Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Learn About Aloe and Constipation
• Part 2 of 2: How to take aloe for constipation
• Tips
• Warnings

Aloe vera is a succulent herb that has dark green leaves. This plant has long been very actively used in folk medicine, from softening and healing burns to removing makeup. Aloe vera can also be used as a natural remedy for constipation, but this must be done with caution since the plant can cause diarrhea. It has been found that there is a link between consumption of this plant, kidney disease and cancer. However, if you still want to use it for constipation, you can purchase aloe in the form of juice, gel or in capsule form.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Learn About Aloe and Constipation

1. 1 Learn about the causes and symptoms of constipation. You may be constipated if you are unable to empty your bowels or do it less often. Constipation occurs for a variety of reasons: dehydration, lack of fiber, travel, or stress. Understanding what can cause constipation and what the symptoms are can help you not only determine why you are unable to have a bowel movement, but also help you act appropriately.
   • Although constipation is uncomfortable, it is very common and can only become a serious condition if you cannot empty yourself for a long time. In this case, you need to seek the help of a doctor.
   • Constipation can be caused by a wide variety of causes: dehydration, insufficient fiber in the diet, disturbance of a daily routine or travel, low physical activity, stress, consuming large amounts of dairy products, excessive consumption of laxatives, taking certain medications such as pain relievers or antidepressants, admission disorder food, hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome and pregnancy.
   • Other symptoms include the following: infrequent bowel movements or difficulty having a bowel movement, hard or small amounts of stool, a feeling that the bowel has not been emptied completely, bloating or pain in the abdomen, and vomiting.
   • The frequency of emptying of each person is purely individual. Some have bowel movements three times a day, while others every other day. If you notice that bowel movements occur less often than usual or less than three times a week, then this may indicate the presence of constipation.
2. 2 Before taking any laxatives, try increasing the amount of water and fiber in your diet. Before using aloe vera or any other natural bowel aid, try the following: Drink plenty of water, eat fiber, or squat. This will help relieve constipation and you won't have to use laxatives.
   • Drink 2-4 glasses more water per day than usual. You can drink tea, lemon water, and other warm drinks.
   • Eat fiber-rich foods to improve your digestive system. Fruits and vegetables are great. Prunes or bran bread can also be an additional source of fiber.
   • Men need 30-38 grams of fiber daily, while women need at least 21-25 grams.
   • One measuring cup contains different amounts of fiber, for example, raspberries will be 8 grams, and boiled whole wheat spaghetti will be 6.3 grams. There is much more fiber in beans. One glass of split peas has 16.3 grams of fiber and lentils 15.6 grams. Fiber in artichokes and green beans is 10.3 grams and 8.8 grams, respectively.
   • If you drink more fluids and eat foods that contain fiber, but this does not help relieve constipation, then take a natural laxative such as aloe vera.
3. 3 Learn about the laxative properties of aloe. Aloe as a laxative is available in three forms: juice, gel, or capsule. Aloe is a very strong laxative, whatever its form, so it should be taken with caution or not taken at all.
   • Aloe medicinal products are made on the basis of the gel and latex contained in the plant. Aloe gel is a clear and jelly-like substance found in the leaf of a plant. Aloe latex is yellow in color and sits directly under the skin of the leaf.
   • Some aloe preparations contain both gel and latex as they are made by crushing the leaves.
   • Aloe latex should not be used frequently because it puts stress on the kidneys. Due to concerns about the potentially harmful effects of aloe as a laxative, the FDA has requested that the ingredient be removed from over-the-counter medicines by the end of 2002.
4. 4 Buy aloe in juice, gel, or capsule form. Aloe juice, pure aloe gel, and aloe capsules are available at grocery stores, health food stores, and other retail stores. You will need to mix it with some kind of juice or tea.
   • You will most likely find 100% aloe juice and pure aloe gel at a health food store. Typically, aloe juice and pure aloe gel are sold at retail stores that specialize in nutritional supplements.
   • These drugs, especially aloe juice, are available in many grocery stores.
   • Make sure you buy pure aloe gel and not a topical gel that is only intended to relieve sunburn symptoms. If taken orally instead of pure aloe gel, it can be harmful to your health.
   • Aloe capsules can cause seizures. It may be worth considering purchasing a calming herb, such as turmeric or peppermint tea, to avoid these side effects.
   • You will most likely find aloe capsules at a health food store. Alternatively, aloe capsules can be purchased at retail stores that specialize in supplement sales.
5. 5 See your doctor. If constipation persists for two weeks or more, make an appointment with your doctor. This will not only rule out more serious conditions, such as a bowel obstruction, but your doctor will likely prescribe a more effective and safer bowel movement.
6. 6 Prevent constipation. If you are finally able to cleanse your intestines and do not want to experience these discomfort again, consider making some changes to your diet and lifestyle. This will help prevent constipation.
   • Try to eat a well-balanced diet high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, and grains such as bran.
   • Drink at least 1.5 - 2 liters of water and other liquids daily.
   • Exercise regularly. Even something as simple as a walk can improve your bowel movements.

Part 2 of 2: How to take aloe for constipation

1. 1 Prepare and drink aloe juice or gel. Take cooked aloe juice or gel twice a day if you prefer to take aloe capsules. After that, constipation should not bother you for several days.
   • Dosage for aloe juice: ½ liter in the morning upon waking up and ½ liter in the evening before bed
   • Aloe juice has a rather pungent taste. If you can handle it, drink it undiluted. If not, mix it with 250 ml of other juice to dilute the flavor.
   • Dosage for aloe gel: Mix 2 tablespoons with your favorite juice and take once a day.
2. 2 Take aloe capsules. If you prefer this method to others, then take aloe capsule three times a day with soothing herbs or tea. After that, constipation should not bother you for several days.
   • Aloe capsule dosage: Take one 5 gram capsule of aloe concentrate three times daily.
   • Consider purchasing soothing herbs such as turmeric or herbal mint tea to reduce the side effects of aloe capsules.
3. 3 In certain cases, it is not recommended to take aloe. Not everyone should use aloe as a laxative. This should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, it should not be used as a remedy for constipation for children and people suffering from diabetes, hemorrhoids, kidney disease and intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease.
   • Aloe should be avoided by anyone who is allergic to onions, garlic, or tulips.
4. 4 Be aware of the side effects of aloe. Taking a very strong laxative like aloe is associated with possible side effects, including abdominal pain and stomach cramps.In this regard, it is important to comply with the prescribed dosage and stop taking it after 5 days.
   • Long-term use of aloe as a laxative can seriously affect your health. In addition to cramping stomach pains, the following conditions may also occur: diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, potassium deficiency, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart problems.
   • If you don't want to use aloe, then you can try laxatives like psyllium fiber, senna, or other over-the-counter remedies. These drugs are classified as milder laxatives.

Tips

• Relaxation techniques and stress management can also help manage constipation symptoms.

Warnings

• Aloe vera injections can cause severe reactions and should be avoided.
• Oral intake of aloe is not recommended for children, pregnant and lactating women.
• If you are allergic to any plant in the lily family - onions, garlic, or tulips - do not take aloe vera.