Caution is advised when consuming aloe vera; only these varieties are safe to eat.
Aloe vera is a pure natural green plant that combines medicinal, health, cosmetic (beauty food), and ornamental uses. Many people grow aloe vera at home, cutting off pieces to apply to their faces, rub on insect bites, or even eat it, seemingly quite casually. It's important to note that there are many varieties of aloe vera, and not all of them are suitable for use, especially for internal consumption.
Vomiting and diarrhea
It was aloe vera that caused the problem.
Many people have heard of the beauty benefits of aloe vera: it eliminates toxins and regulates the endocrine system; it neutralizes melanin and enhances collagen synthesis; the malic acid, tartaric acid, and vitamins B1, B2, and B16 contained in aloe vera are the main reasons for radiant skin. It is also a natural moisturizer and astringent, keeping skin hydrated and elastic; and it can protect against ultraviolet rays...
Ms. Zhang recently bought a potted aloe vera plant, intending to use it to improve her skin. She cut off several leaves, not only consuming the juice but also chewing the pulp. That very night, she experienced severe abdominal pain, cold sweats, paleness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A doctor diagnosed her with either an aloe vera allergy or the plant itself being toxic.
It turns out that there are many varieties of aloe vera, including ornamental, medicinal, and edible types. Some aloe vera varieties are poisonous, and ingestion can cause poisoning or even be life-threatening. People with allergies may experience symptoms such as skin redness, swelling, itching, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming aloe vera or aloe vera products.
Which types of aloe vera are edible?
There are many varieties of aloe, with over 300 known species. Based on their uses, they can be divided into medicinal aloe, edible aloe, and ornamental aloe. There are more than 10 medicinal aloe varieties, only a few edible aloe varieties, and the majority of the rest are ornamental aloe.
Edible aloe vera varieties include Aloe vera (Curacao), Aloe vera (also known as Chinese aloe), Aloe arborescens (Shangnong large-leaf aloe), and Aloe arborescens (also known as Japanese aloe or small tree aloe). Aloe vera (Curacao) is currently the most widely used variety. It contains abundant gel, which can be processed to extract aloe vera juice, concentrated juice, and aloe vera crystal powder. Its fresh leaves can be eaten directly and are also used in food, medicine, and cosmetics.
