Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe vera
For the health condition: Convalescence

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Aloe vera has a long history of traditional use in various cultures for its purported healing and restorative properties, especially in the context of convalescence (the period of recovery after illness or medical treatment). In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, aloe vera gel and juice are commonly recommended to help soothe the digestive tract, improve appetite, and promote general recovery after fevers, infections, or gastrointestinal disturbances. These uses are largely based on anecdotal evidence and historical practice rather than modern clinical trials.

The rationale for using aloe vera during convalescence is linked to its bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, vitamins, and amino acids, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing effects. However, while aloe vera has demonstrated benefits in wound healing and for some digestive complaints (like constipation), robust clinical evidence specifically supporting its use for general convalescence, especially in speeding overall recovery or improving strength and well-being post-illness, is limited. Most scientific studies focus on topical use (for burns and wounds) or on specific gastrointestinal conditions, rather than systemic recovery.

In summary, aloe vera's use during convalescence is primarily justified by tradition, with only weak scientific support for its efficacy in this context. More rigorous research would be needed to validate its effectiveness for general recovery after illness.

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More about Convalescence

Other health conditions supported by Aloe vera

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Age Spots
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cysts
Dandruff
Denture Sores
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Enteritis
Fever
Foot Odor
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Interstitial Cystitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Oral Surgery
Overacidity
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Seborrhea
Shingles
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
Slivers
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Stretch Marks
Stye
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toothache
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urethritis
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Urine (scant)
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles