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Aloe vera

Also called: Aloe barbadensis

A succulent whose clear leaf gel is applied to the skin to soothe minor burns and sunburn. Aloe latex, the yellow layer under the leaf skin, is a harsh laxative when swallowed and isn't recommended.

Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.

Studied for

  • Sunburn and minor burns (gel on the skin)
  • Dry or irritated skin
  • Minor scrapes
  • Heartburn or an irritated gut (purified inner leaf juice, limited evidence)

Found naturally in

  • Gel from the inner leaf of the aloe plant
What variations of aloe vera exist?Our top pick, what to skip, and how to read the label

Label red flags

  • Oral products that don't say 'decolorized' or 'aloin removed'
  • 'Aloe gel' that lists alcohol, fragrance, or dyes high on the ingredient list

Check with a provider

  • Don't take aloe latex or whole leaf aloe by mouth. It can cause cramping, diarrhea, and low potassium.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding: avoid aloe by mouth
  • Taking diuretics, digoxin, or diabetes medicine (oral aloe may lower potassium and blood sugar)
  • Allergy to garlic, onions, or tulips, which are related plants

Products that contain it

4 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary list aloe vera on the label.

Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.

Parts of the body it affects

Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.

Cross-section of skin showing the epidermis, dermis and fat layer, with hair follicles, sweat and oil glands, nerves, and blood vessels

Skin

Your skin is your largest organ and a major immune barrier. Rashes, patches, and color changes are often the first visible signs of an autoimmune condition.

Illustration of the large intestine (colon)

Digestive tract

Your stomach and intestines absorb nutrients and hold most of your body's immune tissue, which makes the gut a common target in autoimmune disease.

Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0

Dr. Lesher, ND

Ready to find the root cause?

Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.

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