digestion and effectively cleanses the digestive system. Aloe vera works as a laxative which makes it easier for the food particles to pass through the intestine. Thus aloe vera helps those who suffer severe constipation problems. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly helps to detoxify the body which in turns improves daily bowel movements. It alleviates acidity, inflammation and intestinal ulcers. Aloe vera has a soothing effect on the stomach walls and relieves stomach ache. Aloe vera helps to cure Crohn’s disease and peptic ulcers. Aloe also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria and in our gut keeping your healthy intestinal flora in balance. Aloe is also a vermifuge, which means it helps to rid the body of intestinal worms.

We can all face issues with our digestive tract such as:

• Ulcers
• Acid Reflux
• General Irritation

This natural liquid has three properties that can improve stomach health and reduce irritation:

• Firstly, it is an adaptogen that can regulate your organism and make your bowel movements more regular.
• Secondly, it ease acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome by soothing and regulating your systems.
• Thirdly, it can rid your body of worms because it is a vermifuge as well.

All of these work together to promote proper digestion.

6. Aloe Helps Boost the Immune System

I think given the stresses of our daily lives, every one can use a boost to their immune systems. The polysaccharides in aloe vera juice stimulate macrophages, which are the white blood cells of your immune system that fight against viruses. Aloe is also an immune enhancer because of its high level of anti-oxidants, which help combat the unstable compounds known as free-radicals, contributing to the aging process. (Free radicals are a bi-product of life itself, it is a naturally occurring process but we can overload ourselves with unnecessary free-radicals by living an unhealthy lifestyle). Aloe is also an antipyretic which means it used to reduce or prevent fever.

7. Weight Loss – A Secondary effect

Improving your digestion, and detoxifying your body will have a secondary effect of promoting weight loss because when you start to improve your digestion you naturally eliminate more efficiently, which is a primary way that we all detoxify – through our bowels. This will lighten your toxic load on your body and will give you more energy.

8. Lowers High Cholesterol

Medical studies have shown that beta (β) sitosterol can bring its high levels in your blood under control. This substance is a type of sterol with a similar chemical structure to cholesterol.

However, it stops its absorption and helps to reduce its overall levels in your body and promotes good health.

9. Treats Inflammation, Wounds and Burns:

Inflammation is the body’s first reaction to damage. The damage can be caused by physical means or due to chemical reactions. Aloe vera has been used in traditional medicine and general home remedies in the recent times to cure cuts, wounds, burns, abrasions, inflammations and skin breakage.

Aloe vera contains plant steroids which help in reducing inflammation naturally. So aloe vera is used in orthodox or traditional medicine as steroidal drugs. Aloe vera also contains salicylic acid and its salts salicylates; it helps to curb inflammation by inhibiting the production of hormones like prostaglandins. Salicylic acid is like aspirin and has the potential of reducing inflammation by destroying the bacteria that cause inflammation.

You can use aloe vera to reduce inflammation without the fear of side effects. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly eases swollen and painful joints and reduces the stiffness of bones. It is excellent for treating scars, burns and cuts. It also soothes wound or cuts and fights bacteria that occur due to wounds. The cooling effect of the plant helps to regenerate new cells and helps in rebuilding the damaged tissue.

10. Good for Female Reproductive System:

Aloe vera tonic is wonderful for the female reproductive system. It helps to rejuvenate the uterus. It is very beneficial to drink aloe vera juice if you are experiencing painful menstrual cycle.

11. Cardiovascular Health

There hasn’t been a lot of studies conducted on aloe’s effect on cardiovascular health, but there has been some research to show that aloe vera extract injected into the blood, greatly multiplies the oxygen transportation and diffusion capabilities of the red blood cells. According to a study published in the 2000 issue of the British Medical Journal, beta sitosterol helps to lower cholesterol. By regulating blood pressure, improving circulation and oxidation of the blood, lowering cholesterol, and making blood less sticky, aloe vera juice may be able to help lower the risk of heart disease.

12. Treats Respiratory Disorders:

This versatile plant is also useful for treating respiratory disorders and is particularly useful for those who get frequent attacks of cold, flu, bronchitis herpes, running nose and other respiratory disorders.Aloe vera contains Vitamin C which helps to prevent colds, cough and flu.

13. Treats Diabetes:

The dried gel of aloe vera is used to treat diabetes as it helps to lower blood sugar level by decreasing insulin resistance and also lowers the triglyceride levels in the liver and plasma. Aloe vera helps to improve the blood quality naturally by decreasing the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. Since, aloe vera helps to control cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar; it directly helps to prevent cardiovascular disease. Aloe vera keeps the blood fresh and rich in oxygen. There are studies that have been done to show some improvements in glucose levels when patients drank aloe vera juice.

There are three compounds in it that help to provide this benefit:

• Lectins
• Mannans
• Anthraquinones

14. Stimulates Metabolism:

Aloe vera juice also increases energy level and helps to maintain a healthy body weight. Drinking aloe vera juice regularly stimulates the metabolism and helps the body to burn calories more quickly. So aloe vera keeps you slim naturally.

15. Alkalizes Your Body

Our bodies maintain a balance between acidity and alkalinity which is influenced by the foods that we take in.  This juice makes your inner systems more alkaline which minimizes bad effects of the acidic stuff that we eat.

The optimum level we should eat is 80% alkaline and 20 % acidic. This liquid helps by alkalizing our organism and since diseases do not survive in such an environment this can stave off illness.

16. Removes Toxins

When it is produced it has a natural gel-like consistency even when it is first harvested. If you split its leaf and allow liquids to flow out you can see how it does not flow quickly like water but more slowly. This property (when you drink it) absorb toxins from your gastrointestinal tract. When it absorbs these bad substances they travel through your organism and are discarded rather than entering your body.

17. Oral and Dental Health:

According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, it's extremely helpful in the treatment of gum diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis, gums and oral hygiene. Its natural anti-bacterial and anti-microbial actions promote cell growth and healing. Aloe vera gels are also used in a variety of tooth gels which prevent bleeding gums and mouth ulcers. It also provides quick relief to people who experience burning mouth symptoms. It is a powerful antiseptic in pockets where normal cleaning is difficult and its antifungal properties help greatly in the problem of denture stomatitis, apthous ulcers, cracked and split corners of the mouth.

18. Its nutrient rich for good health

This solid material contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid.

19. Aloe Helps in Detoxification

Aloe Vera is a gelatinous plant food, just like seaweeds and chia seeds. The main benefit to consuming gelatinous plant foods in your diet is that these gels move through the intestinal tract absorbing toxins along the way and get eliminated through the colon. This will help the proper elimination of waste from your body and help the detoxification of your body.

Skin Benefits Of Aloe Vera:

Getting an aloe vera plant proves to be helpful in more than one way. It is worth a try as a natural approach to ageless skin.  Aloe vera has several properties that are effective in treating a variety of skin conditions like flaky or dry skin, eczema, genital herpes, dandruff, psoriasis, canker sores, skin ulcers and others, cosmetic ailments, and hair and scalp problems to many more according to the Mayo Clinic.

Due to its many uses and benefits to the skin and hair, aloe vera has now gained more popularity and has become a staple ingredient in many beauty and skin care products. In order to achieve proper skin restoration, aloe vera needs to be applied every day. Applying aloe vera gel soon after taking a shower is advisable as the skin is clean.

1. Heals Skin Issues:

The anti-allergic property of aloe vera is useful in the treatment of various skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, itchy skin and so on. They are helpful in curing blisters, insect bites and other allergic reactions as well.  Aloe Vera face packs are a boon for people who have a sensitive skin type.

2. Offers Healthy Glow:

Drinking aloe vera juice supplies body with essential nutrients which help to produce and maintain healthy skin. Aloe vera helps to remove dead cells and replenishes it with new ones, giving the skin a radiant glow.

3. Treats Acne:

Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory property helps to reduce acne greatly. It does not completely cure the

acne; however, it reduces inflammation and redness of the skin to a great extent.  It also prevents the outburst of acne and pimples. Its juice or gel can be applied directly on the skin to cure acne. Aloe vera face pack can be prepared by boiling aloe vera leaves in water. Make a paste and add a few drops of honey. Apply it on the face. Leave it for 15 minutes and then rinse off with tap water.

4. Treats Sunburns & Reduces Stretch Marks:

Aloe vera gel contains two hormones, Axim and Gibberellins which have wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera with its powerful healing capability helps to treat sun burn at the epithelial level of the skin. It acts as a protective shield for the skin and heals the skin quickly. It can also be used as an after shave treatment for its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving. Aloe vera also helps to reduce stretch marks by healing the wounds. This is one of the best benefits of aloe vera for skin.

5. It treats sunburn

Aloe Vera helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker.

6. Improves Skin Firmness:

Aloe vera contains a plethora of anti-oxidants like beta carotene, vitamins C and E that improve the natural firmness of skin. Aloe vera helps to keep the skin hydrated and italso improves the skin’s elasticity, therefore minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Thus it refreshes the skin and makes it vibrant and young looking. So for a young and healthy skin, start using aloe vera gel today.

7. Lightens Skin:

Smooth and glowing skin can be achieved easily by rubbing aloe vera gel on the face. Aloe vera lightens the skin and helps to alleviate sun tanning and hyper pigmentation.

8. It acts as a moisturizer

Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for anyone with an oily skin complexion. For women who use mineral-based make-up, aloe vera acts as a moisturizer and is great for the face prior to the application to prevents skin drying. For men: Aloe vera gel can be used as an aftershave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving.

9. It fights aging

As we age, everyone begins to worry about the appearance of fine lines and the loss of elasticity in their skin. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin's natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated.

10. Hydrates Your Body

Aloe vera gel has many applications when used as a topical application to treat skin conditions but it also has secondary benefits because it also works as a moisturizer and has anti-aging properties that keep it looking young. Drinking AV juice can keep you hydrated which is good for keeping it healthy. Additionally, it gives your body the building blocks it needs to replenish old cells and regenerate.

11. Beneficial for Dry Skin:

Aloe vera gel is extremely beneficial for dry skin. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer because of the moisture content locked in it. This gel keeps the skin hydrated and increases its elasticity. It also provides oxygen to the skin which strengthens the skin tissue and keeps the skin healthy. Moreover, it moisturizes the skin without making the skin greasy so it is perfect for oily skin. Once applied, it releases natural vitamins and enzymes on the skin to produce a deep moisturizing effect that helps to treat and restore its pH balance.

12. Lip Care:

Don’t need to go for store bought lip balms all the time. You can prepare your own lip balm at home with aloe vera gel in seconds. This is a super easy process that can be even done by the kids. All you need to do is to heat a heaped teaspoon of petroleum jelly in a double boiler. After it melts, add half a teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel and two drops of Vitamin E oil extracted from the capsule. Switch off the stove and blend this mixture well. Pour it in a tube or an old lip balm container when it is in the liquid state. Allow this lip balm to cool and thicken in refrigerator and start using it on your lips. This will cure dry and chapped lips very effectively than any other store bought lip balms.

13. Foot Care:

A homemade nourishing aloe vera foot scrub can give you a peacock feather soft foot. Add two teaspoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of coarsely powdered rice powder with a scoop of aloe vera gel to make an instant foot scrub. After soaking your feet in warm water for 15 minutes, gently work this scrub out on your feet for 10 minutes to remove the dead skin cells without stripping off moisture. The sugar and rice powder exfoliates the skin to remove dead cells while the aloe vera gels helps in rejuvenating your foot with its calming properties. Follow this every week to achieve soft and beautiful feet!

14. It lessens the visibility of stretch marks

The skin is like one big piece of elastic that’ll expand and contract as needed to accommodate growth. But if the skin stretches too far, too fast (due to pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss) the elasticity of the skin can be damaged. That’s what leaves those unsightly stretch marks. These marks appear due to minor tears in the layers of the skin caused by sudden and excessive stretching. Aloe vera gel can help hide these stretch marks by healing these wounds.

Hair Benefits Of Aloe Vera:

1. Treats Hair Loss:

Aloe vera for hair loss treatment can be traced back to the ancient Egyptian times. Aloe vera contains enzymes that promote hair growth. The proteolitic enzymes found in aloe vera help to eradicate dead skin cells on the scalp. Aloe Vera’s keratolic action breaks down the sebum and dead scalp cells. Aloe Vera’s alkalizing properties balances the pH level of the scalp and hair which results in further hair growth and retains moisture in the scalp.

2. Treats Itchy and Inflamed Skin:

Aloe vera also helps to eliminate itchy scalp and scalp dryness by its anti-pruritic properties. It also alleviates pruritic ailments like psoriasis and eczema of scalp. Aloe Vera’s enzymatic properties enable it to destroy excessive dead skin cells of the scalp.  It helps to reduce the redness, scaling, itching and inflammation of scalp which directly benefits the hair.

3. Treats Dandruff:

Aloe vera is also used in dandruff treatment. The natural enzymes found in aloe vera soothe and moisturize the scalp that helps to eliminate the scalp dryness that causes dandruff. Thus its anti-fungal properties alleviate dandruff problem.  It alleviates the dry and itchy feeling that accompanies dandruff and oiliness. Aloe vera brings a refreshing and cooling sensation to the scalp.

4. Good Conditioner:

Aloe vera is a great conditioning agent that restores the hair’s shine and luster, and leaves the hair silky and smooth. The gel like substance found in aloe vera leaves is similar to keratin in chemical composition. This enables it to penetrate easily along the scalp. The scalp absorbs the benefits of aloe vera up to 7 layers deep and provides deep conditioning to the scalp. The amino acids present in aloe vera add strength and luster to the hair. It also enhances the beauty and suppleness of the hair. It control frizzy hair and does not leave behind any greasy build up.

5. Restores Hair’s Strength and Beauty:

The essential nutrients and vitamins found in aloe vera makes it an indispensible material for shampoos and conditioner. These vitamins and minerals aid in restoring hair’s strength and beauty. When combined with oils like coconut and jojoba oil, aloe vera can make a revitalizing shampoo.

6. Perfect Hair Rinse:

Aloe vera gel is a perfect rinse for oily hair without making the hair brittle.  Mix one part of aloe vera juice with two parts of lemon juice and apply the mixture to the shaft of hair. The acid from lemon strips away excess oil without any adverse effect of chemicals and aloe vera juice prevents dryness of the hair.

7. Repairs Dry and Damaged Hair:

Aloe vera gel also repairs dry and damaged hair in a short span of time. Aloe vera contains a good amount of protein which is necessary for maintaining the good health of the hair. By going through the hair shaft, aloe gel cures each strand restoring the natural beauty of the hair. In addition, it reinforces the outer layer of the hair which gives you a more manageable crown of glory. It softens, fortifies and rejuvenates by flushing out the dirt particles and bacteria from the scalp. A clean scalp helps to promote hair growth.

8. Treats Alopecia:

Alopecia or male pattern baldness is a common hair problem faced by men. This is a kind of hair loss that occurs at a particular part of the head or leads to full hair loss. This scalp condition can be reduced by regular usage of aloe vera. This is mainly because it rejuvenates the hair follicles and helps to reduce hair fall.

Aloe Vera is respected for its potential healing properties by those who believe in naturopathy. Aloe vera helps to prevents cancer by destroying any free radicals in the body that can lead to abnormal growth of cells or tumors in the body. Those who undergo regular radiopathy treatments can protect their body from the side effects of radiation by drinking aloe juice and applying aloe gel to the affected area to cure radiation burns. Aloe gel has a very soothing effect on the skin. It cures skin dermatitis, gives you voluminous hair and a fit body. So make aloe vera your daily companion to get a holistic health care at the comfort of your home. You don’t need to rely on harsh chemicals when you have a natural option to stay fit and look glamorous always.

Hope now you are going to make aloe vera a part of your daily life. Get hold of an aloe vera plant today! And don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comments below.

aloe Side Effects & Safety

Aloe gel is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin and POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in adults. Once in a while aloe gel might cause burning and itching of the skin.
Taking aloe latex is POSSIBLY UNSAFE at any dose, but LIKELY UNSAFE when taken in high doses. Aloe latex can cause some side effects such as stomach pain and cramps. Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. Taking aloe latex 1 gram per day for several days can be fatal.
There have been a few reports of liver problems in some people who have taken an aloe leaf extract; however, this is uncommon. It is thought to only occur in people who are extra sensitive (hypersensitive) to aloe.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy or breast-feeding:

Aloe -- either gel or latex -- is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. There is a report that aloe was associated with miscarriage. It could also be a risk for birth defects. Do not take aloe by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Children:

 Aloe is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. Children younger than 12 years old may experience abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea.

Diabetes:

Some research suggests aloe might lower blood sugar. If you take aloe by mouth and you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely.

Intestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or obstruction:

Do not take aloe latex if you have any of these conditions. Aloe latex is a bowel irritant. Remember, products made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe latex.

Hemorrhoids:

Do not take aloe latex if you have hemorrhoids. It could make the condition worse. Remember, products made from whole aloe leaves will contain some aloe latex.

Kidney problems:

High doses of aloe latex have been linked to kidney failure and other serious conditions.

Surgery:

Aloe might affect blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.