Side Effects - if Any
of Taking Aloe Vera

Some people are allergic to aloe vera - though that's hard to understand - when it is so good for us. I suspect such people are so full of toxins that when aloe vera starts to deal with them, the stirring up of the toxins in preparation to dispel them, makes these people feel worse at first. I would think they should persist for a while, and once the toxins are all out of their body they can revel in excellent health.

Almost every source points out that side effects from using aloe vera for therapeutic purposes are very rare. As stated above, I would suggest trying a while longer, but if you cannot handle whatever your side effect might be, just stop using it. Simple as that. The side effects will stop.

What kind of side effects have been reported?

Some report that taking aloe vera for a long term will cause a loss of albuminuria, potassium, fluid imbalance and hematuria. As I said at the top of the Benefits of aloe vera page, this seems odd when others report that aloe vera restores such losses.

However, IF you experience such a side effect, it should also inhibit your intestinal motility, create hyperaldosteronism and the enhancement of cardioactive steroid. If your body is short on potassium, you will know it by muscular weakness, and in extreme cases you could get an irregular heartbeat due to drastic reduction of potassium.

If you should take too much aloe vera, or if it really is wrong for you, you might notice your urine turns pink or red. You could have stomach cramps or spasms in your intestines. Remember to use common sense, and not to over do things right away. If really serious, you might have severe diarrhea, or even kidney problems.

If your skin is allergic to aloe vera, you might have a stinging, burning sensation on your skin, a dermatitis.

Apparently there is a connection between those with a sensitivity to garlic or onion (Go figure!) - and those reacting to aloe vera. Researchers advise that the pregnant or breast feeding, or if you already have kidney and heart problems you should not use aloe vera.

The best coping method, is to try it in very small amounts at first. Don't drink or eat your aloe vera as if it were apple juice. Stick to tablespoons and small medicine cups for your doses. Remember, it is not a magic potion or a cure-all. Keep your mind clear, think. Just pay attention to your body's responses and decide accordingly.

More & Deeper

ALVEDAMA - Aloe Vera da Medeira - how the Cowens grow and sell their aloe vera on the island of Madeira, just off the coast of Portugal.

Aloe Vera, the Burn Plant - and how I proved it for myself with a second degree burn on my left hand on Easter Sunday. (A photo story).

Aloe Vera Aids Burn Treatment, Wound Healing And Scars - a guest article to explain some of the technical aspects of how this happens.

Freezing Aloe Vera - I've tried freezing the aloe vera gel, hoping to use it later, but that seems to kill the good stuff in it, as I found it looked too yukky when I tried to defrost it to use, however I discuss the pros and cons on this page.

Eating My Aloe Vera - just now I'm eating a large plant that is falling over in a hurry, but also thinking about help for those can't get access to such plants easily.

Back to Eden and Herbal Books Bookstore

Bacterial Vaginosis - and other vaginal irritations can be cured naturally for once and for all.

Plantain - thank God - it's so handy! - A review of the things I've learned about plantain and the many ways to use it as a healing remedy.

Calendula, Marigold - My discoveries and experiences with calendula and how to make an ointment from this herb.

Mint - the Refreshing and Soothing Herb - Mint is one of my most favourite herbs, especially for a refreshing tea that soothes away gas and pain and rattled nerves.

Comfrey - to Close up Your Wounds - Comfrey is the plant that can knit or close up your wounds and put you back together. Comfrey has an excellent effect on inward bruises and pains. A poultice of the fresh leaves is excellent for gangrenous sours, gangrene, mortifications, and moist ulcers.

Herbal Teas - Simple instructions for how to prepare herbal teas, and for different quanties, with links to many old recipes.

Specific Benefits of the Herbs in the Herbal Teas - A quick summary page of herbal benefits to check when deciding which herbal tea blend to make, and want to know what each herb may do for you.

Natural Arthritis Remedies - Natural arthritis remedies and suggestions for a cleanse of the toxins and poisons which cause that intense pain - which could cure you of all arthritis pain.

Odd Cure for Bad Breath - Bad breath can be prevented, perhaps even cured by drinking tea, plus a few other odd cures.

Teas for Colds and Flu Remedies - Recipes for infusions or herbal teas for colds and flu remedies.

Teas to Aid in Good Digestion - Recipes for herbal teas that will help to digest one's food better.

Herbal Teas for Energy and Memory - Recipes for herbal teas for energy and memory to give new vitality and improve your memory skills.

Teas for Relaxing, to Give You Rest - Recipes for herbal teas for relaxing, infusions that will make it easier for you to rest.

Herbal Teas that Heal - Recipes for herbal teas that are able to heal or improve symptoms of more specific health problems.

Teas That Heal - Brewing Recipes - More teas that heal - brewing recipes that have a similar brewing method..

Herbal Tea Remedy e-Book - ready to download

- Holistic Therapies for Animals - see what Dena Schwartz has found to work with animals as well as people.

Key Aloe Product Sources:
Forever Living AoK Puritan's Pride AoK Organic Ease, Inc.