Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe vera
For the health condition: Colic (adults)

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Synopsis

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

Aloe vera has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic and other herbal systems, for soothing digestive complaints, including symptoms suggestive of colic in adults—such as abdominal discomfort, cramping, and irregular bowel movements. Traditional practitioners often attribute aloe’s benefits to its latex component, which contains anthraquinones (notably aloin) with known laxative properties, as well as to its mucilaginous gel, thought to soothe and coat the gastrointestinal tract. However, while aloevera’s traditional use for digestive disturbances is well-documented, there is little high-quality scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for adult colic, which is generally characterized by spasmodic abdominal pain without a clear organic cause. Most scientific studies on aloe vera and digestion focus on conditions like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, rather than colic per se.

Furthermore, the latex component of aloe can act as a strong stimulant laxative and may cause cramping or worsen symptoms in some individuals, leading regulatory authorities (such as the FDA) to caution against its internal use for this purpose. In summary, while aloe vera’s use for adult colic is rooted in traditional practice, the evidence base is weak, and potential risks may outweigh benefits. Individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before using aloe vera for digestive complaints.

More about Aloe vera
More about Colic (adults)

Other health conditions supported by Aloe vera

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Age Spots
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cysts
Dandruff
Denture Sores
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Enteritis
Fever
Foot Odor
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Interstitial Cystitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Oral Surgery
Overacidity
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Seborrhea
Shingles
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
Slivers
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Stretch Marks
Stye
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toothache
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urethritis
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Urine (scant)
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles