Aloe vera is used for treating sunburns, frostbites, psoriasis and other skin conditions, as it appears to speed healing and prevent inflammation. Aloe juice is also used for constipation. There is good scientific evidence in support of the laxative properties of aloe latex, based on the well-established cathartic properties of anthroquinone glycosides (found in aloe latex). Aside of its beneficial effects on the skin and the intestines, aloe vera is also being evaluated for its potential benefits in diabetes, asthma, and its immunostimulant and anti-cancer effects.

Aloe vera's use goes back to the Mesopotamians and Egyptians, when it was used for healing the skin and for its laxative properties. Clear gel from the pulp of Aloe vera leaves has been used on the skin for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, minor burns and other skin conditions

People take aloe gel by mouth for weight loss, diabetes, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, osteoarthritis, stomach ulcers, asthma, radiation-related skin sores, fever, itching and inflammation, and as a general tonic. A chemical in aloe called acemannan is taken by mouth for HIV/AIDS. Aloe extract is used for high cholesterol. Aloe latex is taken by mouth mainly as a laxative for constipation. It is also used for seizures, asthma, colds, bleeding, lack of a menstrual period, swelling of the colon (colitis), depression, diabetes, eye conditions that cause blindness (glaucoma), multiple sclerosis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, and vision problems. Fresh aloe leaves are taken by mouth for cancer.