I am just about to trial pure aloe Vera gel, has anyone else tried it out?

[sollyn]

I have been told that it could help protect my stomach and build up my immune system. I am really hoping it will stop the griping,nausea and general bloating.

If anyone out there has first hand experience of it, how has it helped

[DebbieC]

Have you spoken to your Rheumatologist or Doctor about this? In Lupus the immune system is over-active so surely you should not be taking something that increases the action of your immune system. I know people with Lupus should not take Echinacea for this reason & that is something used to build-up the immune system.

Best wishes.

[Hidden]

I was going to write almost exactly what DebbieC has written. Please do be careful.

[Tamsin]

I drink aloe vera juice regularly and find that its helps with my ibs alot as well as finding i have loads more energy. It takes a while to get used to the taste though. Be careful about the type of juice you get as well as alot of the ones sold by healthfood shops include the entire plant leaf which is not good as the outer part of the leaf is very bitter and can cause stomach upsets itself. you want to find a juice that is made entirely of the inner leaf (the jelly bit in the middle). x

[tiggergirl in reply to Tamsin]

Were can I buy some as would like to try, I had a lady come to my house and said that the aloe vear gel is very good as well not sure if the juice is the same

[brownme in reply to tiggergirl]

Hi Tiggergirl, you can buy the gel from highervitality.co.uk.

Aloe is a natural anti-inflammatory, pain inhibitor, antibiotic and cell regenerator. The gel is an adaptogen so will not overstimulate your immune system - just gives you the vital nutrients you need. Many people have used it to Lupus the trick is to build up slowly.

[Thaddeus]

Hello sollyn

I drink Aloe juice and love the stuff, I also have several Aloe plants growing in my kitchen and use the squidge from inside the leaves on my face as a moisturizer, and on any exczema or sore patches that might pop up through the winter.

It is unlikely to cause any bad reactions to whatever you are taking and more unlikely to cause your digestion any upsets.

But its always worth a chat with your consultant before trying anything new.

When it comes to the drink Aloe King is the best. If there is a wing yip near you, it tends to be cheaper there than elsewhere.

[prescilla]

I would check with your consultant, I was told to try this by a company selling this product and it was certainly not cheap. I decided against it because I think our immune system needs suppressing.

[sollyn]

Thanks for all your answers, I take everything on board. I think that the main benefit will hopefully be to settle the problems caused in my stomach by the other drugs that I have to have everyday.

I am sick of feeling sick and am willing at this point to try anything.

I see my consultant in a few weeks. I will be sure to ask her about it. I have a blood test before then as well.

Thanks again.

[Nightjar]

Echinacea activates the immune system and is best avoided by lupies, as can cause a flare. However, Aloe Vera Juice is soothing and calming for the whole digestive system. It does not activate the immune system and does not interfere with medication. I have been using Aloe Vera Juice for years and has never had any adverse reactions. I buy several (1/2 Lit) bottles at a time, usually when Holland & Barrett have special offers on (think they do at the moment), so always have a few bottles at hand in case of trouble. Kept cool they keep for some time.

I also use the Aloe Vera Gel, anywhere on the body - on eyelids too (on going to bed) when dryness. I also used the Gel on 'brewing' joints etc and often manage to nip a flare in the bud - works for me! I never travel without a bottle of the juice and a tube of the gel in my bag. Good luck.

[sollyn in reply to Nightjar]

Thanks for the advice I will have a look at Holland and Barratt. I am trialling a forever health aloe Vera gel. It is so expensive! But after 4 days of taking it on empty stomach I can honestly say that my stomach have started to go down and I feel less gripy. So I am hopeful that this could be the answer.

[Whathappned]

Hi

So is this ok to use with hydroxy and methotrexate? After starting these I'm a bit careful on what I take, but I do get ibs type symptoms - never diagnosed, not got the patience to start all that dr appointments etc.