Can You Eat Raw Aloe? Here's How to Get the Health Benefits Safely

Aloe vera is a cactuslike plant that many ancient societies used as a treatment for skin conditions and wounds, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Although aloe is often applied topically, it may sometimes be taken orally or even eaten. Aloe may be used on salads or in drinks, and you might see aloe vera juice in the supermarket aisle.

But is it safe to consume? Read on to learn more about how to prepare it safely and when to avoid eating it altogether.

When Is Consuming Raw Aloe Vera Safe?

Just inside the aloe’s spiky green leaf is a layer of yellowish, latex-containing pulp, which encircles a gel-like substance, referred to as the inner leaf, according to a research review published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology.

Typically, when aloe vera is prepared as a juice, the entire leaf is ground up and then purified to remove toxic compounds in the latex layer, according to another review, published in SAGE Open Medicine. These compounds may have a strong laxative effect, the review reports.

You may see aloe vera drinks advertising use of only the inner leaf, as a way to avoid the harmful compounds in the latex pulp.

According to the SAGE Open Medicine review, you can also obtain aloe vera juice by stripping away the outer leaf, washing off the latex layer, and processing the inner leaf into a juice. Similarly, you could crush the inner leaf gel and consume it, though its sticky texture may be unappealing to some people.

Due to its many nutritional and medicinal properties, consuming aloe vera gel may have notable health benefits, according to the Journal of Food Science and Technology review. Extracts from the aloe plant have been used as a preservative, as a food supplement, and in beverages and baked goods.

When consumed at an appropriate level, aloe vera’s inner gel is generally considered safe to eat, the review notes; however, in higher concentrations or daily exposure, it may be toxic. The NCCIH confirms that short-term consumption of aloe vera gel is safe.

Not only is aloe vera juice safe to consume, according to Cleveland Clinic, but it’s also one of the healthiest ways to get the nutritional and medicinal benefits of the aloe vera plant. It offers hydration, may relieve heartburn, and provides both antioxidants and vitamins.

That said, it’s best to start off with just a tiny amount to make sure your body can tolerate it, according to Cleveland Clinic, and stick to no more than 1 cup of aloe vera juice per day. If you experience any cramping or loose stools, stop drinking the juice and check with a healthcare professional.

When Should You Avoid Eating Raw Aloe?

Even though it’s generally safe to consume the inner gel of the aloe vera plant, it’s best to avoid eating the whole leaf or even just the latex layer, according to Mayo Clinic.

Although some people might take aloe latex to relieve constipation, it may contain cancer-causing chemicals and can cause cramps, diarrhea, and kidney damage. In fact, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified whole-leaf aloe extract as a possible carcinogen, according to the NCCIH.

You’ll also want to avoid using aloe vera if you have an allergy to plants in the lily family, including onions and tulips, according to a review of studies published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health. In this case, both topical and oral application of aloe vera may result in skin irritation, hives, cramping, and diarrhea.

Talk with a doctor if you’re taking certain medications, like anticoagulants or diabetes drugs, because it may be harmful to take aloe vera at the same time, according to Mayo Clinic. It’s also best to consult with a doctor before consuming any form of aloe vera if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

What About Cooked Aloe Vera Gel?

You may have read some anecdotal reports online of people cooking aloe vera gel after clearing off the yellow latex layer. You may even be able to find recipes for how to gently poach aloe vera gel and use it in salads or soups.

That said, no published scientific studies have examined the safety of cooking and eating aloe vera gel, so if you’d like to try it, it’s best to proceed with caution and follow the general guidelines to avoid the latex layer and not consume too much.

Of course, it’s always best to talk with your doctor first, who can advise you on whether cooking and consuming aloe vera would be safe or supportive for you as a complementary approach to your health goals.