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How Effective Is Aloe Vera for Constipation?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

Aloe vera is a potent laxative and therefore very effective for treating constipation. Since using aloe vera for constipation can cause serious side effects, anyone considering using it should speak to a medical professional first. Prior to 2002, aloe was found in many commercial laxatives; however, since its safety has been questioned, these laxatives were taken off the market.

Constipation refers to a decreased frequency in bowel movements or changes in its characteristics. It is typically caused by a lack of dietary fiber or fluids or by a sedentary lifestyle. Some medical conditions can also contribute to constipation, such as irritable bowel syndrome, or spastic colon. Aloe vera, although effective for constipation, may cause significant diarrhea and may even contribute to dehydration. In addition, consuming aloe may deplete the body's potassium stores, causing heart irregularities and kidney problems.

Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
Leaves of the aloe vera plant.

Since aloe is very powerful, consuming it should be done with extreme caution. Drinking the juice in excess can cause bloody diarrhea, kidney problems, muscle weakness, and heart problems. In addition, taking aloe vera for constipation may cause significant weight loss because of the diarrhea that it can produce. Anyone who experiences diarrhea should stop taking aloe immediately and begin drinking water to replace the lost fluids.

Aloe vera can be taken as a supplement in juice form.
Aloe vera can be taken as a supplement in juice form.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking aloe. The laxative effect that it produces can stimulate abdominal cramping, which can lead to uterine contractions. This may lead to miscarriage or abnormal vaginal bleeding. As with any dietary supplement or herbal remedy, the benefits and risks need to be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Since aloe vera may contaminate breast milk, it should not be consumed by nursing mothers.

Aloe vera should be used with caution to treat constipation.
Aloe vera should be used with caution to treat constipation.

In addition to using aloe vera for constipation, it can be used for other purposes as well. Aloe gel, which comes from the aloe leaf, can help soothe minor burns, cuts, and sunburns. It is also found in many cosmetics and lotions. Aloe also has anti-inflammatory properties and may relieve inflammation and pain. Although effective in treating minor skin irritations, aloe vera products should not be applied to open wounds or broken skin.

Using aloe vera for constipation can cause serious side effects.
Using aloe vera for constipation can cause serious side effects.

Certain studies have suggested that aloe juice might help decrease blood sugar in diabetics. Because there is little concrete evidence, however, drinking aloe juice without consulting a medical professional is not a good idea and may even cause dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels. Aloe gel may also help those suffering from psoriasis and genital herpes, as it can soothe skin irritation and quell the inflammatory process.

Discussion Comments

golf07

I have found that aloe vera is one of the best things I have found for constipation. I am aware of the potential side effects of taking too much, so only use a small amount every day.

I drink a few ounces of aloe vera juice every morning when I get up. If I am faithful at doing this every day, I can avoid getting constipated.

If I am going to be traveling, I make sure and take a few ounces both morning and evening to avid getting constipated on the road. Using aloe vera like this has worked better than anything else I have tried for my constipation.

John57

I have used aloe vera on sunburns and other topical burns, but have never used it as a laxative.

I did know that drinking aloe vera juice in excess could have negative implications though. I knew a lady who tried using this as a way to lose weight.

Even though it is considered a natural product, using it in the wrong way, or in excess, can have serious side effects. She ended up getting really sick because of this and she finally stopped using it.

I don't know where she heard that aloe vera could be used this way, but it sounds like it was a good thing when this was removed from many of the laxative products on the market.

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    • Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
      By: cedrov
      Leaves of the aloe vera plant.
    • Aloe vera can be taken as a supplement in juice form.
      By: joanna wnuk
      Aloe vera can be taken as a supplement in juice form.
    • Aloe vera should be used with caution to treat constipation.
      By: rob3000
      Aloe vera should be used with caution to treat constipation.
    • Using aloe vera for constipation can cause serious side effects.
      By: Africa Studio
      Using aloe vera for constipation can cause serious side effects.
    • Aloe vera taken for constipation may cause abdominal cramping and should be avoided by pregnant women.
      By: sframe
      Aloe vera taken for constipation may cause abdominal cramping and should be avoided by pregnant women.
    • Irritable bowel syndrome can sometimes contribute to constipation.
      By: joshya
      Irritable bowel syndrome can sometimes contribute to constipation.
    • Both a sedentary lifestyle and a low-fiber diet can contribute to constipation.
      By: JanMika
      Both a sedentary lifestyle and a low-fiber diet can contribute to constipation.