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Aloe Vera Safety

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Posted 4/15/2012 3:14 AM (GMT 0)
How safe is Aloe vera for daily use? Is there a way to remove aloin from aloe vera at home? I have bought aloe vera leaf, but I have not used it yet.

I was reading the study done by the National Institute of Health on animals and aloe vera, and it does not sound comforting.
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/aloe_vera.pdf
Posted 4/15/2012 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Adam,

Thanks for sharing that link.  It is very disconcerting to read the results of those studies, as many here are taking Aloe Vera gel regularly.  I believe that rather than using the leaf form, they buy it in gel and liquid form from health food stores. 

I'm not one to weigh in on the issue, because I'm not one of those who take it.  I do believe that one of the problems with natural remedies is that they're not well-defined, and they can vary widely in ingredients from one form to another.  They are not policed by the FDA the way medications are. 

It's important to educate yourself and research ingredients carefully, then make a personal decision of what is right for you.  It may be that you decide the risks outweight the benefits, or that you feel the benefits are worth the risks.  Good job in seeking out the information yourself.

Good luck with your quest for answers. 

Denise

Here is your link in a clickable version:

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/materials/aloe_vera.pdf

It takes a while to load, so be patient.

Post Edited (dencha) : 4/15/2012 8:26:14 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/15/2012 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
I drink aloe vera gel alot, but not in the raw plant/leaf form. My advise would be to buy aloe gel or juice that is filtered that way all the aloin and any other harmful stuff has been removed. It takes alittle bit to get used to (loose stool), but your body will adjust quickly.

I drink Lakewood brand, it is organic and has no citric acid or preservatives. I have been drinking aloe daily for over 10 months and have never had negative results. Again I do not eat or drink the raw plant/leaves.

Doggbones

Posted 4/15/2012 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
George's aloe vera juice removes the aloin and any other undesirable parts. It tastes like water and contains no additives/preservatives. You also do not have to refrigerate it. I buy it from amazon.com it is made by Warren Laboratories. I have been drinking it for 2 months. I also take Manuka honey also purchased at amazon.com.
Posted 4/15/2012 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
ericapeace2000,

Is George's Aloe vera made from the whole leaf or gel?
Posted 4/16/2012 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, this is very interesting because I have been taking Aloe Vera Gel for almost two years now.  I am a little concerned.  I don't think we can get rid of the "aloin" completely from any of the aloe gel or juice.  This ingridient is what gives the regularity effect on the our body's elemination.  It has less than 1ppm, I am not quite sure what that means.  I use organic Lilly of Dessert.  Here is a link.   

http://www.lilyofthedesert.com/our_products/item/whole-leaf-aloe-vera-gel/26

I would appreciate any feed back. 

 

Posted 4/16/2012 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hi guys,

Here's the Mayo Clinic take on Aloe Vera. 

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aloe-vera/NS_patient-aloe/DSECTION=safety

There's obviously a risk-benefit consideration for everything we use.  Still it's good to seek out information and make an informed decision.

Here's information from the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine:

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/aloevera

Good luck with your quest,

Denise turn

Post Edited (dencha) : 4/16/2012 10:13:31 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/16/2012 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Denise....I am going to stop taking it as I really don't need it. I have cut down quite a bit on it but will definitely hold off.

Thanks for the info.

Cindy
Posted 4/16/2012 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
From what I gather the dangerous aspects of the aloe such as the aloin are processed out of George's. The studies listed by Denise: I am not sure if they are with just a typical aloe plant consumed or if the studies are referring to the processed aloe that I drink. Eating aloe that is not processed is not suggested and I have heard of the side effects that Denise listed for that. I am just not sure if the type I have been drinking falls into the danger catagory. I have researched this particular brand and most people report positive results with no side effects.
Posted 4/16/2012 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
I did not feel relief in my GERD symptoms after taking aloe vera. After reading above reports, and Considering the fact that aloe vera did not help me, I am going to stop taking aloe vera.
Posted 4/16/2012 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hello there...

I don't purport to be an expert on Aloe Vera, and only sought out links/resources in an attempt to provide information that was requested.  Whether or not anyone takes aloe vera is really none of my business.  Just trying to be helpful! turn

Have a great day,

Denise

 

Posted 4/16/2012 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Appreciate the info, I hope I did not offend anyone. Now I am just confused.
Posted 4/16/2012 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
me too...I only take three table spoonfuls at nights before going to bed. My motto is "when in doubt" leave it alone. I think I'll retire the aloe for now.

Cindy.
p.s. This was a great topic though. You learn something new everyday.
Posted 4/17/2012 5:57 AM (GMT 0)
I buy Aloe Vera Juice from Market America online. I drink 2 ounces daily, and it keeps my acid reflux away.
Posted 4/17/2012 11:57 AM (GMT 0)
To all,

If aloe vera is so unsafe, why is Dr. Koufman (whom many of us follow) an advocate of it? It's on her safe food list and has articles on her site "pushing" it. Just something for you all to think about.

Doggbones
Posted 4/17/2012 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
That is why I was confused. I think the aloe vera has to be processed to remove the dangerous parts to it. If you just eat aloe unprocessed that may be where there are issues.
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