Aloe Vera

remedy Verified

Specifically for Psoriasis

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Why it works for Psoriasis:

Anti-inflammatory & soothing. Aloe contains compounds (e.g., salicylates, a bradykinin-inactivating carboxypeptidase, and thromboxane-inhibiting substances) that may calm inflammation and discomfort in skin—mechanisms that are relevant to psoriatic plaques. JAAD

Moisturizing/barrier support. The gel is a humectant, which can hydrate plaques and soften scale—helpful supportive care alongside conventional therapy. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) lists aloe among over-the-counter ingredients used to moisturize/soothe psoriatic skin. Psoriasis Foundation

How to use for Psoriasis:

Choose the product: NPF suggests creams containing 0.5% aloe. You can also use pure inner-leaf gel products; avoid formulations with added fragrance or alcohol that can irritate plaques. Psoriasis Foundation

Frequency & duration: Apply a thin layer up to 2–3 times daily to plaques. This matches how aloe was used in clinical studies (twice daily for 4 weeks) and NPF’s consumer guidance (up to three times daily). fytofarmaka.eu

Application tips:

Clean and pat the area dry; gently remove loose scale (don’t pick).
Patch test on a small spot for 24 hours if you have sensitive skin.
For scalp psoriasis, aloe-containing gels or shampoos can help with itch/scale as adjuncts. Psoriasis Foundation

What not to do: Don’t apply aloe to open, deeply cracked, or infected skin; don’t use it as a sole therapy for moderate–severe disease; and don’t replace prescribed medicines without talking to your clinician. NPF and AAD emphasize standard topical therapies (steroids, vitamin D analogues, etc.) as first-line. American Academy of Dermatology

Scientific Evidence for Psoriasis:

Positive RCT (1996): 0.5% aloe extract in a hydrophilic cream outperformed placebo in 60 adults with mild–moderate plaque psoriasis. (Small, older study; later criticized for methodological issues and has not been robustly replicated.) Wiley Online Library

Negative RCT (right/left split, 2005): Commercial preserved aloe gel twice daily for 4 weeks did not beat placebo; placebo actually did slightly better on treated sides. fytofarmaka.eu

Systematic reviews: Reviews of plant-based topicals report limited/low-certainty support for aloe; more and better-designed trials are needed. A 2013 BJD review concluded evidence provides only limited support; a 2025 systematic review of herbal medicines notes aloe shows potential but data are limited and heterogeneous. OUP Academic

Guidelines: The joint AAD–NPF guideline’s “alternative/complementary” section assesses herbal agents (including aloe) but makes no recommendation because evidence is lacking or conflicting. American Academy of Dermatology

Specific Warnings for Psoriasis:

Topical safety: Generally well tolerated, but burning, itching, rash or eczema can occur—stop if irritation or worsening happens. NCCIH

Allergy risk: If you have known sensitivities to Aloe or related plants (e.g., in the Asphodelaceae family), avoid use or patch test first. (General dermatology caution; also reflected in NCCIH safety notes.) NCCIH

Avoid oral latex products: Aloe latex/whole-leaf extract taken by mouth can cause cramping/diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, has been linked to hepatitis, and may be unsafe in pregnancy/breastfeeding; it can also raise the risk of adverse effects from cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin). (These warnings pertain to oral forms, not topical gel.) NCCIH

Quality matters: Aloe products vary widely; choose reputable brands and avoid “whole-leaf/non-decolorized” oral products (IARC classifies whole-leaf aloe extract as a possible carcinogen; again, this is about oral forms). NCCIH

Don’t delay effective care: Because evidence is mixed, use aloe—if at all—as an adjunct to guideline-directed therapy (e.g., topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs). Talk to your clinician, especially if you have extensive disease or are considering combining products. American Academy of Dermatology

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General Information (All Ailments)

Note: You are viewing ailment-specific information above. This section shows the general remedy information for all conditions.

What It Is

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species belonging to the Aloe genus, native to the Arabian Peninsula but now cultivated worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It has thick, fleshy, green leaves that contain a clear gel-like substance known for its soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties.

This plant has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and even food supplements. The two main parts of the Aloe Vera leaf are:

Aloe gel: The clear, mucilaginous substance found inside the leaf. It’s commonly used in skin care and health products.
Aloe latex: A yellowish sap just under the leaf skin, which contains compounds with laxative properties (such as aloin).

How It Works

Aloe Vera works primarily through its bioactive compounds, which include vitamins (A, C, E, B12), enzymes, minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. These components act in various ways:

Skin Healing and Soothing. The gel contains compounds like glucomannan and gibberellin that stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, accelerating wound healing. It also cools and hydrates skin, reducing inflammation and redness.
Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects. Polysaccharides and phenolic compounds in Aloe Vera reduce inflammation and inhibit bacterial, viral, and fungal growth, making it useful for treating burns, acne, and minor infections.
Digestive Support. When consumed in small amounts, Aloe Vera juice can soothe the digestive tract, help with constipation (due to latex compounds), and promote gut health by balancing bacteria.
Immune and Antioxidant Support. Aloe Vera’s antioxidants neutralize free radicals, helping protect cells from oxidative stress and supporting the immune system.

Why It’s Important

Aloe Vera’s significance lies in its versatility and natural healing properties. It’s valued for:

Skin Health: Widely used in creams, gels, and lotions for burns, sunburns, eczema, psoriasis, and general moisturizing.
Natural Medicine: A common ingredient in traditional healing systems (Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, etc.) due to its detoxifying and immune-boosting effects.
Nutrition and Hydration: Containing over 75 active components, it’s used in dietary supplements and beverages to promote hydration and digestive health.
Sustainable Use: Easy to grow with minimal resources, making it an eco-friendly option in natural health and beauty industries.

Considerations

While Aloe Vera is generally safe, there are important cautions to keep in mind:

Topical Use:

Always patch-test first, as some individuals may develop skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Use pure, stabilized gel rather than products with additives or alcohols that can dry the skin.

Internal Use:

The latex portion (containing aloin) can cause abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance if consumed in excess.
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with gastrointestinal disorders.
Choose decolorized, purified Aloe Vera juice for internal use, as it has the latex removed.

Drug Interactions:

Aloe Vera may interact with certain medications, such as diuretics, diabetes medications, or laxatives, by altering blood sugar or electrolyte levels.

Quality Control:

Not all commercial Aloe products contain effective concentrations of active ingredients—look for certified, high-purity formulations.

Helps with these conditions

Aloe Vera is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.

Crohn's Disease 0% effective

Stomach Ulcers 0% effective

Acne 0% effective

Eczema 0% effective

Type 2 Diabetes 0% effective

Gingivitis 0% effective

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Crohn's Disease

0% effective

Aloe vera contains compounds such as acemannan, anthraquinones, and polysaccharides, which may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the dig...

0 votes Updated 2 months ago 2 studies cited

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