Aloe vera is a member of the succulent plant family and has dark green leaves. This herb has long been a traditional ingredient for everything from soothing and healing burns to removing makeup. Aloe vera can also be used as a natural remedy for constipation, but it is not recommended because it can cause diarrhea and be unsafe. It is associated with kidney disease and cancer. But if you really want to use aloe vera to relieve constipation, you can buy it in the form of juice, gel, or capsules.
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Part 1 of 2: Studying Aloe Vera and Constipation
Step 1. Learn the causes and symptoms of constipation
If you can't have a bowel movement or have bowel movements less frequently than usual, you may be constipated. Constipation occurs due to dehydration, lack of fiber in the diet, travel, or stress. Knowing the causes and symptoms of constipation can help identify why you can't have a bowel movement and take appropriate action.
- Be aware that although constipation is often uncomfortable, it is also very common. Only in cases where you can't have a bowel movement for a long time can make constipation serious and you need to see a doctor to treat this problem.
- You can become constipated for many reasons: dehydration, not getting enough fiber in your diet; interruptions in routine or travel; not doing well; consuming too many dairy foods; stress; laxative abuse; hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland); some medications such as pain medications or antidepressants; eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and pregnancy.
- There are also some symptoms such as: infrequent or difficult bowel movements, hard or small stools, a feeling of incomplete defecation, abdominal swelling or pain in the abdomen, and vomiting.
- Everyone defecates in varying amounts. Some people have three bowel movements a day, while others only have bowel movements every two days. If you notice that you have bowel movements less often than usual or do not pass stools more than three times a week, this may be a sign of constipation.
Step 2. Try to drink fluids and eat fiber-rich foods before using laxatives
Before using aloe vera or other natural remedies to relieve constipation, try drinking more water, eating fiber-rich foods, and even squatting first. This can relieve constipation without having to use laxatives.
- Try to drink 2-4 glasses of water every day. You can also try warm liquids like tea or warm water with lemon juice.
- Try to eat foods that are rich in fiber for digestion to work. Fruits and vegetables are great choices. You can also eat dried prunes or cereal peels to get fiber intake.
- Men should eat 30-38 grams of fiber per day, while women should try to eat at least 21-25 grams of fiber per day.
- For example, 125 grams of fresh raspberries contain 8 grams of fiber, while 50 grams of whole wheat spaghetti contains 6.3 grams of fiber. Legumes contain more fiber, with 225 grams of peeled peas containing 16.3 grams of fiber, and 200 grams of lentils containing 15.6 grams of fiber. Arthicokes contain 10.3 grams of fiber and chickpeas contain 8.8 grams of fiber.
- If drinking more water and eating fiber-rich foods doesn't help with constipation, try a natural laxative like aloe vera.
Step 3. Study aloe vera as a laxative
You can use the aloe vera plant as a laxative in three forms: juice, gel, or capsule. In any form, aloe vera is a very strong laxative and should be taken in moderation or not at all.
- Aloe vera medicinal products are derived from two compounds that aloe vera produces: gel and latex. Aloe vera gel which is clear and like jelly is found in aloe vera leaves. Aloe latex, which is yellow in color, sits under the plant's bark.
- Some aloe vera products are made by smoothing the skin so that they contain gel and latex.
- Aloe vera is harsh on the kidneys and therefore should be used in moderation. Due to concerns about aloe vera's harmful laxative effects, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed it as an ingredient in over-the-counter laxative products in late 2002.
Step 4. Purchase aloe vera juice, gel or capsules
Aloe vera juice, pure aloe vera gel, and aloe vera capsules are fairly easy to find at retailers such as grocery and health food stores. You need to mix it into other juices or teas.
- Health food stores are the most likely places to get 100 percent aloe vera juice and pure aloe vera gel. Some retailers that specialize in nutritional supplements usually also sell pure aloe vera juice and aloe gel.
- Many grocery stores also sell these products, specifically aloe vera juice.
- Make sure you buy pure aloe vera gel and not topical aloe vera gel to relieve sunburn. Products like these are not meant to be inhaled and can be harmful if taken in place of aloe vera gel.
- Aloe vera capsules can cause cramps. You should also consider buying soothing herbs like turmeric or peppermint tea to prevent side effects.
- Health food stores are the most likely places to get aloe vera capsules. Some retailers that specialize in nutritional supplements also sell aloe vera capsules.
Step 5. Consult a doctor
If you have been constipated for more than two weeks, call your doctor for an appointment. Not only does this prevent more severe conditions such as bowel obstruction (partially or completely blocked large or small intestine), but the doctor can also prescribe a more effective and safe way to have a bowel movement.
Step 6. Prevent constipation
If you can relieve constipation and want to avoid this uncomfortable condition, consider making changes to your diet and exercise. This can help prevent constipation.
- Be sure to eat a balanced diet that is high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, and cereals such as skins.
- Drink at least 14 to 18 liters of water and other fluids every day.
- Do exercise regularly. Even something as simple as walking will help to facilitate bowel movements.
Part 2 of 2: Taking Aloe Vera to Treat Constipation
Step 1. Prepare and drink aloe vera juice or gel
Twice a day, prepare aloe vera juice or gel for consumption if you prefer this option over capsules. This method can help relieve constipation in a few days.
- The dose for aloe vera juice is 5 liters in the morning when you wake up and 5 liters at night before going to bed.
- The taste of aloe vera juice is quite sharp. Drink it without any mixture if you like the taste, but if not, mix it with 230 ml of juice to dissolve the taste.
- The dosage of aloe vera gel is 2 tablespoons per day mixed with your favorite juice.
Step 2. Take an aloe vera capsule
Three times a day, take aloe vera capsules with a soothing herb or tea if you choose this method over aloe vera juice or aloe gel. This can resolve constipation in a few days.
- The dosage for aloe vera capsules is one 5 gram capsule containing aloe vera concentrate three times per day.
- Consider taking soothing herbs like turmeric or herbal teas like peppermint to help relieve the side effects of aloe vera capsules.
Step 3. Avoid using aloe vera in certain cases
Not everyone can use aloe vera as a laxative. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using aloe vera as a laxative. Children and people with diabetes, hemorrhoids, kidney problems, and intestinal problems such as Crohn's disease should also avoid aloe as a laxative.
Anyone with an onion, garlic, or tulip allergy should also avoid aloe
Step 4. Recognize the side effects of aloe vera
Aloe vera is a strong laxative and taking it can cause potential side effects, including stomach pain and stomach cramps. Therefore, it is important to follow the dosage regimen and discontinue use after 5 days.
- Long-term use of aloe vera as a laxative has serious consequences for health. Apart from stomach cramps, aloe vera can also cause diarrhea, kidney problems, bloody urine, low potassium, weak muscles, weight loss, and heart problems.
- Consider an alternative laxative such as psyllium fiber or plant senna in place of an over-the-counter laxative if you don't want to use aloe vera. Both are milder laxatives.
Tips
Relaxation techniques and stress control can also help relieve constipation
Warning
- Avoid injecting aloe vera because it can cause a severe reaction.
- Inhaling aloe vera is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding.
- Do not take aloe vera if you are allergic to plants from the lily family such as onions, garlic, or tulips.
