Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Aloe vera has a long history of traditional use for a variety of ailments, largely due to its perceived soothing and healing properties. While it is most commonly associated with topical applications for burns and skin irritations, in certain traditional medicine systems, aloe vera gel or juice has also been consumed orally to support immune health and alleviate symptoms of colds, such as sore throat or mild irritation. Folk remedies may recommend aloe vera as a soothing agent for the throat or to provide vitamins and antioxidants that could theoretically support the body during illness.

However, scientific evidence supporting the use of aloe vera for treating or preventing the common cold is minimal. There are no robust clinical trials demonstrating that aloe vera has a significant impact on cold symptoms, nor is there strong evidence that it directly affects viral replication or immune response relevant to respiratory tract infections. Most of the purported benefits are extrapolated from aloe’s general anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties observed in vitro or in animal models, which do not necessarily translate to effectiveness in human cold treatment.

In summary, aloe vera’s use for colds is primarily based on tradition and anecdotal reports rather than solid scientific validation, and the overall quality of evidence supporting this use is very low.

More about aloe vera
More about Colds (general)

Other ingredients used for Colds (general)

Other health conditions supported by aloe vera

Products containing aloe vera

Vitabase 7 Day Colon Cleanse
Designs For Health Aloe/200x™
Douglas Laboratories Cysto Renew ®
Pure Encapsulations Daily Immune
Pure Encapsulations DGL Plus®
Pure Encapsulations DGL Plus®
Thorne EnteroMend NSF
Pure Encapsulations G.I. Fortify
Pure Encapsulations G.I. Fortify
Pure Encapsulations G.I. Integrity
Pure Encapsulations G.I. Integrity
Thorne GI Relief GI-Encap
Designs For Health GI Revive®
Designs For Health GI Revive®
Metagenics Glutagenics® powder
Designs For Health UT Synergy™