6 questions you must ask yourself before using aloe vera

Aloe vera should be used with caution.

By: Sandhya Raghavan | | Published: January 24, 2018 4:19 pm

If we start counting the benefits of using aloe vera, we’d probably run out of fingers and toes. The nutrient-rich aloe gel is abounding in vitamins, minerals and phynolic compounds, which make it an all rounder among home remedies. From cosmetic to therapeutic, the virtues of aloe vera far outnumber its vices. But wait; does the infallible aloe vera have any negatives at all? Unfortunately yes. Its many qualities notwithstanding, this medicinal succulent also has a few dark secrets. This mean, aloe vera has to be used with caution under certain circumstances. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself before using aloe vera. Can aloe vera help irritable bowel syndrome? Also Read - 4 ways to use aloe vera for healthy and shiny hair

1. Are you pregnant?
Pregnant women should be particularly cautious while using aloe vera. Traditionally, pregnant women are discouraged from having any preparations with aloe vera in it. Because, theoretically, aloe vera stimulates uterine contractions and can cause the mother to go into premature labour. Here are some natural methods to induce labour. Also Read - 5 amazing beauty benefits of aloe vera

2. Are you breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding mothers should stay away from eating or drinking anything that contains aloe vera or its extracts. It’s a well-known fact that the mother’s diet can influence the quality of the breast milk, which in turn can affect the child. Traces of aloe vera in the breast milk is known to cause gastrointestinal problems in nursing infants. Also Read - Aloe vera: The magical plant that can rejuvenate your skin

3. Are you allergic to lilies, tulips, garlic or onions?
If you are allergic to plants in the Liliaceae family (lilies, hyacinths, garlic and onions), chances are you may be allergic to aloe vera. Topical application of the gel could cause a burning sensation along with redness, irritation and a stinging sensation.

4. Do you have a history of colorectal cancer in the family?
Aloe vera has been used in the treatment of various metastatic cancers, but studies also point to the association of aloe vera use with colorectal cancer. A study suggests that prolonged use of the aloe vera plant can lead to increased risk of colorectal cancers. So those with a history of colorectal cancers in the family should be wary of this fact.

5. Are you on diabetes medication?
Aloe is prized for its hypoglycemic qualities, but if you are already on diabetes medication, it’s best that you go off aloe vera. Combining it with oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin can decrease blood sugar levels drastically.

6. Are you Hypokalemic?
Hypokalemia is a condition where there is a deficiency of vitamin K in the human body. Aloe vera tends to have a laxative effect, making it a perfect remedy for someone with constipation. But excessive dosage can cause diarrhoea and depletion of minerals from the body. This could give rise to an electrolyte imbalance within the body due to low potassium levels.

References:

Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. http://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.44785

Boudreau, M. D., Mellick, P. W., Olson, G. R., Felton, R. P., Thorn, B. T., & Beland, F. A. (2013). Clear Evidence of Carcinogenic Activity by a Whole-Leaf Extract of Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) in F344/N Rats. Toxicological Sciences, 131(1), 26–39. http://doi.org/10.1093/toxsci/kfs275

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Published : January 24, 2018 4:19 pm

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