Aloe vera can be helpful in a variety of circumstances, but more research is needed to really understand the benefits from and safety of drinking the plant juice. Currently, there is a lack of scientific data to support the rationale for ingesting aloe vera as a dietary supplement, but some individuals continue to experiment with the juice while researchers slowly uncover relevant facts.
Here’s a look at what we do know about aloe vera juice and what potential benefits can come from drinking a related tonic.
Aloe Vera Juice May Help Your Teeth, Gums And Overall Oral Health
Aloe vera may help reduce plaque and treat dry mouth
Swishing aloe vera juice around in your mouth may have similar effects to an oral rinse as far as your teeth and gums are concerned. Research shows that aloe can help break down plaque when used daily, but it may take up to six months for significant results. Aloe vera may also be able to help dry mouth, but studies are inconclusive at this point.
Aloe vera may also help in reducing gingivitis and other gum diseases
Aloe vera juice may also help treat inflammation of the gums when used daily over the course of three to six months. For serious inflammation problems, an aloe solution has been administered three times a day in some cases for helping relieve the pain associated with the swelling.
For oral care, you don’t need to swallow the aloe vera juice
Just like with aloe-based toothpastes and mouthwashes, you don’t need to swallow the aloe vera juice when swishing it in your mouth for dental health benefits. Even though you’re not ingesting the product, you should still only use food-grade products that are safe when consumed.
Talk with your dentist
If you’re having problems with plaque and gingivitis, talk with your dentist about implementing a daily aloe vera rinse into your dental hygiene practices to make sure they are on board with the approach. Your dentist may provide some additional insights and warnings to make sure you’re being safe.
Aloe Vera Juice May Be Able To Help With Scalp & Hair Problems
Aloe vera juice may be able to treat your dandruff
An itchy and flaking scalp can be a big challenge for anyone afflicted by the painful and visible condition. Aloe vera is a natural antiseptic, able to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi alike. While there is no guaranteed cure for dandruff, a treatment like aloe vera juice that includes aloe vera gel may be able to help eliminate unwanted microorganisms and extra oil to restore your scalp’s state of health. Depending on your needs, you may want to pour aloe vera juice all over your scalp and gently rub your fingers over the skin. Alternatively, you can also mix the aloe vera juice with another substance, if desired, for a thicker texture. You can combine aloe and olive oil or tea tree oil, for examples, or put aloe and shampoo on your scalp at the same time.
Aloe vera can hydrate and nourish the scalp
Even if you don’t have clinical dandruff problems, your scalp and hair may still be able to benefit from the nourishing formula of aloe vera juice and gel. The natural moisturizer can transform dull and dry locks into smooth and shiny strands, reducing dryness in your skin and hair. Some aloe vera juices have aloe gel in them and some don’t so shop around accordingly if you’re really looking into using the juice as a scalp treatment.
Talk with a dermatologist and be careful
You may want to check with a dermatologist if you have any chronic or serious problems. If you have any sensitivity to aloe, don’t try to pour the juice on your scalp. If you have any open cuts or wounds on your scalp, you may also want to hold off on using a treatment like aloe vera juice if you’re concerned that the product is unsafe for your insides. If you’re interested in the effects of aloe vera for your scalp but want to skip out on the juice component, you can likely find aloe-based shampoos, conditioners and scalp treatments at your local healthfood store.
Aloe Vera Juice Can Act As a Laxative, But the Product May Be Extremely Toxic
Aloe Vera juice may help with constipation
Aloe vera juice has, in the past, been a commonly-featured ingredient in over-the-counter remedies for constipation. Aloe vera juice contains anthraquinones, which have a well-documented laxative effect on the human body. The question, however, is if it’s actually safe to ingest aloe vera orally like this. One particular anthraquinone found in the aloe vera leaf is aloin, which is now suspected to cause tumor development in animal studies. Because no definitive safety data has been provided to refute the suspicions, the FDA has since required aloe laxative products to either be removed from the market or reformulated.
Dietary supplements are not regulated
Aloe vera juice that is marketed as a dietary supplement is not under the FDA’s control so just because a product is still being sold today doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe for consumption. Although some aloe juices now have a disclaimer “doesn’t contain aloin,” removing that specific component from aloe may not be enough in preventing cancerous developments to appear as side effects from regularly ingesting aloe vera. Aloe vera liquid made up of any anthraquinones may also end up causing stomach cramping, diarrhea, kidney disease and heart disturbances.
Additional digestive health promises are just part of the marketing department’s hype
Aloe vera juice manufacturers often claim that their products have the ability to support the health of the digestive system overall, but there isn’t actually anything medically or scientifically concrete to back up such broad assertions. In fine print, the juices themselves often contain a legal disclaimer “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Claims of aiding the urinary tract and promoting healthy kidney functioning just aren’t supported.
Talk with a doctor
If you’re considering drinking aloe vera juice despite the known and unknown risks, talk with a doctor about any specific brands or products you are thinking about trying out. Make sure to work with your medical professional, to watch for side effects and to avoid taking more than the recommended serving of whatever pick you end up deciding to use. Even aloe vera products designed for internal use may be dangerous so definitely avoid all products that are not intended for human consumption.
Certain Individuals Should Be Especially Careful When Ingesting Aloe Vera Juice
Children and pregnant or breast-feeding women should stay away
As mentioned above, the safety of consuming aloe vera juice is in question for everyone, but those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking any type of aloe by mouth. Aloe vera, in liquid or gel form, has been associated with miscarriage as well as increased risks for birth defects. Similarly, children younger than twelve years old should not be given any oral type of aloe. Side effects for them can include abdominal pain and cramping in addition to diarrhea.
Those with kidney problems or intestinal conditions should avoid aloe vera juice
Aloe latex, found in aloe vera juice made from whole aloe leaves, is a bowel irritant and can cause drastic side effects for those with preexisting problems including kidney failure and worsened Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and obstructions. Aloe can also interfere with blood sugar control so you should stay away from ingesting aloe if you have any upcoming surgeries or doctor appointments until you get the go ahead from your medical advisor.
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