Aloe Vera for Acid Reflux Symptoms
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition where the flap that separates the stomach and the esophagus is weakened. This allows acid to travel from the stomach back into the esophagus - especially after meals. When this occurs a person with acid reflux, also known as GERD, has symptoms of heartburn, an acid taste in their mouth, and even chest pain.
There are prescription drugs to treat this condition, but these medications have side effects that some people can’t tolerate. What about aloe vera for acid reflux? Does it work – and, most importantly, is it safe?
Aloe Vera: A Natural Healing Plant?
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that’s frequently used by alternative health practitioners to treat a variety of medical conditions ranging from ulcerative colitis to diabetes. Aloe vera is best known for its ability to soothe burns, wounds, and minor skin irritations because of natural chemicals it contains including polysaccharides, anthraquinones, and lectins. Despite its widespread use for this purpose, studies as to its effectiveness have shown conflicting results. Aloe vera is also popular as a laxative, because it increases colon contractions.
Because of the apparent ability of aloe vera to soothe and heal, some practitioners recommend it to patients for treating acid reflux symptoms. According to one small study, it helps to reduce inflammation in people suffering from ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory disease of the large intestines. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera and its healing effect on burns, some practitioners feel that using aloe vera for acid reflux is a natural way to treat this condition.
How is it Used?
Most sources recommend drinking a quarter cup of aloe vera juice fifteen minutes before each meal. Aloe vera juice is available at most health food stores, natural food markets, and online. Some sources recommend aloe vera capsules for people who don’t like the rather bitter taste of the juice.
What does Research have to Say?
There are no good studies that have looked at using aloe vera for acid reflux disease. Most of the evidence is purely anecdotal – based on positive reports from people who have used it. People with acid reflux frequently develop erosions on their esophagus due to exposure to stomach acid. The theory is that aloe vera juice helps to heal those erosions in much the same way it helps to heal burns, but studies looking at aloe vera’s healing properties show inconsistent results.
Is it Safe?
Aloe vera may interact with certain medications, particularly steroids and digitalis. It shouldn’t be used during pregnancy. Aloe vera can lower blood sugar levels, and it has a laxative effect. People who take it can develop diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and imbalances in potassium levels.
The Bottom Line
There are no scientific studies proving that aloe vera actually helps to heal esophageal erosions caused by acid reflux. It’s probably safe when used in small quantities, but it is best to consult with your health care provider before using. Whether or not aloe vera for acid reflux is good medicine remains to be seen.
References
Mayo Clinic website. “Aloe Vera Safety”
Quackwatch. “Some Notes on Aloe Vera”
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 19 (7): 739–47.
