Potential Aloe Vera Side Effects, Adverse Reactions And Contraindications

Aloe vera is a magnificent plant with various healing qualities. It has been used for thousands of years, both internally and externally, to help with multiple different health conditions.

Aloe vera has been used to treat skin and joint ailments, like burns and arthritis. There are also many benefits for internal use of aloe vera – for example, it has been found to be great help for indigestion and various heart problems as well.

Although this cactus plant is variously safe to use, there are a few side effects, adverse reactions and contraindications you should consider before using it. The majority of the side effects can occur if you use aloe vera for long periods and consume high doses of the supplement. It is thus best to try to avoid overuse of the product and to use it in moderation.

Allergy

It is possible that internal or external use of aloe vera will have the side effect of causing an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to aloe vera, you might experience some skin rash and itching. Often, testing a bit of aloe vera before hand will keep you safe from drastic allergic reactions. If you do experience shortness of breath or swelling on the lips or in the throat, you should contact your healthcare professional.

The Mayo Clinic also warns on their website in an article reviewed in 2012 that aloe vera is a member of the Liliaceae family and if you are allergic to other members of this plant family, you might be allergic to aloe as well. Other plants in this plant family include garlics, onions and tulips, for example.

Stomach problems

Intestinal problems are possible aloe vera side effects, too. This is especially if you take aloe vera in large doses internally. You might experience stomach pain or even mild cramps. The aloe vera website also warns that stomach pain might occur if you consume aloe in juice form and it has gone off. So you need to be sure you have fresh produce before you consume aloe vera internally.

In some cases, one aloe vera side effect you might experience is diarrhea, especially if you consume the supplement for long periods and in large amounts. The WebMD website suggests that people with hemorrhoids avoid using aloe vera internally.

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