Aloe Vera Juice Side Effects
Aloe vera is a natural herb, which contains essential substances: latex and gel, used for their medicinal purposes. Aloe latex is the yellow component found just under the skin of the aloe plant. The aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like component of the plant. Aloe vera is manufactured into oral preparations as juice or skin applications.
Aloe Vera Uses
Aloe vera gel and latex oral preparations are used for the management of certain conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Fever
- Itching
- Inflammatory bowel disorders such as ulcerative colitis
- General tonic
- Peptic ulcers
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Prevention of radiation side-effects
- Constipation
- Colds
- Epilepsy
- Depression
- Varicose veins
- Hemorrhoids
- Vision problems including glaucoma
Aloe vera gel skin preparations are used for certain skin conditions such as:
- Sunburn
- Burns
- Frostbite
- Cold sores
- Psoriasis
- Bed sore treatment
- Surgical wound healing
The use of aloe vera food supplements is generally safe and does not produce side effects similar to those of apple cider vinegar. However, studies have shown that taking aloe vera latex in high doses may lead to potential side effects.
Aloe Vera juice side effects
The side effects from taking aloe vera juice are largely dependent on the aloe vera latex. The aloe vera gel rarely causes any side effects, but the presence of aloe vera latex may lead to some. Aloe Vera juice side effects may include:
1. Burning of the skin
Burning of the skin is a localized side effect which may result from using skin applications of aloe vera juice. This may occur when the skin is not cleaned before the application of another layer of the aloe vera juice.
2. Itching
Itching is also a possible local reaction of the skin following the application of aloe vera. This is not related to any allergic reaction because people with no allergies to aloe vera may still experience this aloe vera juice side effect.
3. Stomach pain or abdominal cramps
Patients who are taking large amounts of aloe vera juice daily may experience abdominal disturbances.
4. Allergic reactions
Those people allergic to plants belonging in the Liliaceae family such as tulips, lilies, hyacinths, onions, and garlic may also be allergic to aloe vera and experience allergic reactions.
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is also a common aloe vera juice side effect and people who take large daily doses of aloe vera juice may experience this.
6. Kidney Problems
Kidney problems may result as a side effect, as a result of the ingestion of the latex component of aloe vera, which is harmful for the kidneys.
7. Hematuria
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, may also be an aloe vera juice side effect and may be a sign of kidney problem.
8. Liver problems
Although rare, this aloe vera juice side effect may occur when aloe latex is taken, especially in excessive amounts.
9. Hypokalemia
Problems in the kidneys may reduce the level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is very important in nerve impulse transmission, especially in the heart.
10. Muscle weakness
Weakness of the muscles may also develop as a side effect of aloe vera juice. This is a result of reduced potassium in the blood. Potassium is responsible for the nerve impulse transmission required for muscle contraction.
11. Weight loss
People experiencing recurrent diarrhea, as a result of taking aloe vera juice, may experience sudden weight loss.
12. Heart problems
Changes in potassium levels in the blood may lead to cardiac arrhythmias that are potentially life-threatening. Cardiac arrhythmias may be the most severe side effect produced by aloe vera juice because of aloe vera latex.
In addition, taking aloe latex of 1 gram per day for several days may be fatal for people. Patients who would like to take aloe vera juice should carefully review the indications and the dosage in order to prevent these aloe vera juice side effects.