Aloe Vera Gel

[PatB1948]

I was reading in Kate Gilbert's book about the possible benefits of taking Aloe Vera Gel to help ease the symptoms of PMR. Any thoughts out there on this? Pat

[polkadotcom]

I did try it, but it did nothing for me except make me nauseated. It tastes disgusting!

[PatB1948 in reply to polkadotcom]

Thanks for replying so quickly, Polkadotcom, I'll probably give it a miss but it comes peach flavour as well. Pat

[polkadotcom in reply to PatB1948]

Really? Though I'm not even sure if that would mask the taste. I do grow it indoors to use for first aid, good for burns.

[HeronNS in reply to polkadotcom]

Interested to read people's complaints about the taste. I wonder if the brand available across the Pond has artificial flavouring in it, because the one I get, Lily of the Desert, has no added flavour and is really quite innocuous. There are some additives: carrageenan, citric acid and a couple of other okay-sounding things I think must be preservatives.

[HeronNS]

I started taking it a few weeks ago, as someone I know uses it for an inflammatory skin condition - he swallows it, doesn't put it on the skin. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not but I've found my taper from 2 to 1.5 has been much easier than the one from 2.5 to 2 was. I don't mind the taste, which is nearly non-existent. It is a little sharp, you really do feel you might be swallowing a piece of cactus, but that's only momentary, and washed down with a little water it's gone instantly. It doesn't contain any flavourings.

[PatB1948]

That's interesting, HeronNS. Won't do any harm to try it! Thanks for replying. Pat

[HeronNS in reply to PatB1948]

This is the kind I can get: ca.iherb.com/pr/lily-of-the...

Product of Texas

[piglette]

I grow Aloe Vera in the kitchen. It is terrific if you burn your hand and free. I am not sure if fresh aloe vera works the same. Very easy to grow, just water it occasionally.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Has to be the right one doesn't it?

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

I don't know, I thought they were all the same. I just break off a piece if I burn myself on the cooker and it sort of oozes sap onto the burn. It does seem to work.

[Andjo06]

Did nothing for me except make indigestion worse.

[Gaycreasey]

I was told that Apple Cider Vinegar would help and I was given some by a kind soul who works in the organic food industry. I did manage one bottle and then bought another but gradually the taste overcame me and I stopped taking it. I have now found it in tablet form (hooray) so have started taking it again. Not sure what it does but I do feel less lethargic.

[Rugger]

Having read Kate's book, I've just started to take it, as I'm soon to taper from 4mg. On my bottle it says to take it in water or fruit juice, so I add it to my breakfast juice and it's undetectable. On it's own it's just a bit sharp, but has no real flavour. It's too early to say if it's of any help and if I taper with no problems, then I'll never know......