Aloe

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What does Aloe Vera do?

Aloe Vera is a medicinal herb used internally for constipation and externally to relieve pain and stimulate healing of burns, wounds, sunburn a.d. possibly frostbite. Traditionally it has been known to influence digestion and reduce or eliminate worms. Other traditional uses have been in treating stomach disorders, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, amenorrhea, or suppressed menses, menstrual complaints, infections, herpes simplex viruses, .and skin diseases. It is also used as a beauty aid for the skin.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Aloe?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Aloe Vera usage may be contraindicated: Internal Usage: If you are menstruating (possible stimulation of endometrial activity) If you have Crohn's disease If you have ulcerative colitis If you have appendicitis, or any other inflamed intestinal disease. If you have abdominal pain (from an unknown source) If you are taking medication with cardiac glycosides (Potassium loss - a possible side effect- can effect the drugs action) If you are taking antiarrythimic medication (Potassium loss - a possible side effect - can effect the drugs action) If you are taking thiazide diuretics, licorice, or corticosteroids (Potassium loss may be aggravated with these drugs)

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Aloe Vera?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant (Internal use contraindicated) Breast-feeding (Internal use contraindicated) If you plan to administer this herb to a child (Internal use contraindicated)

What else do I need to know before usage?

Aloe should not be used as a topical application for at least two weeks after surgery (such as a laparotomy or caesarian delivery as it may delay wound healing). Should not use on hemorrhoids (dried juice from the percylic region of the leaves)) Internal usage may cause urine to turn pink. Aloe is not usually recommended as a general laxative unless taken with a carminative such as fennel. A gel form the leaf is commonly taken as a cleansing preparation. This gel does not seem to have the same cathartic effect as the dried juice from the pericyclic region of the leaves.

How should I take this herb?

Take Aloe internally in the following formats: Aloe powder, aqueous and aqueous alcoholic extracts in powdered or liquid forms. It is recommended by some that Aloe should be taken at bedtime (this is not clinically documented). You can take Aloe with or without food. Externally:  As a gel applied topically to affected area. Gel preparations can be purchased or a cutting from the plant may be used by splitting the skin of the plant to expose the interior and applying this to the affected area.

What should the dosage be?

Internally:  The recommended dosage is usually 20-30mg hydroxyanthracene derivatives/day calculated as anhydrous aloin and taken for no more than one to two weeks, Individual dosages should be the smallest amount possible to achieve effectiveness. Or a 50-300mg tincture or extract made from the plant. Externally: Applied 3x daily or as needed.

What side effects may I notice from taking Aloe Vera?

Side effects from correctly administered Aloe usage are thought to be rare. If you experience any unusual or unexpected effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Overdose/long term usage can cause loss of electrolytes (potassium, albuminuria, and hematuria) and fluid imbalance. Loss of electrolytes may cause hyperaldosteronism, inhibition of intestinal motility, and the enhancement of cardioactive steroid. Potassium deficiency can lead to muscular weakness, especially with concurrent use of cardiac glycosides, diuretics, and corticosteroids. Overdose can also cause heart arrhythmias, nephropathies, edemas, accelerated bone deterioration. albuminuria and hematuria. (but these side effects are rare) Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): A red color may occur in urine (harmless and usually goes away when usage s.o.s. Intestinal cramps (if this occurs immediately lower the dosage)

What do I need to watch out for with Aloe?

Do not take more than the prescribed quantities. Do not take longer than 8 to 10 days. Read labels carefully before purchasing . There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients (the herbs active constituents) needed to be of any therapeutic value. Unless using the raw herb, buying a standardized product when purchasing a product may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts. There is a plant currently sold as American Aloe. This is not of the same as Aloe Vera and the two should not be confused.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.

Can you tell me a little more about Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera originates in Africa, Asia and the southern n Mediterranean. It has a long history of usage as a purgative and externally in the treatment of wounds and burns. Today, it is a very common houseplant and adapts well to indoor living. Aloe Vera is a member of the lily family. It grows to 40 to 50 cm long, 6-7cm wide a t the base and forms a rosette of leaves . These succulent like leaves are greenish/gray and have a slightly concave surface. They contain a greenish translucent juice. At their margins are small pale "teeth" about 2cc long. Its flowers range from greenish/orange to red to white and are borne on a slender stalk about 40 cm high. It should be noted that there are over 180 different Aloe species and not all contain the same healing characteristics.

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

Generally, Aloe Vera is thought to influence the motility of the colon, inhibition of stationary and stimulation of propulsive contractions. It also stimulates active chloride secretions, increases water and electrolyte content, and stimulates peristalisis. Externally, it may stimulate local activation of complements leading to influx of monocytes and PMN's to a wound site. It has been suggested that it increases availability of oxygen and stimulates synthesis of collagen. It is thought to lead to healthier granulation tissue with better vascularity. It may have antibacterial action especially in the case of Herpes Simplex viruses.

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