40 Ways To Use Aloe Vera

Topical Aloe Uses

1. Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice
aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as
a biodegradable body scrub in the shower.
2. Treat burns from minor mishaps in the kitchen
from grease splatters or hot utensils.
3. For more major kitchen mishaps like a scald,
mix some aloe gel and vitamin E oil into a little jar
for a homemade burn healer.
4. Banish black and blue bruises by swapping on
the good goo.
5. Soothe and heal sunburns the feel-good way.
Aloe contains cooling properties similar to
menthol.
6. Take the sting or itch out of insect bites.
7. Reduce tissue damage from frostbite.
8. Alleviate mysterious rashes.
9. Make feet baby soft with an exfoliating foot
mask by mixing together a half cup of oatmeal, a
half cup of corn meal, four tbsp. of aloe vera gel
and a half cup of unscented body lotion.

10. Help heal herpes outbreaks.

11. Fight Athlete's Foot.
12. Swab over blisters for quick relief.
13. Use as an antidote to allergic skin reactions.
14. Replace creams and lotions as a general
moisturizer for dry skin. Aloe is fast absorbing!
15. Prevent pesky pimples and treat acne.
16. Soothe Psoriasis.
17. Prevent scarring and stretch marks.
18. Help rid of Rosacea.
19. Shrink warts.
20. Reverse signs of aging skin and wrinkles.
Cleopatra did!
21. Help eliminate Eczema.
22. Brighten skin. Aloe can decrease pigmentation
and dark spots.
23. Make skin new again with an
exfoliating, organic sugar scrub by mixing
together two tbsp. of aloe vera, 2 tbsp. of organic
brown sugar and 1 tsp. of organic lemon juice.

24. For rougher patches mix together an organic

salt skin scrub using two cups of sea salt, one cup
of aloe vera, one cup of organic coconut oil and
two tbsp. of local, organic honey.
25. Speed up hair growth by massaging aloe into
the scalp, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and rinsing.
26. Reduce hair dandruff by mixing aloe vera juice
with coconut milk and wheat germ oil. Massage
into scalp and rinse.
27. Replace aloe with conditioner for silkier,
smoother hair.
28. Remove eye makeup.
29. Treat minor vaginal irritations.
29. Treat minor vaginal irritations.
30. Drink aloe vera juice to relieve gastrointestinal
disorders like indigestion.
31. Sip it to aid in elimination. Many times, it's
recommended for its laxative effects.
32. Take a swig to reduce symptoms of irritable
bowel syndrome including bloating and
discomfort.

33. Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis

and rheumatism pain.
34. Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in
the vapor to alleviate asthma.
35. Drink to lower blood sugar levelsespecially
for diabetics.
36. Strengthen gums and promote strong, healthy
teeth by taking orally or use toothpaste with aloe
vera ingredients.
37. Drink to help ease congestion, stomach
ulcers, colitis, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections
and prostate problems.
38. Take orally to reduce cholesterol and
triglycerides for a healthy heart.
39. Sip to minimize inflammation and infection of
the eye and ear.
40. Toast to its general detoxifier and health
boosting qualities!

effective
Constipation. Taking aloe latex by mouth can
reduce constipation and also cause diarrhea.

 Cold sores (herpes simplex virus). Some

evidence shows that applying an aloe extract
0.5% cream 3 times daily increases healing
rates in men with cold sores.
Itchy rash on the skin or mouth (Lichen
planus). Research shows that using a
mouthwash containing aloe 3 times daily for
12 weeks or applying a gel containing aloe
twice daily for 8 weeks can reduce pain
associated with itchy rashes in the mouth.
Other research shows that using a
mouthwash containing aloe 4 times daily for
one month reduces pain and increases
healing similarly to standard treatment in
people with itchy rashes in the mouth.
Psoriasis. Applying a cream containing 0.5%
aloe for 4-8 weeks seems to reduce the skin
plaques and decrease the severity of
psoriasis. However, using an aloe gel does
not seem to improve other symptoms
associated with psoriasis, including skin
redness.

Ineffective

 HIV. Early research suggests that taking 400

mg of a supplement that comes from aloe 4
times daily does not improve immune
function in people with human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Skin damage caused by radiation treatment
for cancer. Applying aloe gel to the skin
during and after radiation treatment does not
seem to reduce skin damage caused by the
radiation. However, there is some evidence
that aloe gel might delay the appearance of
skin damage.
Sunburn. Research suggests that applying
aloe gel to the skin does not prevent sunburn
or reduce skin redness when applied before
or after sunlight exposure.

Insuffeicient evidence
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis). Research
shows that applying acemannan, a chemical
that comes from aloe, to the tooth socket of
people with dry sockets after standard
treatment, reduces pain and improves
symptoms more than standard treatment
alone.

 Burns. Applying aloe gel to the skin might

improve healing of certain types of burns
called partial thickness burns. Some
research shows that applying aloe cream
twice daily decreases the size of first or
second degree burn wounds and reduces the
amount of time needed to heal. However,
other research suggests that applying aloe
daily is no more effective than standard
treatment for reducing healing time.
Cancer. Early research suggests that when
given with standard chemotherapy, three
daily doses of a mixture containing fresh aloe
leaves and honey dissolved in alcohol
increases the number of patients with lung
cancer who are able to heal completely,
partially, or maintain control of their disease
when compared to just chemotherapy alone.
However, other research shows that taking
aloe has not benefit in people with lung
cancer.
Canker sores. Early research suggests that
taking acemannan, a chemical that comes
from aloe, shortens the amount of time
needed for canker sores to heal. However,
other research suggests that a gel containing

aloe does not consistently shorten the length

of time between canker sores.
Dental plaque. Some research suggests that
using a toothpaste containing aloe daily for
24 weeks reduces plaque. However, other
research evaluating another substance
containing aloe found it to be comparable to a
toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Diabetes. There is conflicting information
about whether aloe can reduce blood sugar
in people with diabetes. Two studies indicate
that taking aloe gel by mouth can reduce
blood sugar in women with type 2 diabetes.
But another study did not show the same
benefit.
Diaper rash. Early research suggests that
applying a cream containing aloe gel and
olive oil 3 times daily for 10 days reduces the
severity of diaper rash in children younger
than 3 years-old.
Dry skin. Early research suggests that
applying a cream containing aloe to the skin
for 2 weeks increases the amount of water in
the outermost later of the skin, but not on the
inner layers. Other research suggests that

wearing gloves coated in aloe improves

symptoms of dry skin in women. However, it
is not clear if the benefits were from the aloe
or the gloves.
Frostbite. When applied to the skin, aloe gel
seems to help skin survive frostbite injury.
Gingivitis. Some research suggests that
using a toothpaste containing aloe daily for
24 weeks reduces gingivitis. However, other
research evaluating another substance
containing aloe found it to be comparable to a
toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Hepatitis. Early evidence suggests that taking
aloe 3 times daily for 12 weeks reduces
symptoms of hepatitis in people with liver
fibrosis mainly caused by hepatitis B or C.
High cholesterol and other blood fats
(hyperlipidemia). Preliminary evidence
suggests that taking 10 mL or 20 mL of aloe
by mouth daily for 12 weeks can reduce total
cholesterol by about 15%, low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by about 18%,
and triglycerides by about 25% to 30% in
people with hyperlipidemia.

 Insect repellent. Applying a product

containing coconut oil, jojoba oil and aloe to
the feet twice daily for one week intervals
seems to reduce the number of sandfleas in
people with flea infestations.
Inflammation in the mouth (oral mucositis).
Some evidence suggests that using an aloe
solution 3 times daily during radiation therapy
lowers the risk of developing painful
inflammations in the mouth.
Bedsores. Some preliminary evidence
suggests that applying aloe gel does not
improve the healing rate of bedsores
compared to management with gauze
moistened with salt water. However, other
research suggests that a spray containing
aloe does reduce the severity of sores
compared to a standard treatment spray.
Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis). Early
research suggests that applying aloe twice
daily for 4-6 weeks improves dandruff.
Ulcerative colitis. Preliminary evidence
suggests that some people with mild to
moderate ulcerative colitis who take aloe gel

by mouth for 4 weeks have significantly

reduced symptoms.
Wound healing. There is conflicting
information about whether aloe works to
improve wound healing. Some research
shows that applying an aloe gel product
(Carrington Dermal Wound Gel) to surgical
wounds might actually delay wound healing.
But other research using a different form of
aloe cream applied to hemorrhoid-related
wounds shows that aloe might improve
wound healing and provide some pain relief.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate aloe for these
uses.
SIDE EFFECTS
Aloe gel is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin
and POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in
adults. Once in a while aloe gel might cause burning
and itching of the skin.
Taking aloe latex is POSSIBLY UNSAFE at any
dose, but LIKELY UNSAFE when taken in high
doses. Aloe latex can cause some side effects such
as stomach pain and cramps. Long-term use of

large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhea,

kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium,
muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart
disturbances. Taking aloe latex 1 gram per day for
several days can be fatal.
There have been a few reports of liver problems in
some people who have taken an aloe leaf extract;
however, this is uncommon. It is thought to only
occur in people who are extra sensitive
(hypersensitive) to aloe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: Aloe -- either gel

or latex -- is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by
mouth. There is a report that aloe was associated
with miscarriage. It could also be a risk for birth
defects. Do not take aloe by mouth if you are
pregnant or breast-feeding.
Children: Aloe is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for
children when taken by mouth. Children younger
than 12 years old may experience abdominal
pain, cramps, and diarrhea.
Diabetes: Some research suggests aloe might

lower blood sugar. If you take aloe by mouth and

you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar
levels closely.
Intestinal conditions such as Crohn's disease,
ulcerative colitis, or obstruction: Do not take
aloe latex if you have any of these conditions.
Aloe latex is a bowel irritant. Remember, products
made from whole aloe leaves will contain some
aloe latex.
Hemorrhoids: Do not take aloe latex if you have
hemorrhoids. It could make the condition worse.
Remember, products made from whole aloe
leaves will contain some aloe latex.
Kidney problems: High doses of aloe latex have
been linked to kidney failure and other serious
conditions.
Surgery: Aloe might affect blood sugar levels and
could interfere with blood sugar control during and

after surgery. Stop taking aloe at least 2 weeks

before a scheduled surgery.