Aloe vera gel contains many enzymes and essential amino acids that are responsible for the healing effects of aloe. However, the bitter, yellow juice contains aloin, which can cause poisoning if overdosed.
Is aloe vera toxic to people and pets?
Aloe vera is not toxic to humans in moderate quantities; its gel contains healing enzymes and amino acids. Be careful with the bitter, yellow aloin juice, which can cause symptoms of poisoning if overdosed. Aloe vera is toxic to pets such as cats and birds and can cause severe irritation.
Aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the skin or made into ointments, lotions or cocktails. After cutting off the leaf, you should let the yellow, bitter-tasting juice drain for a few hours before using the leaf tissue again.
Caution when using internally
The commercially available aloe products are safe to consume. There is no need to worry about side effects; in the worst case, they are ineffective due to industrial processing.
You should be careful when harvesting aloe leaves yourself. Its juice contains aloin. This slightly toxic substance can cause symptoms of poisoning such as intestinal bleeding, diarrhea and electrolyte imbalances if ingested in high concentrations.
Tip
Aloe vera is poisonous to pets. Cats and birds can suffer severe irritation of the intestines and kidneys from the toxins they contain.
