Aloe vera is a plant made up of 99 percent water. It grows in warm climates, mostly in the Caribbean and South America. These plants can also be found in the United States, mostly in Texas, Hawaii and Florida. Various components of aloe vera are used in products. The aloe latex is a yellow-colored liquid that comes from the inner skin of the aloe leaf. It is also sometimes called aloe vera juice. Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
History
Aloe has a long history of use of for its healing properties. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, use of the aloe vera plant for medicinal purposes can be traced back thousands of years. The gel has been used mostly to treat skin problems, like burns, irritations and wounds. The aloe latex has been used in both dried and liquid form, both of which are taken orally.
Use
The use of aloe vera latex for constipation has been a tradition in complementary medicine. According to MedlinePlus, a website produced by the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine, whether or not the aloe latex itself is a laxative, it contains anthraquinone glycosides and aloin, two components with proven laxative effect. There has also been some research suggesting the use of this juice of the aloe plant to help with ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Considerations
Even though scientific evidence supports the use of aloe latex as a laxative, MedlinePlus cautions its use as compared to other laxative methods. There is not sufficient evidence that it is safe or effective for constipation, nor is sufficient supporting evidence for its use as a colitis and inflammatory bowel treatment. The Mayo Clinic also acknowledges that the current uses of aloe vera latex need further study.
Interactions
Use caution and consult your doctor or pharmacist when taking aloe latex, as it has many drug interactions. Among the drugs that may interact with aloe vera are the heart medicine dioxin; diuretic water pills; the HIV drug AZT; hormone drugs like HRT and birth control pills; and glycyrrhiza glabra, better known as licorice. According to the Mayo Clinic, aloe latex may also interfere with cancer medications.
Warning
Long-term use of aloe latex may cause a potassium depletion, which can effect heart rhythms and cause muscle weakness. Cramping and diarrhea, as well as low blood sugar levels have also been associated with oral aloe. This effect could be more severe if it is used with other laxative herbs like senna, notes the Mayo Clinic on its website. An increased risk of colorectal cancer and hepatitis in conjunction with taking oral aloe has also been noted. This supplement is best used under the direction of a health-care professional.
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