Aloe Vera plant is known for its healing properties and has long been used as herbal medicine. Scientific studies have also shown that the plant has anti-diabetic effects as it reduces blood sugar levels. And its anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful ingredient for fighting acne and other skin problems.
While Aloe Vera is good for skin, it also has some harmful effects.
- Ingredients like aloe vera, amla, and neem must be consumed like medicines, and an excess of anything can be bad.
- Aloe gel is safe when applied to the skin as a medicine or cosmetic. But taking aloe latex by mouth can be unsafe if taken in high doses. Aloe latex can cause some side effects such as stomach pain and cramps.
- Long-term use of large amounts of aloe latex might cause diarrhoea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances. High doses of aloe latex can even put you at risk of kidney failure.
- Aloe gel or latex can be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women if consumed orally, and it is associated with miscarriage and greater risk of birth defects.
- In case of children, aloe gel is safe when applied to the skin but consuming aloe latex and aloe leaf extracts may be possibly unsafe for them. Children younger than 12 years might have stomach pain, cramps, and diarrhoea.
- Aloe latex can also worsen haemorrhoids.