[YEA]  06/04/2007: Zinnia from Wappingers Falls, New York: "My daughter Stefanie developed an acid reflux. She was given an anti acid Rx. It temporarily stopped. I researched the wonders of Aloe Vera and found that it treated her. Since then whenever it occurs, I give her juice mixed with Aloe Vera juice. It works wonder."

03/23/2009: Tremissa from Houston, Tx replies: "I read that you gave aloe vera to your daughter and was wondering how old she is. My son (2 months old) has reflux so bad i can hardly keep food in his stomach. I have heard of the aloe vera juice but have read not to give to children under 12 months. I am deperate for a cure for this awful illness so he can be a happy baby once more."

03/26/2009: Yvonne from Philadelphia, Pa. replies: "I KNOW how frustrated you are in dealing with your babies reflux! 11 years ago my oldest daughter suffered from refluex really bad!! To no releif could any body help me! I was very sad and disheartning watching her vomit everything! How on earth is she getting nurished I thought!! Finally I came across a older Dr. whom told me it would go away as she got older it was the rings that seal her stomatch not maturing yet! He suggested having a barrum swallow done .. thats when u drink a fluied that shows on x-ray long story short TRUST ME IT WILL STOP! It's 1 thing I learned later really just about a month ago as a result of reflux asthma can develop because of the stomatch acids getting in the lungs!! I hope this brings u a lil comfort!"

09/06/2011: Saints-81 from Edmonton, Alberta replies: "FYI for anyone reading the above issues with newborns throwing up. My daughter did this too. After feeding you need to place them on their back and VERY GENTLY massage and pull their stomach down. Think of one balloon inside of another and the inner balloon is balled up and you need to GENTLY work your fingers to drag it down towards the bottom. PLEASE I cannot stress enough GENTLY. Takes just a few minutes and yes they do grow out of it. Of course a visit to the doctor to make sure it's not something else is always recommended."

01/24/2012: Amanda from Pompano Beach, Fl replies: "All Aloe is NOT created equal- first the specie is important - Barbadensis-Miller being the most "nutrient dense" and better yet the Barbadensis-Miller-Stockton specie - being one of the purest varieties for consumption. Stockton Aloe 1 offers frozen aloe - almost as good as fresh from your back yard. It is thick and goopy like the real plant, not watery like the pasteurized, preserved versions. You will not see the ultimate healing power of this awesome plant unless you obtain the right specie - unadulterated by processing. From Acid Reflux to AIDS to Cancer - Aloe is the ultimate healer!"

02/29/2012: Curtis from Chicago, Ill replies: "Would any aloe work from the juice to the gel?"

03/01/2013: Orion from Hillsboro, Or replies: "For those of you suffering, or have children suffering, with Acid Reflux (or even cholic) - I would STRONGLY suggest finding a Chiropractor (if you have tried physicians, drugs, herbs - and nothing works for very long). These diseases can be caused by lack of nervous signal due to compression of the nerve root at the spine. These diseases have been known to "spontaneously go into remission" after a very few or even just one chiropractic treatement."

03/02/2013: Lak from Nb, Nj replies: "I am very despearate for my daughter 7 years. She has this issue when she was 3 1/2 years. I heard that chiropractic treatments are not good for growing kids. Is it safe and should we go to pediatric chiropractor? Please let me know the details. I would really be very thankful to you."

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  03/24/2008: NADIA from LONDON, UK: "I HAVE TAKEN ALOE VERA JUICE FOR NEARLY 2 YEARS...EVERY MORNING AND NIGHT.. IT HAS TOTALLY CLEARED UP MY TERRIBLY PERSISTENT ADULT ACNE.MY SKIN IS VERY RARELY BLEMISHED NOW AND IS PLUMP AND YOUTHFUL.

HOWEVER RECENTLY I HAVE HAD QUITE EXTREME HAIR LOSS FROM ALL OVER MY HEAD. MY MOTHER THINKS IT COULD BE FROM THE CITRIC ACID USED AS A PRESERVATIVE IN THE ALOE VERA JUICE.

HAS ANYONE COME ACROSS THIS, OR HAS ANY THOUGHTS?:)"

[YEA]  06/26/2008: Bret from Phoenix, Arizona replies: "Maybe! Try taking 1/2 doses orally and then at night actually apply the aloe to your scalp. Massage aloe and let dry. In four to five days your hair loss should be noticably less. I've been an aloe freak for two years. Trying and experimenting with different brands, different preparations.
There is a company the hand fillets their aloe and uses less perservatives. E-mail me if you are interested in that company. I had started Male pattern hair loss ten years ago. My grandfather was bald at 53 years old. I started using aloe in 2000. Externally I put in on my face and scalp every morning. Started oral consumption two years ago. I have a full, curly, healthy head of hair. My hair loss does come back if I use too harsh of products. Sprays, conditioners can be hard on the scalp although they appear to do wonders for the hair itself."

01/10/2010: Claudia from Manchester, Pa replies: "In response to Bret's post, I am interested in the company, that hand fillets their aloe, and exactly how you used the aloe, to decrease your hair loss, as well as for your face. I am in my late 50's, and have considerable hair loss, that has not improved, with use of bioidentical hormones. I also have acne and Rosecea. Do you know if I could use the Aloe Vera Gel that I get at Swanson Vitamins online?

Thanks,
Claudia"

11/15/2010: Rajeanne from Glendale, Az replies: "Swanson Vitamins does carry aloe vera. The brand I like is: LILY OF THE DESERT, ALOE VERA JUICE--INNNER FILET. Contains 99% organic ingredients. I drink 1/2cup in the morning, and also before I go to bed. I also rub some on my right shoulder, at night. I LOVE IT, AND HOPE YOU WILL TOO! "

[YEA]  04/15/2011: Lauren from Paris, France replies: "To prevent hair loss. I strongly suggest you try Kombucha tea. My hair has regrown a lot since I started using about 3 months ago. I was not bald by my hair was getting really thin on the top of my head. It is still thinner now than the hair on the back of my head but looks quite normal."

04/16/2011: Mary from Regina, Saskchewan replies: "That sounds great!!! How much Kombucha tea did u take every day?"

06/14/2012: Chitra from Buckingham, Va replies: "Dear Bret, could you please send me some info. On where to buy good aloe? I am looking for a liquid I can put in a tick repellant I am making to add some cooling and moisturizing benefits. I need a brand that doesn't use any preservative."

[YEA]  07/02/2009: K from Chicago, IL: "I have been using fresh aloe juice/gel/flesh topically overnight on my chest and back to try to heal scarring due largely to acne. I had been dealing with acne and scarring for months now. Just two nights of applying aloe liberally and directly onto my skin, letting it dry a bit, and then putting on a pajama top overnight has produced surprisingly good results. I am so relieved and amazed. I recommend this very simple, inexpensive, and natural method to everyone."

[YEA]  11/15/2009: Dianne from Houston, Tx replies: "I use the aloe vera on my face in the morning. It is a great moisturizer, is not greasy, and tightens the face as well. I cut about a 2" slice and then half it like an apple and rub the pulp on my face until there is no juice left in the pulp.

I have been trying to figure out how to make it into a juice, but haven't tried it yet. Now I will. It tastes so bitter, if I get it on my lips that I was afraid it would taste horrible. But I do believe it is a gift from the Gods, so I will try to juice it also."

11/16/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA replies: "Hi Dianne,

I too have started using fresh aloe from my plant starting a week ago. Go on youtube and watch Daniel Vitalis speak about it on elixer craft. I am not sure what part (there are a few) it's in but it's like #6 or 7. He specifically speaks on aloe but it must be fresh and how you can ingest it. It heals the whole body and can regenerate the intestine. Actually, I would suggest you watch all of the series as it is fascinating and chock full of nutritional info and healing our bodies. He even demonstrates how to open the aloe leaf and that it can last a long time because it heals itself! I am still on my first leaf and it's still full of juice in it. I just tightly press it back together again when I'm done using it. I find it so amazing that we are planning to plant several aloe plants in our yard. It is a gift from the Gods! Let me know what you think of the video. Lisa"

07/12/2011: Earth Clinic : "Hello Everyone,

Ted is writing a lot about Aloe Vera Oil lately, so we decided to do an internet search to see if it is available and where it's sold. Here is it on Amazon, selling for $6.45 a bottle: http://www.amazon.com/100-Pure-Aloe-Vera-Oil/dp/B000S6V8CU

According to 1 reviewer, "This is Aloe Vera Oil - Which by my understanding is a carrier vegetable oil in which mashed-up aloe Vera has been soaked. Then it's separated and you get Aloe Vera Oil. It comes in a flip-top squeeze bottle labeled "Pure Aloe Vera Oil."

If anyone on Earth Clinic has located additional sources, please post them in this thread! Thanks."

[YEA]  10/14/2011: Cookie from Nashville, Tn replies: "I've been drinking Aloe Vera Juice for the last 2 months. 4oz in the morning and 4 oz at night, it has helped with my weight loss, heart burn, and energy. I recommend it to everyone and love the benefits of it!"

10/18/2011: Rick from San Diego, Ca replies: "Earthclinic,

I just purchased some aloe vera oil from this site that you recommend and it came in a small blue bottle, but it says on the bottle that it is for external use only... Do you know if this is still safe to consume?"

[YEA]  02/16/2008: Shaila from Kerala, India: "Remedy - Aloe vera, honey, alcohol. Ailment - Cancer -- http://www.aloeveraseeds.co.uk/cancercure.php Please look up this link and similar info. If you think it's reliable please put in on your website. A friend's friend used this combo and was cured."

12/28/2008: Punit from New Jersey replies: "Hi, In the miracle cure for cancer thru aloe vera, someone name shaila from kerala india mentioned about a paste formed by mixing aloe vera with honey and alcohol - we do not drink alcohol - is there any other alternate for this? it was prepared by a Franciscan who lives in Bethlehem."

12/30/2008: Gean from Salina, KS replies: "I had a question about this recipe also, as I need it for a friend with ovarian cancer. When it says 2 large aloe vera leaves or 3 small, I am wondering about more specific size or weight. I have a small aloe vera house plant, but I know they can grow quite large. So, how large is a large leaf, I guess is what I'm asking. This lady has five young children and I want to do it right."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  11/16/2007: Eileen from Monroe, NY: "Aloe vera - been using for 3 weeks now to heal from celiac disease - helped soothe and along with diet I'm seeing improvement."

[YEA]  02/13/2010: Susan from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada replies: "Before I was diagnosed with celiac disease, I suffered a terrible bout of hiatal hernia with acid reflux (my dr. calls it GERD). He put me on a presciption to deal with the intense discomfort and I took it faithfully for a month with very little relief. Finally in desperation I bought a bottle of aloe juice, took it and within a day I was markedly improved. Within a week the aloe vera had virtually completely healed my stomach and intestinal problems. I use the juice from fillet and it is not as bitter. Now, years later, I still keep a bottle on hand to help me if I accidentally ingest gluten - it helps with the discomfort until the gluten is worked out of my system."

[YEA]  03/28/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon: "Aloe Vera is an amazing energizer. It revitalizes the entire system. It is not a stimulant type of energy, you will just feel great, and begin to realize that your energy level just won't quit. Fresh aloe vera is best; if you live in a cold climate, house plants work well.

I take Aloe Vera often for it's overall health benefits, but especially if I am super tired or have had a very late night with perhaps a bit of drinking, and know that my energy is not going to get any better. It's a healthier feeling than just drinking a bunch of coffee, though I admit that on such a day I probably would add a bit of that too. I find that if I am super tired that drinking Green Tea, Apple Cider Vinegar, and/or taking Aloe Vera is best to do first, because these things help your body to truly be reenergized, while Coffee just pulls you up and wears your system out."

08/20/2009: Dianne from Tampa, Fl replies: "I take the entire leaf and chop off a couple of inches beginning from the base and peel (discard the peel) and blend it, etc. I take the remaining Aloe leaf and just set it on the counter on some paper towels. Don't peel it or put any plastic wrap on the cut edge or anything. The Aloe will heal the cut on its own and the next time you need some more Aloe, just cut off that thin slice that looks yucky and then slice off another piece to consume. Since I generally take the Aloe everyday, it seldom tends to go bad. I did read that you could put it in the refrigerator, but make sure you wrap it in paper towels as the cold will create some condensation and that will make it go bad a lot quicker. As for the size of the Aloe I read in several places that the smaller leaves don't generally have all the beneficial componenets. It could also be that you have a different species of Aloe. The Aloe that is therapeautic is Aloe Barbadensis Miller. There are many different species of Aloe, but not all therapeautic. Check the internet for the other therapeautic ones."

10/25/2012: Wayout from Motown, Ca/ Usa: "Aloe vera is an incredible plant. It has not often been processed carefully enough to retain its full healing elements. It is now being discovered to have a critical role in the diet, a previously unrecognized "neccesary nutrient" status. As such, it is being branded a "Nutraceutical, " which could too easily become, food that needs a prescription.

Real aloe vera with the mannose molecules still intact, gathered and dried right, can then tell the body when to stop inflammation, and blocks or connects proteins to cells, thus modulating against auto-immune (self-fighting) conditions. And most conditions are being found to be such, as inflammation is the root of disease. This could literally prevent and heal many diseases, which is why it is becoming the "point man" for the battle to control the health of mankind. And unfortunately, I suspect there are some, who simply do not want to see everyone be well, but would rather make profits.

And a quote:

"Mannose molecules are components of the surface membranes of cells and are responsible for essential complex biochemical activities of cell life."

--T."

10/26/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky replies: "Good news, one can grow many of the common medicinal herbs for personal use OR can order the herb in "raw" or "bulk" form as it is not a controlled substance. The diet herb Ephedra Senica got pulled from the market as an ingredient for energy and weight loss. Manufacturers cannot add this herb to products but it isn't a controlled substance (not illegal) so one can buy the raw herb. As a side note the herb Bitter Orange (isn't "banned") is very similar to Ephedra Senica as it contains the alkaloid Synephrine slightly less harmful than the Ephedrine in E.S. For those of you out there not getting the necessary boost from caffeine products, add a little Bitter Orange and you will feel the difference (and lose weight)."

06/28/2011: Blkmanchcgo from Chicago, Il replies: "To Maria,

If your looking for aloe vera gel or other quality oils and herbs you can check out Mountainroseherbs.com. I dont know if you can post websites here but...."

12/22/2010: Elizabeth from Nashville, Tn replies: "You may need to check the preservatives and other chemicals that have been added to the gel. That can cause skin irritation."

06/19/2012: Citygirl27 from Richardson, Tx, Usa replies: "True. Many popular brands, big companies, etc put alcohol or other stabilizer in their aloe vera gels so they will be quick-drying. Beware of that on the ingredients label."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/02/2012: Aubergine from Washington, Dc replies: "Bad experience with aloe juice: After reading here about people's good experiences with Aloe, I figured I would try some. My grocery store sells the stalks, but I didn't want to bring one of those home - one of my kids would probably try to use it as a weapon, if my husband didn't put it in the trash first - so I looked at the aloe products on the shelf with the supplements. I was a bit confused by all the choices but I ended up getting a juice product that uses a formulation called "ActivAloe. " Without mentioning the actual brand name (which does have the word "aloe" in it), it comes in a 32-oz bottle and there are three flavors - the original "gold" as well as "cherry berry" and "orange papaya. " I chose the orange papaya. The label says it's 7% orange and papaya juices, and the rest is "whole leaf aloe vera juice concentrate. " I tried some that evening. The label said to take 2 Tablespoons (1 oz) so that's what I took. During the evening I was very gassy, but I have that problem when I eat certain sugars or processed foods so I figured it was something I had snacked on earlier. Later that night I felt like I was getting a cold. I took a little extra ACV plus some extra vitamin C, did a sinus rinse (which I routinely do anyway) and gargled with a hydrogen peroxide oral cleanser.

In the morning I felt a little worse with congestion in my sinuses and chest. I did my normal breakfast routine (a green superfoods bar plus ACV, lecithin, coconut oil, turmeric and oatmeal) plus a 1-oz dose of the aloe juice. I made sure to stick with alkaline foods throughout the day - this normally eliminates any cold symptoms for me within half a day - but I didn't feel better. Also I was still very gassy, which didn't make much sense since I was not eating any of the bad stuff that tends to give me gas. I continued for 2 more days with alkaline foods, ACV and my other regular supplements, plus 1 ounce of aloe juice twice a day, plus extra vitamin C and sinus rinses morning and evening, without any relief of the cold symptoms. (I also felt generally crummy, as with any cold. )

Then last night I noticed that an old case of thrush was back - but not just in the one little spot where I had it before. This time, seemingly overnight, the pockets between my cheeks and gums were inflamed on both sides of my mouth. I was also gassier than ever. By this time I had figured out that the gas was the worst shortly after I drank the aloe juice. I thought, "how can anything that makes me this gassy actually be healthy for me?" It suddenly dawned on me that maybe the aloe juice was actually making me sick. I poured the rest of the bottle down the drain.

Today I did an oil pull and I'm continuing the alkaline food routine with ACV and plenty of water to try to flush out whatever's bothering me. 24 hours after stopping the aloe (which I only took for 72 hours in the first place) I feel somewhat better, but I still have some of the congestion and the thrush. (The gas, thank goodness, is gone. ) Hopefully there will be more improvement tomorrow.

It occurred to me that the aloe might be bringing out some sort of toxin that was locked up in my cells somewhere, but that seems unlikely. I started taking ACV every day 5 months ago, and since then added sunflower lecithin (Ted's "pulling oil" remedy, 2 TBSP per day), coconut oil, turmeric, raw honey, and green superfood capsules to my daily diet. (I was already taking fish oil and vitamin E. ) At the same time I have greatly reduced or cut out many of the acid-forming foods I used to eat, and have added more vegetables and other whole, alkaline foods. (I have also done some oil pulling with EVCO but I have had trouble making it a routine. ) With these improvements I've lost weight effortlessly, I don't feel hungry, my skin looks great, the bumps on the backs of my arms disappeared, my chronic case of thrush went away, and the osteoarthritis in my hip no longer bothers me.

My point is that I would be surprised if the aloe juice suddenly brought out toxins that the other remedies hadn't touched. But I could be wrong! And I have used aloe vera gel on my skin in the past without any adverse reactions. Anyway, now I'm a little leary of trying other forms of aloe, but maybe after I get better I'll go ahead and buy a stalk of the real thing and carefully monitor the effects!"

04/26/2013: Charlotte from Kenmore, Wa replies: "The dose makes the poison. You shouldn't exceed the recommended daily dose of aloe vera juice (about 1/4 cup) if you don't want to experience any side effects. When you drink it with caution, it can bring many health benefits, but if you stick to the recommended dose and still experience the side effects, probably it's better to stop taking it."