Aloe Vera gel

[Amberzak]

Has anyone taken it? It was recommended to me from a coeliac group, but I can only find research about the benefits for type two diabetics. The only thing it seemed to say about insulin dependent diabetics was that there was a risk of hypos. I'm prone to hypos, but I also know the Internet can over exaggerate the dangers etc.

Any type ones use this or know anything about it?

 

[Pumper_Sue]

This is probably no help what so ever, but did try the stuff on a wound one of my horses had and the general consensus was it was useless and a waste of money.

 

[MacG3]

After a bad case of sun burn on holiday in Jamacia many years ago, one of the maids at the hotel went into the garden and returned with a piece of cactus. Turns out this was aloe Vera and it really did work on the sunburn!

The reason I mention this is that the maid went to great pains to point out that you should wash your hands straight after rubbing the gel or flesh of the plant on. The reason is it is a really strong laxative.

 

[KookyCat]

I took it when I had acute collitis, because it's supposed to be anti inflammatory, can't say I noticed any improvement with that. Brilliant for sunburn and skin inflammation but that's all I know. This was before the immune system turned against my pancreas though so I don't know the impact on blood sugar I'm afraid 🙂

 

[curlygirl]

I haven't heard of taking aloe vera gel, but i do take aloe vera juice and find it very helpful with regards to IBS and acid reflux. The one i use is aloe gold original from a company called Higher Nature. It is pretty expensive, but it lasts a fair while as i just add about a tablespoon to a cup of hot water in a morning.
Hope this is helpful information.

 

[Amberzak]

Thanks all.

Decided I'm not going to take it, as there isn't enough evidence to show it will help me and my nutritionist said it could cause more problems with the blood sugars. Don't want to risk any more hypos.

 

[bill hopkinson]

Aloe Vera tastes great, but has little effectiveness as an oral medication (chinese opinion), but is useful topically for inflamed skin.

 

[AlisonM]

I've never considered eating it but have used it on my skin for a good few years and found it excellent for soothing itches and bites.

 

[bill hopkinson]

I've never considered eating it but have used it on my skin for a good few years and found it excellent for soothing itches and bites.

There are two pyramid selling organisations I know of that promote Aloe Vera as oral medications with lots of personal testimony. I am not impressed myself.
However I used to make Aloe Vera wine. 2 litres grape juice, 1 litre Aloe Vera. It was delicious, fragrant. Now I cut down the wine.

 

[Amberzak]

There are two pyramid selling organisations I know of that promote Aloe Vera as oral medications with lots of personal testimony. I am not impressed myself.

I found out that the person who 'recommended' it to me actually works for the organisation that sells it, so I'm definitely not going for it.