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You are here: Home / Medicinal Uses / Why, Oh Why Do Labels Warn About Ingesting Aloe Vera Gel?

Why, Oh Why Do Labels Warn About Ingesting Aloe Vera Gel?

January 8, 2014 by Danielle Brown 9 Comments

We’ve all done it. Skipped over the directions on that social studies quiz back in high school. Bypassed the contract when signing up for new computer software. Ignored the instructions on how to put together new Ikea furniture. How important can reading the fine print really be, right? You might not have suffered any major consequences in these situations (a semi-lopsided dresser still works!), but when it comes to your health, taking shortcuts is no longer an option. If you are trying out aloe vera gel–the clear, gel-like substance found in the middle of aloe vera leaves–checking the label for dosage recommendations, ingredients, side effects, and warnings is important. Don’t let this all-natural plant product fool you: although known for naturally treating skin condition and as a general body and digestive cleanse, aloe vera gel can still have adverse health effects if used incorrectly. When it comes to your health, no more being lazy. Let’s read the label, and find out aloe vera gel warnings.

Aloe Vera Gel Warnings: What Your Might Find on The Label

Because the aloe vera plant is not approved by the FDA as a medicine and its health benefits are derived from often contradicting research findings, there are some things you will want to keep in mind when using it. You might see these aloe vera gel warnings on the label:

For topical application:

  • side effects include burning and itching of the skin
  • avoid applying directly to skin if infection is already present
  • not for use on severe (third-degree) burns

For oral intake:

  • do not apply to the lips (licking leads to ingestion!)
  • ingesting aloe vera gel in high dosages can be dangerous
  • do not take if pregnant or breast-feeding
  • if you have digestive medical conditions
  • may cause abdominal cramps, pain or diarrhea
  • keep an eye on your renal health

That second set of bullet points might confuse you. Aloe latex (the yellow substance located right beneath the aloe leaf’s surface) is often known as the unsafe part of the aloe vera plant due to its laxative properties, not aloe vera gel. Now all of a sudden aloe vera gel should not be taken internally either? For goodness sake, aloe gel is commonly seen in drinks (especially when you want a cleansing juice)! There are, however, three main reasons why your aloe vera gel label might read as so:

Reason #1: Most Dangerous in High Dosages

Many of the problems associated with ingesting aloe vera gel occur only when it is used in excess. Exceed the recommended dosage of aloe vera gel, and your body will not be a happy camper. This is because aloe vera gel is very potent and strong, so it is only needed in small amounts and for short periods of time. So, for example, when juicing with aloe vera gel, you do not want to overdo it: you want to give your body long breaks between drinks to reap the health benefits and not suffer the side effects of aloe vera gel.

Reason #2: Intruder Alert! Aloe Latex Snuck In!

There is also a chance that some aloe latex slipped in during the processing of your store-bought aloe vera gel. If you have ever extracted aloe vera gel yourself, you know just how difficult it can be to keep the two parts of the aloe vera plant–aloe vera gel and aloe latex–separate. If some aloe latex does sneak it to your aloe vera gel, you might experience more laxative or digestive side effects than you normally would with pure aloe vera gel. The warning label is there to keep you on the lookout for signs of that aloe latex intruder!

Reason #3: Whoops! Wrong One! Check that Your have the Right Product

Make sure you grabbed the right package of aloe vera gel when you went to the health food store! If you picked correctly, it should clearly state that it is “edible’ aloe vera gel. If it does not, it might not be safe for ingesting (e.g. it might not be pure aloe vera gel, meaning that aloe latex could be inside as well; it could be a cream or another type of topical version of aloe vera gel). Return it for a bottle that says it is meant to be taken orally. Simple as that!

Now that you know the ins and outs of label-reading, get to it!

Related posts:

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits
Let Aloe Put You Out of Your Heartburn Misery: Aloe for Acid Reflux Relief
Aloe the Antibiotic: Nature’s Healing Plant

Filed Under: Medicinal Uses

Comments

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    Reply
  2. gogodrama says

    October 28, 2014 at 1:01 am

    I’ve recently learned about the side effects of aloe vera and as a big believer in its health benefits, I was shocked. It’s true that too much of a good thing might not always be good for you. Thank you, this article been really beneficial!

    Reply
  3. Baltimore Maryland Catering Company says

    May 5, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    I use aloe Vera all the time at my catering company. My clients love it in the smoothie bars we prepare for the guests. The aloe latex is definitely nothing to play with. Greetings from Baltimore, MD !

    Reply
  4. Ma Recipes says

    February 19, 2016 at 8:50 am

    People who use or eat Aloe Vera should really read this article. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Bridget says

    October 5, 2016 at 11:42 am

    Fantastic advice!

    Reply
  6. Nilda baez says

    October 20, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    I just started to make smoothies with oloe verá but I wash all the yellow stuff off it is that the correct way pls reply I don’t want to get sick over it thx…

    Reply
  7. Joseph says

    November 13, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    In your artical you use “small amounts, very short periods of time, long breaks”. These are nebulous expressions. What do they mean? Minutes hours days? Please state specific time, amounts, etc. Otherwise you article is very good. Thank you.

    Reply
  8. Diane says

    August 19, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    I just started using the aloe vera because I have a lot of problems such as IBS with constipation and diabetes I am very happy to know that I can ingest the aloe vera plant gel and Hope the results are tremendous. Thank you for the article I am doing my best to learn all I can about this product

    Reply
  9. Dj says

    May 11, 2018 at 12:55 pm

    Hi,
    What should one do if someone by mistakes eats the yellow substance of aleovera?

    Reply

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