Aloe is a botanical used topically to treat skin inflammation and to improve wound healing, as well as orally to treat constipation and other maladies. Topical administration refers to application to the skin, while oral administration refers to taking the product by mouth. Aloe vera dosage depends on the route of administration, the concentration of the product, and the age of the patient. The botanical can produce side effects and health risks, in addition to interacting with other medications, so it should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.
No aloe vera dosage guidelines exist for the topical use, but it appears to be well-tolerated by both children and adults. Topical preparations are available in gels, lotions, and creams, where the concentration varies from 0.5% to as much as 70%. These products are often applied to the skin three or four times a day, and there are no reports of significant side effects occurring from such usage.
Oral aloe vera dosage has not been established. For treating constipation, research has shown that 150 milligrams (mg) per day of the dried aloe vera juice is effective, but others use 50 mg per day of the extract for this purpose. In treating diabetes, some use 1 tablespoon of the gel each day. Doctors don’t recommend administering oral aloe to children under the age of 18, as it has not been studied in this age group and may have adverse effects.
Various safety precautions should be observed when taking aloe, since it can cause problems, some of which are serious. Instances of death have been linked to aloe vera dosage by injection under vague circumstances, so this mode of administration is not advised due to insufficient safety information. Using aloe as an ointment on wounds after surgery can actually slow the healing process, and applying it to the skin before going out in the sun may produce a rash. Side effects of oral aloe vary with the duration of use; immediate problems include diarrhea and cramping, usage over seven days may lead to dependence and more severe constipation, and usage over one year can raise the risk of colorectal cancer. The botanical can also produce electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms and muscle weakness.
Studies suggest that aloe vera products may be beneficial in some skin, as well as systemic disorders. Skin maladies include psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and canker sores, along with dry skin, burns, and skin ulcers. Although constipation is the most common systemic use, it may also be helpful for other diseases. Other possible medicinal aloe uses include genital herpes, type 2 diabetes, and ulcerative colitis, in addition to cancer prevention.
