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3Medicinal

Aloe vera

Also sold as Aloe barbadensis

Topical for burns; the oral latex form is a harsh laxative.

3TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 3Take as a defined course
Check before you startThis one has documented interactions with medication classes where the consequences are serious. If you take any prescription medicine, run it past a pharmacist before starting.

How long to take it

Topical use as needed. Oral use should be brief if at all.

Who it's actually for

Topical burn and wound care. Oral use has little justification.

Safe upper limit

Unverified
Oral aloe latex is not recommended at any regular dose
Aloe latex is a stimulant laxative linked to electrolyte loss and, with prolonged use, bowel harm. Decolourised inner gel is the safer oral form.
No source attached yet. Treat this as a starting point, not a citation, until reviewed.

Interactions to know about

  • DigoxinHeart rhythm medication
  • Diuretics (water tablets)Furosemide, bendroflumethiazide, spironolactone
  • Diabetes medicationMetformin, insulin, gliclazide, SGLT2 inhibitors
  • Reduced kidney functionCKD, dialysis, or a single kidney

Other supplements:

Run your full list through the interaction check.

Practical notes

  • Topical and oral aloe are completely different risk profiles — don't conflate them.
  • Oral latex depletes potassium, which matters if you take digoxin or diuretics.