Is Aloe Vera really a miracle plant?

@liquorice (3887)

September 22, 2008 3:09pm CST

I keep coming across articles for aloe vera, claiming that it's a wonder-plant that can treat all sorts of problems, such as boosting the immune system, boosting energy, treating burns, detoxifying, acting as an antiseptic, reversing the signs of aging, improving digestion, curing heartburn, healing wounds, helping sufferers of ulcerative colitis, IBS and ulcers, circulatory disorders, heart problems, asthma, eye problems, liver, kidney and bladder disorders; and studies are underway to see if it may also help to treat the HIV virus, certain types of cancer and diabetes... And the list goes on and on. If you read enough about it, it seems as if this simple plant will put an end to all human suffering. But most of the articles and websites where I read about this miracle of our time, are also trying to sell me aloe vera products.

As it's claimed that aloe treats practically all the disorders in the world, this naturally includes a couple which I (and probably most other people) suffer from, so it's caught my attention, and I'm interested in uncovering the truth about aloe vera!!! So I need an unbiased account of whether any of this is true.. Has anybody tried using aloe vera for a health problem? What health problem was it (if you don't mind sharing)? And did it work? (No promotional links please!

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8 people like this

16 responses

@ellie333 (21016)

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22 Sep 08

Hi Liquorice, I use aloe vera to sooth burns scalds and help the healing process of cuts and grazes and have done for years. If I have no soothing gel in the medicine cupboard I will break a leaf off of a plant and use that. For many centuries sailors used this to sooth their sunburnt backs at sea before special creams were developed. Also I have to have Ceasarian sections with my children and after the operation where they stitch all the layers back together you are left with pockets of extremely painful trapped wind which I suffered lots of pain from with my first child, with my second and third children I drank aloe juice and I didn't suffer from this at all and it is very good for the digestive system, for anything else though I haven't used. Hope this helps. Ellie :D

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

Thanks Ellie, that's all very interesting! Ooh, I didn't know that painful trapped wind could be caused by a caesarian, how horrible. It's really good that aloe vera saved you from that the second and third time round. I'm really glad to hear that it's good for the digestive system, as I do have IBS. I'm definitely willing to try it after these recommendations. And good to know about its healing properties for cuts, grazes and sunburn too!

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@Shar19 (8231)

• United States

22 Sep 08

I do have also heard that there are numerous things aloe vera can cure. I haven't tried them all but I have tried some. I used to have an aloe plant and it was wonderful. I would just break a piece off and use it for things like applying over a burn. It also worked wonders for skin burn and also as an after tan serum to prolong your tan. I've never heard of it as an anti aging cure. I wonder if you can just use it as a face serum at night to help prevent wrinkles. I've never heard of any side effects from aloe vera so you mights as well just give it a try and see what works for you.

4 people like this

@liquorice (3887)

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23 Sep 08

Thanks for telling me about using aloe vera for burns and after sun. It's good to know that at least some of the claims are true. Thanks for your answer, I'm glad it helps you, and maybe I'll try it for these things too!

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@patgalca (18370)

• Orangeville, Ontario

22 Sep 08

I have fibromyalgia with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. When my IBS acts up, whether it be cramps and diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, I will pour 1/4 of a cup of Aloe Vera Juice into a cup and add a little fruit juice for taste. It never fails to cure what ails me. I should probably take it on a regular basis but I just keep it on hand for when I need it. I know putting the gel from the plant works on cuts and burns so I wouldn't be surprised if it worked for all the other things you listed. You can buy the Aloe Vera Juice in a bottle as juice, and you can also buy bottled Aloe Vera Gel. I wouldn't be surprised if they had it in a pill form. I think they have a whole section designated to it at the health food store I go to, but I just grab my bottle of juice and move on. I haven't checked out any of the other items. I wouldn't discount what you have heard about it. It definitely has helped me with my digestion problems.

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@liquorice (3887)

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23 Sep 08

Thanks a lot for telling me about that. I have IBS too, and I never imagined that aloe could actually work for this. I've tried plenty of other things that don't work at all, and have kind of given up hope of finding anything that does! It's amazing that it cures you whatever symptoms you're having. I'll look out for aloe vera juice. Even if it turns out to not work for me, it's definitely worth a try.

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@patgalca (18370)

• Orangeville, Ontario

23 Sep 08

There are a couple of other things I use for my IBS. First, I always carry around peppermints. And we have a product here called Eater's Digest Tea which contains digestive aids such as licorice, chamomille and peppermint. But the Aloe Vera Juice works the best, just not as convenient if you're out.

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

Thanks for those tips. I'll look out for the eaters' digest tea.

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positiveminded1977

@positiveminded1977 (7072)

• India

24 Sep 08

I have an aloe vera plant in my garden. I do not know how effective it is in treating a variety of disorders, and I am curious to know how others have responded to this post. :) I have not used Aloe Vera for anything. Cheers and happy mylotting

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positiveminded1977

@positiveminded1977 (7072)

• India

27 Sep 08

That's interesting! I accidentally broke off an aloe vera leaf while gardening yesterday. It was so lovely and fleshy inside, just like a transparent green lotion. Lovely!! Cheers!!

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@liquorice (3887)

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26 Sep 08

Well, from the interesting replies I've had so far, your plant could be really useful if you have any kind of burns, (including sunburn) or cuts, eczema or allergic skin problems. It can also be used to prevent wrinkles! Please read the other responses in case I've missed any off. It seems like you have a useful plant there! *Please also note the post about how it can cause scary reactions if you're allergic to it!

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@liquorice (3887)

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3 Oct 08

Cool, it sounds lovely. I'm thinking of getting one too. Just have to figure out where to get one...

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@zigzagbuddha (4601)

• United States

8 Nov 08

Personally, I think cannabis is a miracle plant. Well, now that I think about it I think all plants are miracles. I have used it on burns and skin conditions, but I would not want to swallow it, it's smell does not inspire me to put it in my mouth, but it's coolness is an incredible relief on burns. My dog has a pretty bad skin condition that was ongoing. The only thing that would clear it up would be steroid shots from the vet. I started using aloe on it and it cleared it right up. Apart from that it is a very handsome plant! If you're growing it inside it needs plenty of light in a nice sunny window. They look & do best in clay pots I think.

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@zigzagbuddha (4601)

• United States

9 Nov 08

I guess a lot of stuff is like that. Anchovies used to literally make me gag. But many years ago I read that they were good brain food or something, so I decided I wanted to eat them. I only put teensy weensy little pieces in very few numbers in my salads at first and now sometimes I crave them. I use a whole can at a time now, hehehe.

@liquorice (3887)

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8 Nov 08

When I first bought the aloe vera juice, I thought it was the most disgusting thing, but after a week or so of taking it I began to get used to it and then really really liked it! Strange eh? It's good that it seems to be so good for relieving burns and skin conditions. Luckily I haven't needed to use it for either of these things as my skin allergies haven't played up for a while. It is a very nice looking plant. Mine is still quite small, but I'm hoping it will flourish on the windowsill, and get the morning sunlight, when we get some. I'll bear in mind what you say about clay pots. Thanks for your reply.

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@thebeaddoodler (4262)

• Lubbock, Texas

23 Sep 08

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Aloe+vera This link gives you medicinal properties of Aloe Vera from an herbalist view point, not from that of a merchant. I have kept an aloe vera plant for most of my adult live because they are so useful for burns, cuts, sunburns etc. However until about 9 or 10 years ago I had never heard of it being used internally. I have never used it in that way.

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

Thanks a lot for the link. I'll have a look at it. It'll be nice to see some documentation that's not biased. To be honest I'm really surprised to see people say so many positive things about it. From the things I've read before I didn't know what to believe, but it's great to have some testimonies from people who've tried it. At least about some of the things on that very long list!! I can see some real benefits to getting an aloe vera plant.

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@babygurl03 (268)

• Canada

23 Sep 08

Yes it really is because when you burn yourself and you put a bit of this on your burn it is amazing how quickly it will start to work and if you ever notice that when you use this it does not leave scars the way other medications do .

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

That sounds great. I'll have to try it and see if it works for me! Thanks for your reply.

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@worldwise1 (14885)

• United States

23 Sep 08

I'm sure that some of those claims are unfounded, liquorice, but aloe vera plants are very effective in treating skin problems, as I discovered myself. I posted a discussion about them several months ago here on myLot. I found the juice from the plant to be helpful in healing of a serious burn and when I later developed eczema(a skin condition), it has also helped me.

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@liquorice (3887)

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26 Sep 08

Yes, it would be so good if they were all true, but so far I've only been able to find out that it's good for skin problems and digestive problems (which is nonetheless great to know about); - so long as you're not allergic to it of course. [em]shocked[/em I'm glad to hear that you've had success with it for a serious burn and eczema. I also get eczema sometimes, and I may try it when I next have an attack. Thanks for your comment.

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@Hatley (163776)

• Garden Grove, California

23 Sep 08

liquorice most of that stuff is just used to sell it, and thats all that is, but yes if you take a leaf of the aloe verde plant, break it open and squeeze the juice onto the spot that is sunburned it will soothe the redness and make it quit hurting.\other than that I do not know of any other use for it,other than as a decorative garden succulent plant for a succulent garden.I do know that aloe verde products will work to diminish and cool a bad sunburn quickly.

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

Thanks for response Hatley. It's great to know that it's good for soothing burns, and digestive problems, as in the posts above. Yes, until I hear evidence about the other things I'll remain a little sceptical, but it would be absolutely great if it were true, and it could solve all the world's illnesses.

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@icequeen123 (934)

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12 Oct 08

I always buy Aloe Vera gel from the health food shop and use it instead of regular aftersun. It comes in a tube and it is 99% strength. I totally swear by it, it is fantastic! My husband also suffers with IBS and I have tried to get him to take aloe vera juice. I know it works as many other friends have taken it with success. Unfortunately, it tastes vile. My mum has grown some aloe vera plants from cuttings and she uses them for burns. She is always catching her hands and arms on hot things like the iron, or the aga. So she breaks off a small piece and wipes the sap of the plant on to the burn, it works a treat! I agree that sometimes the benefits of certain plants can be hyped up, but I do believe that aloe vera is a great plant, with no down-sides. Mother nature knows what she is doing.

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@zigzagbuddha (4601)

• United States

8 Nov 08

That's right... Aloe Vera plants like abundant light. I try to keep the winter temperature in the room at least to 40 degrees ('F'... I don't know what that translates to in 'C', but it is about 9 or 10 degrees above freezing), because once it gets too cold the leaves turn to mush. It also likes to dry out completely in between waterings. Overwatering it will kill it faster than anything. Especially if it's not getting enough light. They need a few hours of direct sun a day, morning sun is preferable but in the winter I give them a southwesterly exposure, for the added strength. The one I have now I started as a few teensy weensy little 'suckers' off a mother plant, and it is getting very big now, it grows pretty fast. I just transplanted mine into a bigger container so I am expecting a growth spurt any time now.

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@icequeen123 (934)

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12 Oct 08

Thanks, will tell the husband and see what he says. My mum keeps her plant on the kitchen window sill, as the kitchen is one of the warmest rooms in her house. I think they need plenty of warmth and lots of light. I hope you can rescue yours and enjoy its benefits in the future. Take care.

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@liquorice (3887)

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12 Oct 08

Hi there! It's good to have some more positive feedback about aloe vera. I'll try using it as aftersun (well, next time there is any sun that's strong enough to burn us..) I've bought some aloe vera juice to try out for my IBS. So far I've noticed some slight improvements, but it'll be hard to know for sure if it's working until I've been taking it a bit longer. It's funny you should mention the taste. When I first tried it (a few weeks ago), I thought how disgusting it was, and I didn't think that I'd be able to keep taking it every day. But it's really grown on me, so much so that I actually crave it now! So I've decided that one of the properties of aloe vera is that it makes you really like its bitter flavour, lol! So tell your husband that if he tries it a few more times, the taste won't bother him any more.

Glad your mum finds it useful too, sounds great for burns. I've also just bought a small plant (just today in fact!) but it was reduced and a bit sickly looking, so I'm not sure if it will last very long... I need to read up on it to see whether I can save it! Thanks for your answer.

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@metschica25 (5399)

• United States

23 Sep 08

Hello

All my life that is what I heard too . I have always used the gel in the summer with my sunburn . Now I love the lotion which helps with my dry skin . I always wanted the plant , because it is much better in the form and that is when you get the most healing powers . wow that is sooo cool to know all that about the plant.

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@liquorice (3887)

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26 Sep 08

Thanks for your answer. It's good that aloe vera helps you with your sunburn. I'd really like to get a plant too, I'm going to look out for one! Please note that the long list of conditions that I listed in my question were ones that certain websites claim can be treated with aloe vera. I don't know how true these claims are, apart from the ones that people have kindly written about in their replies. I'm quite dubious that it can help with all of those problems; there would be unlikely to be any diseases left if it were all true!

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@manjalvaanam (272)

• India

27 Sep 08

ya it really does cure a lot of health problems.people consume and apply aloe vera for various health problems.the aloe vera is processed in various forms for different usage.i have used it form skin problems like sun burns and other things.it really worked and its the best for skin problems..in my place i get a aloovera gel which can be applied to any part of the body..its really good

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@liquorice (3887)

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3 Oct 08

It sounds great for skin problems and digestive problems. Thanks for your answer!

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@ml4box (336)

• China

23 Sep 08

now days i take pure aloe juice as a daily skin treatment. it works esp for sensitive skin like me. there are several famous aloe brands in China and many Chinese girls get used to take it as daily skin protect measure. maybe you can take a try for it fit for every kind of skin. enjoy your mylotting!

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

That's good to know about, thanks! When you say you take it, do you mean you drink it, or you put it on your skin? And if you use it on your skin, what do you do? Just apply it to your face and leave it there, or rinse it off? It's interesting to know about this use, as I shy away from skincare products because I'm allergic to most of them... Maybe this could benefit me in all sorts of ways!

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• China

26 Sep 08

hi, liquorice, sorry for delay. aloe is freely used for skin and hair. most aloe can not eat except noted yes on the instructions. you can pat it to face and body directly and the effect will be better after bath. then let it be or add some other cream. don't need clean it off. if you have spare time, you can mix aloe juice with pearl powder or otherthings you like to make a mask. Good luck!:)

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@Annamcarra (116)

• United States

23 Sep 08

I used Aloe vera for a burn and found I'm allergic to it. It ate a whole right through my flesh and it was nasty.

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

Ooh, that does sound nasty. I guess that's a warning to us that not everything (even "miracle products") suit everybody. Maybe we should test it on a small area to check we're not allergic to it before using it on something that's already sore. Although I suppose even the test could turn out to be quite painful if we are.

Thanks for telling me about that. It's good to know about these things.

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@praveenjena (1304)

• India

23 Sep 08

Hello, ya indeed aloe vera is a magical plant. Many physicians suggest creams that contain aloe Vera which is beneficial for skin eruptions and allergies. Aloe Vera gels and lotions have become famous in the bazaar. Aloe Vera can be used like cosmetics and ayurvedic medications. Aloe Vera gels include 75 nutrients and proved to be the best remedy for burns and wounds. This herb is very beneficial for reducing the blisters and sores. Aloe Vera can be utilized like a food preservative such as fresh fruit and legumes. It is utilized as an option to synthetic preservatives such as sulfur dioxide. Have a good day. Take care and happy postings.

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

Thanks praveenjena. Well, it does sound wonderful for skin problems and allergies. I'll definitely try it for these things. I wonder if I can buy the juice for my digestive problems, and also use the same formula for skin problems..?

It's good to hear some good things about it.

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@santoshi123 (68)

• India

23 Sep 08

I have purchased some Aloe products for weight reduction. But i dont no how to take it and also dont no whether it works out or not

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@liquorice (3887)

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24 Sep 08

Are they special weight reduction products, or the normal aloe vera juice? If it's the juice I've read that you're supposed to take 250ml twice a day (although maybe this varies with different concentrations?). Does it not say on the packet how often/how much to take? Maybe you could look it up on the internet or ask in the shop where you bought it. Thanks for your answer. Didn't know it could be used for weight reduction!

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