Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Learning about aloe and constipation
• Part 2 of 2: Taking aloe for constipation
• Tips
• Warnings

Aloe vera belongs to the succulents and has dark green leaves that contain a juicy gel. The plant has long been used in folk medicine for just about everything from soothing to healing burns to removing make-up. Aloe vera can also be used as a natural remedy for constipation, but it is not recommended as it can cause diarrhea and be unsafe. It has already been linked to kidney disease and cancer. However, if you really want to use aloe vera to relieve constipation, you can buy it as a juice, gel, or capsule form.

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Part 1 of 2: Learning about aloe and constipation

1. Get to know the causes and symptoms of constipation. If you are unable to make a bowel movement or if you go less often than usual, you may be constipated. Constipation can be caused by dehydration, a lack of fiber in the diet, travel or stress. Knowing the different symptoms of constipation will help you determine why you are not having a bowel movement and take appropriate action.
   • Note that while constipation is very uncomfortable, it is very common. Only when you are unable to have a bowel movement for a long time can constipation become severe and you should see a doctor to resolve the problem.
   • You can get constipated for a variety of reasons: dehydration; insufficient fiber in your diet; a disruption to routine or travel; insufficient physical activity; eat a lot of dairy; stress; abuse of laxatives; hyperthyroidism; certain medications such as pain killers and antidepressants; eating disorders; irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy.
   • There are also a variety of symptoms including: irregular bowel movements or difficulty making a bowel movement, hard or small bowel movements, the feeling of incomplete bowel movements, a distended stomach or stomach pain, vomiting.
   • Everyone is different when it comes to their bowel peristalsis. Some people need to go three times a day while others just go every two days. If you find yourself having less bowel movements than usual or if you have to pass less than three times a week, this could indicate constipation.
2. Try to rehydrate and eat plenty of fiber before reaching for a laxative. Before using aloe vera or any other natural remedy to make a bowel movement, try drinking some water, eating fiber, and even doing some squats. These may resolve the constipation without requiring you to take a laxative.
   • Try to drink two to four extra glasses of water per day. You can also opt for warm liquids such as tea or warm water with lemon.
   • Try to eat high-fiber foods to stimulate your digestion. Fruits and vegetables are the best choice. You can also eat prunes or bran for the fiber.
   • Men should try to eat 30-38 grams of fiber per day, women at least 21-25 per day.
   • For example, a cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber, and a cup of cooked whole grain spaghetti contains 6.3 grams of fiber. Beans contain significantly more fiber; a cup of split peas provides 16.3 grams of fiber and a cup of lentils provides 15.6 grams. Artichokes contain 10.3 grams of fiber and green beans 8.8 grams.
   • If drinking more water and eating fiber-rich foods doesn't relieve constipation, you can opt for a natural laxative such as aloe vera.
3. Get information about aloe vera as a laxative. You can use aloe vera as a laxative in three different ways: as a juice, as a gel, or in capsule form. In any form, aloe vera is a very powerful laxative and so it should be taken in moderation or not at all.
   • The active ingredients of aloe come from two substances that the plant produces: the gel and the latex. Aloe gel is transparent and gelatinous and can be found in the leaves of the plant. Aloe latex has a yellow color and is located just under the skin of the plant.
   • Some aloe products are made by crushing the leaves to obtain both the gel and the latex.
   • Aloe latex is stressful on the kidneys and therefore it should be used in moderation. Due to the potentially harmful effects of using aloe as a laxative, the FDA has decided that it should no longer be an ingredient in prescription laxatives as of late 2002.
4. Buy aloe juice, gel, or capsules. Aloe juice, pure aloe gel and aloe capsules are relatively easy to find in health food stores and grocery stores. You will have to mix this with another type of juice or with tea.
   • You will likely be able to buy aloe juice and pure aloe gel from health food stores. Some food supplement stores will also sell aloe juice and pure aloe gel.
   • Many groceries will also sell these products, especially aloe juice.
   • Make sure you buy pure aloe gel and not topical aloe gel intended for sunburn. After all, this particular product is not intended to be taken orally and it can be harmful to your health if you choose this instead of pure aloe gel.
   • Aloe capsules in particular can cause cramps. You may also need to consider purchasing a sedative spice such as turmeric or peppermint tea to counteract the side effects.
   • You will likely find aloe capsules in health food stores. Some food supplement stores will also offer aloe capsules.
5. See a doctor. If you've been constipated for two or more weeks, you should contact your doctor and schedule an appointment. Not only will this rule out a serious condition such as a bowel obstruction, but your doctor will likely prescribe a more effective and safer method for emptying your bowels.
6. Avoid constipation. If you are finally able to get rid of your constipation and want to try to avoid this uncomfortable condition in the future, then you should consider making some changes to your diet or exercise habits. These can help keep you from getting constipated again.
   • Provide a balanced diet with plenty of dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains (such as bran).
   • Drink at least 2-2.5 liters of water or other liquids per day.
   • Exercise regularly. Even something as simple as walking will get your bowels moving.

Part 2 of 2: Taking aloe for constipation

1. Prepare and drink your aloe juice or gel. You should prepare the aloe juice or gel twice a day if you prefer this to aloe capsules. This should resolve your constipation within a few days.
   • The dosage for aloe juice is 0.5 liters in the morning upon waking and 0.5 liters in the evening before going to sleep.
   • The taste of aloe juice is quite strong. Only drink it if you can handle this taste. Otherwise, you have to mix it with 0.25 liters of fruit juice to dilute the flavor.
   • The dosage for aloe gel is 30 ml per day mixed with your favorite fruit juice.
2. Take the aloe capsule. Three times a day you should take an aloe capsule with a calming herb or tea if you prefer this method to aloe juice or gel. This will resolve the constipation in a few days.
   • The dosage for aloe capsules is one capsule of 5 grams of aloe concentrate three times a day.
   • Consider using a sedative herb such as turmeric or peppermint to counteract the side effects of aloe capsules.
3. Avoid aloe in certain cases. Not everyone should use aloe as a laxative. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid aloe as a laxative. Children and people with diabetes, hemorrhoids, kidney problems and intestinal problems such as Crohn's disease should also avoid using aloe as a laxative.
   • Anyone allergic to onions, garlic or tulips should avoid aloe.
4. Know the side effects of aloe. Aloe is a very powerful laxative and its use can cause certain side effects such as stomach pain and stomach cramps. That is why it is important to stick to the dosage and to stop using it after 5 days.
   • In the long term, using aloe as a laxative can have serious consequences for your health. In addition to stomach cramps, it can also cause diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, potassium deficiency, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart problems.
   • Consider alternative laxatives such as psyllium fiber or senna or a prescription if you prefer not to use aloe. Both are gentler laxatives.

Tips

• Relaxation techniques and stress management can also help resolve constipation.

Warnings

• Avoid aloe vera injections as they can cause a serious reaction.
• Taking aloe vera orally is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Do not use aloe vera if you are allergic to members of the lily family, such as onions, garlic or tulips.