Note: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve supplements for safety or effectiveness. Talk to a healthcare professional about whether a supplement is the right fit for your individual health, and about any potential drug interactions or safety concerns.

Aloe vera is a spiky succulent plant that for centuries has been used to treat skin conditions such as rashes, cuts, and sunburns. There are more than 400 species of aloe plant, but Aloe barbadensis Miller is most prized for its healing properties.The gel and juice found inside the aloe vera plant is a popular herbal remedy, used both topically and internally to treat health conditions ranging from skin rashes to inflammatory bowel disease. It comes in gels, creams, oral supplements, and beverages. You can also apply the gel directly from the plant itself.

Researchers have extensively studied the use of aloe as a topical product and dietary supplement. Research shows aloe vera has several possible benefits, including easing the following health issues and conditions.

Acne

Topical aloe has a calming effect on the skin and may help ease itchiness and inflammation. You can apply creams or gels to affected skin areas, but don’t apply it directly to open acne blemishes.Aloe also has antibacterial properties that promote wound healing, and it may pair well with other acne treatments. One study found that combining an aloe vera gel with ultrasound treatments led to significant improvements in patients dealing with moderate acne.

Sunburn

Aloe vera gel can help relieve the painful side effects of getting too much sun, such as redness, pain, and swelling, but it doesn’t cure the sunburn itself. Skin experts say topical aloe has no adverse effects for sunburn relief, and it can be combined with cool compresses and loose, breathable clothing and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, to help with discomfort.

Stomach Troubles

Beyond the gel you’ve probably seen in drugstores, aloe vera comes in another form too: aloe latex. Found in the aloe leaf’s outer layer, the latex contains aloin, an organic compound that has laxative properties and may relieve constipation. It’s not clear if taking aloe orally can treat this condition, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a ruling that requires manufacturers to remove aloe latex from over-the-counter laxative products because of a lack of safety data.Other research has found that aloe extract is safe and effective as a short-term oral treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

Aloe gel, the part of the plant that’s commonly found in creams and moisturizers, is generally safe to use topically and contains therapeutic properties for the skin. In some people, it can cause burning, itching, rash, eczema, or hives. Aloe vera beverages and other oral products are typically considered safe for short-term use, but aloe can cause abdominal pain, cramps, and diarrhea, and it has been related to hepatitis when people consume it long term.Ingesting aloe latex, which comes from the leaf’s outer layer, can make other oral medications you’re taking less effective. Aloe latex can also cause short-term kidney failure when taken for more than a few days.

Aloe vera products are widely available and may be stored at room temperature or refrigerated, depending on the product. For topical products, oral supplements, or beverages, follow the instructions on the individual product label about how it should be stored. If you’re using fresh aloe, it should be refrigerated in an airtight container.To select a high-quality product, look for a seal from the International Aloe Science Council, which is an organization that’s been active since the 1980s. Their seal on a product means that the product’s aloe vera quality and purity have been tested and confirmed.

Because many aloe products are topical, there isn’t a set dosage amount. If you’re taking it internally, either as a supplement or beverage, it’s best to do so in consultation with your primary care doctor, a registered dietitian nutritionist, or another healthcare provider.

• Aloe vera has been used for centuries to help treat a variety of health problems, including acne, sunburns, and stomach problems.

• Aloe vera gel is generally considered safe to use, while aloe latex can lead to intestinal problems and kidney failure.

• Talk to your healthcare team if you plan to take aloe vera internally, such as via an oral supplement or beverage.