Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant used for centuries as medicine to treat sunburn, rashes, burns, wounds, and other skin conditions. In addition to external uses, aloe vera is thought by some to treat constipation, heartburn, and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) when taken internally.

Aloe vera is widely available as a distilled juice, dietary supplement, and ingredient in face creams, body lotions, and skin ointments. Although the stems of the aloe plant and the gooey gel inside can be eaten raw or cooked, they may be unsafe if consumed in excess.

This article takes a look at the health benefits of aloe vera as well as possible side effects, risks, and interactions of this popular herbal remedy.

An illustration of a person cutting an aloe leaf.

Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health

Also Known As

  • Burn Plant
  • Elephant's Gall
  • Lily of the Desert
  • Ghritkumari (Hindi)
  • Kathalai (Ayurvedic medicine)
  • Lu Hui (traditional Chinese medicine)

Medical Uses of Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant has long, thick triangular leaves and is relatively easy to grow. The thick outer layer consists of the rind, and the middle layer consists of a bitter, yellow sap. At the center is a gel that can be applied directly to the skin.

In traditional and folk medicines, aloe vera has been used internally and externally to treat a wide range of unrelated medical conditions. Today, there are aloe vera supplements, juices, and skin or hair care products that are thought to have therapeutic effects.

Here is what some of the current research says about the possible health benefits of aloe vera:

Wound Healing

Aloe vera gel applied to the skin is thought to promote wound healing, including injuries like:

  • Sunburn
  • Thermal burns
  • Frostbite
  • Surgical wounds
  • Skin ulcers
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Bedsores

A 2019 review of studies concluded that aloe vera was more effective than petroleum jelly, framycetin antibiotic cream, and silver sulfadiazine 1% ointment in healing a wide variety of wounds, including burns, surgical wounds, and pressure sores. It also appeared to reduce pain while healing, in part by keeping scar tissues well-hydrated and flexible.

Laboratory studies suggest that aloe vera promotes healing by accelerating new skin cell growth. The gel also has potent anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce swelling and redness.

Even so, there is not enough evidence to recommend aloe vera as an effective treatment for psoriasis or eczema. There is also no evidence that aloe vera can speed the healing of cold sores or genital herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Skin Health and Aging

While some people promote aloe vera as anti-aging, there is little evidence that aloe vera in any form can reverse the signs of aging on a cellular level. However, it does have definite benefits for the overall health of aging skin.

In addition to increased skin cell turnover and moisture retention, aloe vera gel contains antioxidants and UV-protective compounds that may prevent long-term skin damage and photoaging. Some studies even report that the daily application of aloe vera can significantly reduce visible wrinkles and discoloration.

Tooth and Gum Disease

When applied to the teeth and gums, aloe vera may reduce dental plaque buildup and, in turn, reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.

A 2015 study in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry found that aloe vera's antibacterial effects reduce bacteria that promote plaque growth and the development of cavities. When used as a mouthwash with daily brushing, aloe vera was also shown to prevent gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease.

Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Aloe vera, when taken internally, is thought to reduce acid reflux and heartburn by slowing the production of stomach acids. Animal studies suggest that compounds in aloe vera may alter the gut-brain axis (GBA) which regulates digestion, including the production of acids.

A small pilot study investigated the hypothesis in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The researchers found that aloe vera syrup reduced acid reflux symptoms as well as the drug Prilosec (omeprazole) commonly used to treat GERD.

Constipation

Aloe vera has a strong laxative effect that may be useful in the treatment of occasional constipation. It appears to act similarly to stimulant laxatives like Dulcolax (bisacodyl) that increase gut motility (intestinal contractions that move food through the gut).

In studies, aloe vera was shown to be beneficial for people with not only constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) but also diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). It is thought to do so inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut that promotes diarrhea.

Potential Risks

In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned laxative manufacturers from including aloe vera in over-the-counter products due to the lack of safety research.

Diabetes and High Cholesterol

There remains debate as to whether aloe vera can reduce blood glucose (sugar) in a way that is beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes. Proponents suggest that it can do so by improving insulin sensitivity (in which cells are better able to absorb glucose in the blood).

A 2021 review of studies involving 1,315 participants concluded there was "moderate" evidence that aloe vera could help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, the evidence was "moderate to high" that it could prevent disease progression in people with prediabetes.

Several studies involving people with diabetes have shown that aloe vera doesn't only reduce blood sugar but can also decrease triglycerides and "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that contribute to heart disease.

Side Effects of Aloe Vera

Side effects of aloe vera applied to the skin are uncommon. Even in oral forms, the plant is generally well tolerated. This is especially true of topical and oral aloe preparations in which latex has been removed.

Common Side Effects

Skin irritation is possible, though uncommon when aloe vera is applied topically. With that said, aloe vera may cause rash and hives in people who are allergic to other plants in the lily family, such as onions, garlic, and tulips.

Common side effects of oral aloe vera include:

Severe Side Effects

The risk of side effects can vary by the formulation. Aloe vera gel and juice appear to cause fewer reactions than whole-leaf aloe vera extract and aloe latex found in certain oral supplements. Problems generally occur when aloe vera is overused.

When taken at higher doses, aloe vera may cause:

  • Drug-induced hepatitis: The risk varies, but liver toxicity generally occurs with the prolonged use of aloe vera supplements over months or years.
  • Acute kidney failure: Kidney injury may occur with the prolonged use of aloe vera latex in doses greater than 1 gram per day. Some cases of aloe vera-induced kidney failure have been fatal.

Aloe Vera and Cancer Risk

Whole-leaf aloe vera extract has been shown to be carcinogenic in rats and is currently classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B). Some human studies suggest that the product may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, but more research is needed.

Aloe Vera Drug Interactions

Oral aloe vera may interact with certain medications. In some cases, it can increase the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream (along with the risk of side effects). In others, it may reduce the concentration of the drug in the bloodstream (along with the drug's effectiveness).

If you take any of the following medications, talk to your healthcare provider before using any oral aloe vera product:

  • Laxatives
  • Diabetes medications, including insulin and Glucophage (metformin)
  • Diuretics ("water pills"), such as Lasix (furosemide)
  • Heart rhythm medications, such as Lanoxin (digoxin)
  • Anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as aspirin and Coumadin (warfarin)

Precautions and Contraindications

Stimulant laxatives are used with extreme caution during pregnancy and only for the short-term relief of constipation. Because aloe vera latex and whole-leaf aloe vera extract have similar properties, the same precautions should be taken. The overuse of stimulant laxatives can induce uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.

Oral aloe vera products may be unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be avoided.

Recommended Dosage

There are no recommended doses of aloe vera in any form.

Aloe vera products for the skin can vary in concentration from as little as 0.5% to over 99%. There is no evidence that lower concentrations are less effective than higher concentrations. As a rule of thumb, start with the lowest possible dose and increase gradually if needed, never exceeding the manufacturer's recommended dose.

Oral formulations of aloe vera include capsules, extracts, powders, and juices. To be safe, follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions, particularly with aloe vera latex and whole-leaf extract supplements.

How to Use Aloe Vera

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests that the safest way to use aloe vera is topically but accedes that it can be used orally with the appropriate precautions.

How to Apply to the Skin

Here is how to use fresh aloe vera for skin conditions:

  1. Snip one of the leaves close to the bottom of the plant.
  2. Put the cut side down in a glass to allow the latex to drain for about 10 minutes and discard it.
  3. Remove the leaf spikes and use a vegetable peeler to get to the clear gel inside.
  4. Scoop out the gel and store it in a clean, sealable container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
  5. Place a small amount of gel on your fingertips and gently work it in with circular motions.
  6. If using it as a facial cleanser, rinse with cool water and gently pat your skin dry.
  7. If using it as a facial moisturizer, gently spread a thin layer of gel onto the skin and allow it to dry.

How to Take by Mouth

Whole-leaf aloe vera extract and aloe latex should generally be avoided due to the potential risks. For safety's sake, limit yourself to commercial preparations designed specifically for oral use, such as aloe vera gels and juices.

Commercial preparations are generally safer because the dose is controlled. Even so, you can make aloe vera juice by following these steps:

  1. Snip a leaf close to the bottom of the plant and wash thoroughly with water.
  2. Cut the leaf into 1-inch cubes.
  3. Place six to eight 1-inch cubes in a blender with 6 cups of filtered or distilled water.
  4. Blend thoroughly.
  5. Strain the juice and add sweetener and lemon if desired.

Some studies suggest that doses of up to 90 milliliters (3 fluid ounces) daily are well tolerated and safe.

Consumer Safety

If purchasing an aloe vera supplement or remedy, look for products that have been submitted for certification by an independent certifying body like U.S. Pharmacopeia (US), ConsumerLab, or NSF International. Certification by these authorities ensures that the product is non-contaminated and contains nothing but the ingredients listed on the product label.

Summary

Aloe vera is a succulent plant whose gel may aid with wound healing, improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and prevent cavities when applied topically. When taken orally, there is evidence that it can treat constipation and acid reflux and help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

There are no guidelines for the appropriate use of aloe vera in any form. As a general rule, follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid the internal use of whole-leaf aloe vera extract or aloe vera latex which can be toxic to the liver and kidneys.

20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Additional Reading
Brandon Petrovich

By Brandon Petrovich, RD
& peer-reviewed author with over five years of work in nutrition and healthcare.

Originally written by Cathy Wong