How should I take aloe vera?

Different brands or batches of the same brand of aloe vera may contain different amounts of the herb. Read the package labels and discuss proper use of this herb with your doctor. The suggested dosages for adults over age 18 include:

• For sunburns and minor burns, apply pure aloe vera liberally three or four times a day on the affected area.
• For constipation, take 0.04 to 0.17 gram of dried aloe vera juice orally, or enough to have a soft stool.
• For genital herpes, aloe vera in a cream should be applied to lesions daily for five days in a row per week for two weeks.
• For psoriasis, apply aloe vera in a cream to the affected areas for five days in a row per week for as long as four weeks.

For children, consult your doctor about using aloe vera.