Aloe is a succulent plant whose clear inner leaf gel is used in food, drinks, and skin care. Therapeutic use dates back thousands of years. You can find it as a juice, liquid concentrate, or topical gel.
People drink a small serving of aloe juice before meals for digestive comfort and regular bowel movements. It can also ease occasional heartburn or indigestion. Some take it as part of a daily routine for immune health and clearer skin.
What you buy matters. True aloe gel is safe, but the bitter yellow latex from the leaf skin acts as a strong laxative and can cause cramps or other problems. Do not ingest whole-leaf products that contain latex. Look for purified inner-fillet juice if drinking it.