Aloe









Aloe


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Aloe is used on your skin as a healing agent for wounds, minor burns, and other minor skin irritations.
How does it work?
Aloe promotes wound healing through its ability to keep the wound moist. Other components in this herb may reduce the amount of bacteria and contaminants in a wound. Aloe gel reduces pain and inflammation associated with wounds and injuries, and may speed healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area.
How is it best taken?
  • For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Not for oral ingestion.
  • Use with caution if you have an allergy to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants (ragweed, daisy, aster, chrysanthemum) and/or other pollens.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Rash.
  • Delayed wound healing.
What should I monitor?
  • Any significant changes in skin (pigmentation, color, rash).
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • No improvement or worsening of the wounds.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Replace top after use.
Plant part used
Leaf
Dosage forms
Topical
Drug interactions
Do not use with other topical wound-healing agents unless instructed to do so by healthcare provider.
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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