Healthy Living

Properties of Aloe Vera

Aloe is an astringent, acts to tighten muscles, and has purgative and laxative action - dispelling fecal matter collected in the colon. There are many Aloe Vera products from which to choose. For best results, choose a form as close to the fresh organic whole Aloe leaf as possible.

The best Aloe Vera is, of course, fresh Aloe gel from a leaf. Look for an Aloe that has been hand, and not machine pressed. When Aloe has been machine pressed, it can be contaminated with the yellow sap that is contained in the outer skin of the Aloe leaf.

This yellow sap has strong laxative and irritating action in the gastrointestinal tract. A good Aloe should not have more than 10 parts per million of yellow sap.

Using Aloe Vera Gel to Relieve Constipation

There are several ways to ingest this medicinal herb. Take two tablespoons of pure Aloe Vera gel mixed with apple juice. You can use other types of juices that fit your taste. If you use Aloe juice drink, mix 1/3 of Aloe juice with 2/3 of any juice you enjoy just before bedtime or upon awakening. If you can handle the taste of the juice, drink a glass of Aloe Vera juice as soon as you wake and one just before bedtime. This will promote a bowel movement when you wake up.

Relieve Constipation with Aloe Vera Capsules

Aloe Vera can also be taken in capsules. Because Aloe can have a strong griping action, it is best to take this herb with one of the calmative herbs, such as turmeric. Aloe can also be mixed with powdered fennel seeds. It is possible to take Aloe as described above without turmeric and not experience any side effects.

For mild cases of constipation, drinking peppermint tea when taking Aloe Vera capsules can bring relief. You can also mix Aloe gel with peppermint tea to form a constipation drink.

Aloe Vera Regimen

Use Aloe for 5 days and then rest 2 days. This pattern can help to reduce allergic reactions from long-term use.

Typical recommendations are:

• Aloe gel - 2 tablespoon each day
• Aloe Vera juice - 1 quart each day
• Aloe Vera concentrate - 5 g up to 3 times each day

Remember, if you're pregnant do not use Aloe Vera. The effects of Aloe Vera on pregnant and menstruating women have not been studied, so these two groups should not consume Aloe Vera.

Additional Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics may find a need to lower medication dosages when using Aloe for a long time. Monitor this with your blood tester and your doctor.

In addition, Aloe Vera has a cleansing action and restores a healthy balance of the good bacteria in your colon.