9 Side Effects of Aloe Vera You Need to Know

Aloe vera has been around for centuries. It is grown primarily for its gel. Today, aloe vera is widely used in foods, cosmetics, herbal medicines, and dietary supplements.

The aloe vera plant produces two substances - gel and sap - that are used in medicine. Aloe vera gel is the clear fleshy substance inside the aloe vera leaf. Aloe vera sap is a pale yellow substance that is slowly secreted from under the plant's bark. Aloe vera gel is about 96% water and contains vitamins A, B, C and E.

Most people eat aloe vera gel to treat diabetes, hepatitis, weight loss, inflammatory bowel disease, stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis, asthma, fever, itching and inflammation, etc. Aloe vera gel is also applied topically on the skin. Aloe vera gel is good for health, hair and skin. This gel is also used to make aloe vera juice which is used in many Ayurvedic preparations.

However, drinking too much aloe vera juice can be harmful to the body and lead to various side effects. Some people may also be allergic to the sap of the plant.

Side effects of aloe vera resin

Aloe vera sap is yellow and oozes from under the bark of the plant. Ingesting aloe vera sap can be unsafe, even in small doses. Side effects of aloe vera sap include kidney problems, stomach pain, and low potassium levels in the blood.

Side effects of aloe vera juice

1. Skin allergy

Long-term use of aloe vera gel can cause skin allergies such as inflammation, hives, and red eyelids. Other side effects on the skin include dryness, hardness, development of purple spots, and cracking. Furthermore, applying the gel and going out in the sun can cause rashes and irritation or redness and burning of the skin.

2. Hypoglycemia

Aloe vera has been linked to hypoglycemia and hence diabetics should be extra cautious when using aloe vera.

3. Complications during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Both aloe vera gel and aloe vera sap may be unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to ingest. This is because aloe vera can stimulate uterine contractions and cause complications such as miscarriage, and increase the risk of birth defects. If you are breastfeeding, drinking aloe vera juice may harm your baby.

4. Toxic to the liver

High doses of aloe vera can lead to hepatitis. The presence of many bioactive compounds such as C-glycosides, anthraquinones, anthones, lectins, polymannans, and acetylated mannans in aloe vera can interfere with the liver's detoxification process and lead to liver damage.

5. Kidney failure

Aloe vera may interact with certain medications (Digoxin, antidiabetic drugs, Sevoflurane, diuretics) and may lead to kidney disease if used for a long time. Aloe vera latex has also been linked to kidney failure. Therefore, people with kidney problems should avoid taking aloe vera.

6. Electrolyte imbalance

Consuming large amounts of aloe vera juice can cause weakness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

7. Stomach upset

One of the side effects of drinking aloe vera juice is stomach upset. Aloe vera gel can cause excessive cramping, bloating, and stomach pain. Avoid drinking aloe vera juice, especially if you are experiencing stomach problems.

8. Bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

If you have any bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, avoid drinking aloe vera juice because aloe vera sap irritates the bowel.

9. Hemorrhoids

If you have hemorrhoids, avoid drinking aloe vera juice as it may make the condition worse.

Note: Aloe vera may affect people who are going to have surgery. During and after surgery, aloe vera may affect blood sugar and interfere with blood sugar control. If you are going to have surgery, stop using aloe vera two weeks before surgery.