Aloe species
Scientific Name: Aloe
Other Names: Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Burn Plant, Cape Aloe
When should I be careful taking it?
All commercial non-prescription aloe juice laxative products were removed from over-the-counter sale by order of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002. Although it may still be sold as a supplement, aloe juice is not recommended for oral use. In addition, aloe gel should not be taken by mouth, because aloe juice may be mixed with it.
Certain groups of individuals should be especially careful to avoid taking aloe juice:
Aloe juice should not be taken during pregnancy, because it can cause contractions of the uterus, which may result in a miscarriage.
Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid taking aloe juice. Potentially harmful chemicals from aloe juice may pass from the mother to the baby in breast milk. The baby may develop diarrhea.
Babies and young children may also be more likely to have reactions to chemicals in aloe juice, so it should never be given to children under the age of 18.
Ulcers and inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, may be aggravated by the irritating effects of aloe juice. Even though it may have been used to treat GI conditions in the past, the oral use of aloe gel is inadvisable for individuals with any esophageal, stomach, or bowel disease due to the possibility that aloe gel may be contaminated with aloe juice.
Individuals who have hemorrhoids should not take aloe juice due to the possibility that its use may worsen the condition.
Some evidence from animal studies suggests that chemicals in aloe may reduce the levels of thyroid hormones through an unknown effect. Although no evidence shows that human thyroid function may be affected by aloe, individuals with any type of thyroid condition should avoid taking aloe by mouth.
Precautions
Aloe belongs to the lily family of plants, which includes garlic and onions as well as flowers such as crocus, hyacinth, lilies, and tulips. Individuals who are allergic to other members of the lily family may also be sensitive to aloe. For susceptible individuals, touching aloe plants, applying aloe gel, or taking aloe juice supplements may result in allergic responses such as upset stomach or skin rash.
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When should I be careful taking it? 
