Can Aloe Vera cure, help, treat or prevent Ulcerative Colitis?

The following information is for humans with Ulcerative Colitis

Warnings

These pages are intended for sufferers who have had their ailment professionally diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner. Self Diagnosis can be extremely dangerous as many serious conditions can mimic more simple ones. If you are not satisfied with the results from one doctor, be confident and ask for a second opinion. Doctors are only human, their knowledge cannot be all-encompassing and we all make mistakes
Make sure you have read the pages on Aloe Vera side effects, who can use Aloe Vera and good quality Aloe Vera first
If you are currently on medication or undergoing medical treatment consult your doctor first

There is anecdotal evidence to suggest Aloe Vera works with Ulcerative Colitis in humans.

Introduction to Ulcerative Colitis

Colitis is an inflamation of the mucous of the membrane of the colon. It is usually recognised by swelling of the abdomen, fever, diarrhea and, in some cases a little blood in the excrement.

It is most commonly caused by stress, poor diet, lack of fibre or an excess of coffee/alcohol

Using Aloe Vera for Ulcerative Colitis

Next you are going to need Aloe Vera Gel. How much will depend on the state of the ailment. In the extreme (say one or two weeks before surgery) 1-2 tablespoons per hour a required but in general 6 tablespoons taken throughout the day will suffice.
WHY?Aloe is most well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. If you have ever been to the carribean you will see it being sold on the beach for sunburn. By drinking it you put the same properties inside your body.
The Inflammation can be quelled and then Aloe's other property comes to life. Aloe boosts the body's immune system and accelerates the rate at which cells divide and thus speeds up the healing process. This works on the intestine to help heal the damage as well as closing up ulcers in the stomach (if they have occurred).
Finally Aloe contains Saponins, a natural cleanser, which will work through and clean out the digestive track.

How long will it take for Aloe Vera to work with Ulcerative Colitis?

Recovery time will depend greatly on the diet and the quality of Aloe used.

As a general rule of thumb expect recovery time to be one month for every year the sufferer has had the ailment

Studies carried out with Aloe Vera and Ulcerative Colitis

Oral Aloe Vera taken for 4 weeks produces a clinical response more often than a placebo and it also improves histological disease activity and appears to be safe.
Dr. Rampton, Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2004 Apr;19(7):739-47