Aloe vera is a succulent plant that’s used in traditional medicine. The clear gel from its leaves can be put on the skin as a moisturizer and to treat burns. Some people drink aloe vera juice as a laxative (something that helps you poop). Aloe latex (yellow substance that comes from just under the plant’s skin) is also used as a laxative.

You can inject aloe vera into your body as an alternative cancer therapy, but this can cause severe side effects including death.

Aloe Vera

C$9.99

Aloe gel

aloe leaf
Aloe vera gel (put on the skin) is used:

To treat burns

To reduce swelling, itchiness, or redness

To reduce redness, rashes, and itchy skin caused by radiation therapy. It’s also used to decrease redness and swelling of mouth caused by chemotherapy.

To improve blood sugar level in patients with diabetes (when taken by mouth)

Aloe vera has other uses that haven’t been studied by doctors to see if they work.

It’s generally safe to use aloe vera as a gel on your skin. But taking supplements or giving yourself an aloe vera injection (shot) can cause serious side effects.

Herbal supplements can also interact with some medications and affect how they work. For more information, read the “What else do I need to know?” section below.

Aloe Vera

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Potential Benefits

Scientific Name

Avicenna Name