Aloe vera - Side Effects

Know Aloe  vera side effects before using Aloe vera products! 

Aloe vera has been used for ages due to its healing properties and medicinal use. But every good product does have side effects and Aloe vera  is no exception.  Aloe vera can be used any time by anyone without a consultation from a health care provider, but there may be rare side effects, so it’s better to consult with your health care provider first. 

Major side effects  of using Aloe vera: 

• Internal use of Aloe vera latex may turn urine red, cause abdominal pain, and cramps.  The major reason for this is consuming products that have anthraquinones as one of the ingredients. 
• Some people show mild allergic reaction, developing itching or rash conditions. 
• Some times Aloe vera juice contains a small quantity of a laxative compound in aloe latex due to improper processing. Latex shows laxative effects and overuse of latex can cause electrolyte imbalances. 
• Aloe latex can cause severe intestinal cramps and diarrhea. 
• Aloe latex used  by pregnant women may cause uterine contractions and trigger a miscarriage. 
• Aloe latex is not recommended for persons with irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal illness, colitis, intestinal obstruction, diverticulosis, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, stomach pain or ulcers. 
• It’s non recommended for children or the elderly  to consume aloe latex internally.
•  It can cause potassium loss when used with corticosteroids. 
• People taking cardiac medications, oral steroids, digoxin,  and diuretics for arrhythmias should avoid taking Aloe vera. 

             •Sometimes, it may delay healing of major wounds. 

Generally side effects of Aloe vera are due to overdosing or prolonged use of Aloe vera products. However, most of the time, the side effects are mild and resolve with the discontinuation of the Aloe vera product.