A succulent whose inner-leaf gel has been studied for burns, wound healing, and skin hydration.
Aloe vera is a succulent plant widely recognized for its gel-filled leaves. Historically, it has been used topically for skin conditions and orally for digestive issues. People typically apply the gel directly to the skin or consume it as a juice or in capsule form.
Quick answer
What it is: Aloe vera is a succulent plant widely recognized for its gel-filled leaves.
Evidence for aloe vera includes numerous preclinical studies and a moderate number of human clinical trials, particularly for topical applications. The grade 'B' reflects a generally consistent body of evidence suggesting benefits for certain skin conditions and some digestive support, though not always with large-scale, high-quality RCTs.
Last reviewed · May 2026
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The Autoimmune Protocol removes foods commonly implicated in immune activation and gut permeability — grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nightshade vegetables, nuts, seeds, refined sugar, alcohol, and additives — for a 30–90 day elimination, followed by careful one-at-a-time reintroduction. It is most studied in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Foods to emphasize
Quality meat, poultry, and seafood (especially wild-caught fatty fish)
Organ meats once or twice weekly
A wide variety of non-nightshade vegetables and leafy greens
Nuts and seeds (including seed-based spices like cumin, coriander)
Refined sugar and sweeteners
Alcohol
NSAIDs and food additives where possible
Key principles
Pair the elimination with sleep, stress management, and movement
Track symptoms in a journal during reintroductions
Reintroduce one food every 5–7 days and watch for symptom changes
Most people do NOT need to stay strict long-term — the goal is a personalized maintenance diet
Typical duration: 30–90 day strict elimination, then a structured staged reintroduction over weeks to months.
Why it may help
Leaky Gut: Removes the most common drivers of intestinal permeability (gluten, dairy, alcohol, NSAIDs, additives) and is foundational in many gut-repair protocols.
Skin Care: Used as an elimination protocol for chronic eczema, psoriasis, and autoimmune skin conditions where food triggers are suspected.
AIP is restrictive and best done with a practitioner familiar with the protocol, especially when active autoimmune disease is involved or in pregnancy/lactation.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A whole-foods pattern designed to lower chronic, low-grade inflammation by emphasizing omega-3s, polyphenols, fiber, and minimizing ultra-processed foods, sugar, and seed oils.
The anti-inflammatory diet is not a single protocol but a synthesis of the patterns most consistently linked to lower inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in human studies — Mediterranean-style eating, oily fish, abundant polyphenols, and low intake of ultra-processed foods, refined sugar, industrial seed oils, and excessive alcohol.
Foods to emphasize
Fatty fish 2–3x/week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring)
Extra-virgin olive oil
Berries, cherries, and other deeply colored fruit
Dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Turmeric, ginger, and culinary herbs
Green tea
Nuts (especially walnuts) and seeds (flax, chia)
Legumes and whole grains
Dark chocolate (≥70% cocoa) in moderation
Foods to avoid
Sugar-sweetened beverages and refined sugar
Ultra-processed snacks and ready meals
Industrial seed oils used at high heat (soybean, corn, sunflower, cottonseed)
Processed and cured meats
Refined flour products
Excess alcohol
Key principles
Cook with olive oil, finish with extra-virgin olive oil
Aim for 25–35 g of fiber per day from whole foods
Eat the rainbow — color diversity ~ polyphenol diversity
Limit added sugar to <25 g/day
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Reduces inflammatory drivers of acne, rosacea, and eczema; commonly recommended alongside topical care.
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Polyphenol- and omega-3-rich diets are linked with better skin elasticity, hydration, and reduced photoaging markers.
Safe and flexible. Can be combined with Mediterranean, vegetarian, or plant-forward patterns.
Vegan Diet
A fully plant-based eating pattern that excludes all animal products — meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and honey.
A whole-food vegan diet emphasizes vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. It has been associated with improvements in body weight, blood lipids, and glycemic control, and is being studied for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It requires deliberate planning for vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 (EPA/DHA), iodine, iron, zinc, and (sometimes) calcium.
Nuts and seeds (especially walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Fortified plant milks and nutritional yeast
Algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Vitamin B12 supplement (non-negotiable)
Foods to avoid
Refined grains and sugar as the bulk of meals
Heavily processed vegan junk foods
Coconut and palm oils in excess
Key principles
B12 supplementation is required, not optional
Include a reliable iodine source (iodized salt or seaweed in moderation)
Get vitamin D from sun and/or a supplement
Combine grains and legumes across the day for complete protein
Choose calcium-fortified plant milk if not eating leafy greens daily
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Skin Care: Eliminating dairy has reduced acne severity in clinical studies; whole-food vegan diets push this further with high antioxidant intake.
Vegan diets can be excellent or deficient — quality depends on planning. Pregnant, breastfeeding, and growing children on vegan diets should be followed by a registered dietitian.
Low-FODMAP Diet
A short-term elimination diet that restricts fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) to identify food triggers in irritable bowel and other functional gut conditions.
FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) are short-chain carbohydrates poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They draw water into the gut and are rapidly fermented by colonic bacteria, producing gas and bloating in sensitive people. The Monash University protocol uses a 2–6 week strict low-FODMAP elimination, followed by a structured reintroduction phase to identify personal triggers.
Foods to emphasize
Low-FODMAP vegetables: carrot, zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, cucumber, lettuce
Vegetarian diets range from lacto-ovo (includes eggs and dairy) to lacto (dairy only) and ovo (eggs only). Done well, they are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Done poorly, they can be high in refined grains and low in key nutrients (B12, iron, omega-3s, zinc).
Foods to emphasize
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, tempeh)
Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat)
Vegetables and fruit, daily and varied
Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia, flax, hemp)
Plan for protein at every meal (legumes, tofu, tempeh, eggs, dairy)
Pair iron-rich plants with vitamin C to boost absorption
Plan a reliable B12 source — fortified foods or a supplement
Include omega-3 ALA from flax, chia, walnuts; consider an algae-based EPA/DHA supplement
Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.
Why it may help
Beauty & Anti-Aging: High intake of plant antioxidants is linked with better skin antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative stress markers in observational studies.
Nutritional adequacy depends on planning, not just food choice. A registered dietitian can help avoid common gaps.
Carnivore Diet
An all-animal-foods elimination diet consisting of meat, fish, eggs, and (optionally) dairy, with zero plant foods.
The carnivore diet is the most aggressive elimination diet — it removes every plant food (and therefore every fiber, lectin, oxalate, gluten, and FODMAP source) to isolate animal-food tolerance. Proponents use it primarily as a short-term diagnostic elimination to surface food triggers in autoimmune, gut, and inflammatory conditions. Long-term safety data is limited and observational.
Foods to emphasize
Ruminant meat (beef, lamb, bison) — emphasized for nutrient density
Pasture-raised eggs
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Organ meats (liver, kidney) once or twice weekly
Bone broth and bone marrow
Animal fats (tallow, butter, ghee)
Salt to taste
Optional: aged hard cheeses, heavy cream
Foods to avoid
All grains, legumes, and seeds
All vegetables and fruit
Nuts and plant oils
Sugar and sweeteners
Most processed foods
Alcohol
Key principles
Eat to satiety — no calorie counting
Salt food liberally to maintain electrolytes
Prioritize fattier cuts over lean meats
Reintroduce foods one at a time after the elimination window to identify triggers
Best tracked with a clinician given the radical nature of the change
Typical duration: Typically run as a 30–90 day elimination, then food reintroductions one at a time.
Why it may help
Leaky Gut: Removes all dietary fiber, FODMAPs, lectins, and plant antinutrients to give the gut lining a rest while reintroductions identify true triggers. Anecdotal evidence only.
Skin Care: Reported anecdotally to clear chronic skin inflammation by removing common food triggers; used as a short diagnostic elimination, not a long-term plan.
Long-term effects on cardiovascular markers, bone health, and the gut microbiome are not well established. Avoid in chronic kidney disease, gout flares, or active eating disorders without medical supervision.
Linked nutrient deficiencies
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies commonly associated with the conditions this remedy may support.
Vitamin C
Water-soluble vitamin
Antioxidant required for collagen synthesis, immune function, and iron absorption.
Low zinc is linked to recurrent infections, acne, slow wound healing, leaky gut, and impaired taste/smell. Often deficient in vegetarians and those with gut malabsorption.
Common symptoms
Frequent colds/infections
Acne or slow-healing skin
Loss of taste or smell
Hair loss
White spots on nails
Food sources
Oysters
Beef and lamb
Pumpkin seeds
Cashews
Lentils and chickpeas
Lab markers to discuss
Plasma or serum zinc
Zinc/copper ratio
Reference intake: 8–11 mg/day RDA.
Supplementation notes: Take away from iron and calcium. Long-term high-dose zinc depletes copper — pair with ~1 mg copper if dosing >30 mg/day.
Why it matters here
Leaky Gut: Zinc carnosine restores tight-junction integrity in clinical studies.
Skin Care: Low zinc is implicated in acne, eczema, and slow wound healing.
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Required for wound healing and collagen formation.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Fat-soluble vitamin
Required for epithelial integrity, immune defense, vision, and skin renewal.
Low vitamin D status is one of the most widespread deficiencies globally and has been linked to autoimmune disease activity (Hashimoto's, MS), mood disorders, recurrent infections, and poor skin barrier function.
Common symptoms
Fatigue
Low mood
Frequent infections
Bone or muscle aches
Hair thinning
Food sources
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Egg yolks
Cod liver oil
UV-exposed mushrooms
Fortified dairy
Lab markers to discuss
25-hydroxyvitamin D (target 40–60 ng/mL per most functional ranges)
Reference intake: Adults 600–800 IU/day RDA; functional medicine often targets 2,000–5,000 IU/day with monitoring.
Supplementation notes: Take with a fat-containing meal. Pair with vitamin K2 (MK-7) when supplementing higher doses long-term.
Why it matters here
Leaky Gut: Supports intestinal barrier and immune tolerance.
Skin Care: Supports skin barrier and immune balance.
Beauty & Anti-Aging: Influences skin barrier function and pigmentation pathways.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)
Essential fatty acid
Anti-inflammatory lipids critical for brain, joint, and skin health.
Aloe vera appears to work through a complex array of compounds that may support skin repair, reduce inflammation, and possess mild antimicrobial properties, potentially aiding cellular regeneration and hydration.
How it works in more detail
Polysaccharides, particularly acemannan, are thought to promote fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, supporting tissue repair and hydration. Anthraquinones may offer mild antimicrobial effects, while various vitamins and antioxidants within the gel appear to contribute to its overall soothing properties. Much of this understanding comes from preclinical studies.
How to use
Always consult a qualified clinician.
Editorial guidance
Suggested dosage
Product labels for topical applications often advise applying the gel generously to affected areas as needed. For internal use, commonly studied dosages for aloe vera juice range from 50 to 200 ml daily, while capsule forms might suggest 200-300 mg of standardized extract once or twice daily. Individual needs vary, and it is advisable to consult a clinician for personalized guidance.
Research dosage range
50–200 ml/day of juice or 200–300 mg/day of extract for internal use; topical as needed
Typical onset
Topical application for soothing acute skin irritation may show effects relatively quickly, within minutes to hours. For more systemic or chronic conditions, consistent internal use over several weeks may be required before observable effects are reported.
Typical forms
gel, cream, juice, capsule
Quality markers
For topical gels, look for products that list 'Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice' as the primary ingredient and avoid excessive additives. For internal use, 'decolorized' or 'purified' aloe vera juice or extracts are preferred to minimize exposure to aloin, and third-party testing for purity can be beneficial.
Medication interactions
laxatives (oral, whole leaf)
diuretics (oral, whole leaf)
digoxin (oral, whole leaf)
warfarin (oral, whole leaf)
Avoid if
known allergy to Aloe vera
pregnant (oral, whole leaf)
breastfeeding (oral, whole leaf)
intestinal obstruction (oral, whole leaf)
Community tips
No community tips yet — be the first to share what worked for you.
Suggested dosage
Product labels for topical applications often advise applying the gel generously to affected areas as needed. For internal use, commonly studied dosages for aloe vera juice range from 50 to 200 ml daily, while capsule forms might suggest 200-300 mg of standardized extract once or twice daily. Individual needs vary, and it is advisable to consult a clinician for personalized guidance.
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Active medicinal compounds
Acemannan, aloin, glycoproteins, vitamins C and E.
Nutritional contents
Water, polysaccharides, trace minerals.
Traditional use
Used in ancient Egyptian and Ayurvedic medicine for skin and burns.
Safety
Safety warnings
Oral latex (aloin) is a strong laxative — use only inner gel topically or decolorized juice internally.
Avoid if
known allergy to Aloe vera
pregnant (oral, whole leaf)
breastfeeding (oral, whole leaf)
intestinal obstruction (oral, whole leaf)
Medication interactions
laxatives (oral, whole leaf)
diuretics (oral, whole leaf)
digoxin (oral, whole leaf)
warfarin (oral, whole leaf)
Reported side effects
skin irritation (topical)
allergic reactions (topical)
abdominal cramps (oral, whole leaf)
diarrhea (oral, whole leaf)
General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.
Evidence ecosystem
Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.
Overall grade (B)
Evidence for aloe vera includes numerous preclinical studies and a moderate number of human clinical trials, particularly for topical applications. The grade 'B' reflects a generally consistent body of evidence suggesting benefits for certain skin conditions and some digestive support, though not always with large-scale, high-quality RCTs.
Izzo AA, Hoon-Kim S, Radhakrishnan R, Williamson EM · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2016
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent the uppermost ladders in the hierarchy of evidence. Systematic reviews/meta-analyses suggest preliminary or satisfactory clinical evidence for agnus castus (Vitex agnus castus) for premenstrual complaints, flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) for hypertension, feverfew (Tanacetum partenium) for migraine prevention, ginger (Zingiber officinalis) for pregnancy-induced nausea, ginseng (Panax ginseng) for improving fasting glucose levels as well as phytoestrogens and St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for the relief of some symptoms in menopause. However, firm conclusions of efficacy cannot be generally drawn. On the other hand, inconclusive evidence of efficacy or contradictory results have been reported for Aloe vera in the treatment of psoriasis, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in cystitis prevention, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) for tinnitus and intermittent claudication, echinacea (Echinacea spp.) for the prevention of common cold and pomegranat
Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
Systematic Reviews(1)
Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).
Manouchehri A, Abbaszadeh S, Ahmadi M, Nejad FK, Bahmani M, Dastyar N · JBRA assisted reproduction · 2023 · n=15
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects one in every 15 women worldwide. This disorder is mainly characterized by increased levels of male hormones (androgens), acne, and hirsutism, and can lead to long-term insulin resistance, miscarriage, or even infertility in women. PCOS is a disorder that can be treated with natural and allopathic remedies that work against the PCOS mechanism. The present study reviews previous studies on the treatment of PCOS using natural drugs.
The data in this study were collected from articles published in reputable databases including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SID in the field of medicinal plants from 1990 to 2021.
A review of the literature showed that plants such as aloe vera and chamomile improve fertility by increasing the number of ovarian follicles. Besides, Vitex agnus-castus and octane reduce hirsutism by reducing testosterone and androgen levels. It was also shown that liquorice, ginseng, cinnamon, a
Ried K, Travica N, Dorairaj R, Sali A · Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) · 2020 · n=43
Gastrointestinal (GI) problems affect half of Western populations. Symptoms can vary from frequent reflux to irritable bowel syndrome. The Nutrition Care (NC) Gut Relief Formula contains a combination of herbs and nutrients including curcumin, Aloe vera, slippery elm, guar gum, pectin, peppermint oil, and glutamine shown to benefit the GI system. The 16-week pre-post study tested the hypothesis that the NC Gut Relief Formula would be tolerable and effective in improving GI symptoms and gut health in adults with digestive disorders. A total of 43 participants completed the study. After a control phase, participants took 5 g/d and then 10 g/d of the formula for 4 weeks. GI symptoms and GI health were assessed by a series of validated questionnaires, for example, Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire, Bristol Stool Chart, Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire, and by intestinal permeability and gut microbiota profile. The NC Gut Relief Formula significantly improved the frequency and severity of u
Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A · Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan · 2015 · n=79
To investigate the use of Aloe vera (A. vera) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and compare its effects with those of omeprazole and ranitidine.
In this pilot, randomized controlled trial, 79 subjects were allocated to A. vera syrup (standardized to 5.0 mg polysaccharide per mL of syrup) at a dose of 10 mL/d, omeprazole capsule (20 g/d) or ranitidine tablet (150 mg in a fasted state in the morning and 150 mg 30 min before sleep at night) for a period of 4 weeks. The frequencies of eight main symptoms of GERD (heartburn, food regurgitation, flatulence, belching, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting and acid regurgitation) were assessed at weeks 2 and 4 of the trial.
A. vera was safe and well tolerated and reduced the frequencies of all the assessed GERD symptoms, with no adverse events requiring withdrawal.
A. vera may provide a safe and effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of GERD.
Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
Observational Studies(10)
Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.
Scarpignato C, De Bortoli N, Iovino P, Nacci A, Sarnelli G, Savarino EV · Therapeutic advances in gastroenterology · 2025
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a challenging condition, even in the third millennium. For much of the past century, Schwartz's dictum-"No acid, no ulcer"-has shaped our approach to acid-related diseases, making acid suppression the cornerstone of therapy. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely regarded as the standard treatment for GERD. However, they provide only symptomatic relief and do not address the underlying disease. Moreover, nearly 50% of patients experience limited or no response to PPIs in clinical practice. Recent advances in understanding GERD's pathophysiology, particularly the role of impaired mucosal integrity, have led to innovative therapeutic strategies. Among these, medical devices designed to prevent reflux or coat the esophageal mucosa and form a stable protective barrier represent a significant breakthrough. Esophageal mucosal protection is emerging as a promising approach, especially for patients who do not respond adequately to PPIs. While mu
Anheyer M, Cramer H, Ostermann T, Längler A, Anheyer D · Complementary therapies in medicine · 2025 · n=1115
Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, affects approximately 2 % of the global population. Treatment approaches range from topical agents for mild to moderate cases to systemic therapies for moderate to severe forms. Complementary and integrative medicine, including herbal remedies, is increasingly utilized by psoriasis patients, with herbal medicine being the most prevalent choice.
This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane recommendations, with prior registration. Searches were conducted in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through June 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating herbal therapies in psoriasis patients of any age. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two authors, with discrepancies resolved through discussion.
A total of 20 RCTs involving 1115 patients were included
This longitudinal study observed individuals who consistently used aloe vera over an extended period. Researchers investigated potential health outcomes and long-term patterns associated with the regular use of this botanical supplement.
Observational StudyPubMedModerate Quality
Clinical Trial Registries(2)
Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).
The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of super-concentrated, freeze-dried aloe vera capsules for treatment of interstitial cystitis.
The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether certain supplements promote excessive urinary oxalate excretion and increase the risk for calcium oxalate kidney stones. Supplements that enhance urinary oxalate excretion, as a result of their oxalate concentration or from some other mechanism (e.g., providing substrate for oxalate biosynthesis) will be identified by the investigators.
Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
Limitations: Many human studies are small, and some suffer from methodological limitations or heterogeneity in study design and product used. There is a need for more large-scale, placebo-controlled human trials to confirm the efficacy and optimal dosages for many of its purported uses.
This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.
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