The aloe plant has always been proclaimed as a great solution for many of our bodily ailments. However, just as you will need to practice caution when taking any form of medicine, herbal or artificial, you will need to be careful when ingesting or applying Aloe Vera on your body. Here are some of the symptoms you should watch out for - contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these:
1. LBM (Loose Bowel Movement)
The Aloe Vera plant is made up of two parts - the actual aloe juice and a sticky, yellow substance that protects it. The yellow substance is not meant to be ingested, and is known to cause diarrhea or vomiting when taken orally. An inefficient manufacturing process can easily mix these two together, unintentionally. Hence, always make sure that the product you are buying has a seal of quality from industry standards.
2. Itching
Although Aloe Vera gel is very non-allergenic, a small percentage of people may still be allergic to it. This can be signified by itching on the skin. When applying any gel or cream, always apply a small amount of it first, at the back of your neck or ears, to test whether you are allergic to it or not.
3. Lack of energy
Some cases have been recorded where ingestion of the aloe plant can reduce the level of sugar in your body. If you feel faint for an extended period of time, contact your doctor immediately.
4. Stomachache
In particular, ingestion of the aloe food is prohibited against menstruating women, small children or people with ulcer, since this causes stomach aches.
5. Swelling (of lips, tongue or face)
This can be indicative of a severe allergic reaction and ingestion or application should be stopped immediately.
All these cases are small in number, however, compared to the actual benefits it brings. Always consult your doctor if you are uncertain.