Aloeis a succulent plant that has been used for medicinal purposes since the time of the ancient Egyptians.
The most common throw in of aloe isAloe barbadensis, which is better known as aloe vera.
How Aloe Is Used
Aloe is a known anti-inflammatory and may even have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
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In animals, aloe gel has been shown to reduce inflammation.
It is not often used as a laxative because it may cause painful abdominal cramps.
There’s also the question of what the dosage should be to achieve an effect.
Aloe should not be used along with stimulant laxatives.
With prolonged use of aloe, low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) have been seen.
As with any supplement, it’s important to check with a physician before taking aloe with other medications.
Check with your physician about any possible effects aloe might have on an unborn child or an infant.
Large doses have been known to cause bloody diarrhea and kidney damage.
Aloe latex is a powerful laxative and can be poisonous in high dosages.
Anyalternative remediesfor IBD or any other condition should always be discussed with a physician or healthcare professional.
Nejatzadeh-barandozi F.Antibacterial activities and antioxidant capacity of Aloe vera.Org Med Chem Lett.
2004;19(7):739-47. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01902.x
National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine.Aloe Vera.
