The latex of the aloe vera plant--that is, the sticky residue that's left over once the aloe leaf has been slit open and the gel scraped away, then the remaining inner lining of the leaf left to dry--has long been used as a traditional oral laxative. While other, gentler laxatives are typically recommended, since aloe may cause intestinal cramps and discomfort, it remains a powerful tool for those suffering from constipation.
Step 1
Consult your physician if you're unsure whether you are suffering from mild constipation or something more serious, such as a bowel obstruction or irritable bowel syndrome--both instances in which aloe should not be used. See the Warnings section for more information.
Step 2
Start with a dose of between 40 and 200 mg of dried aloe juice or latex, taken once a day by mouth. The easiest way to measure this dose is by taking commercially available aloe capsules, but you could also use a small electronic scale to weigh out the appropriate amount of dried gel scraped from inside the skin of a slit-open aloe leaf.
Step 3
Adjust the dose downward to the minimal dose necessary to produce consistent bowel movements.
Step 4
Stop taking aloe as a laxative after 10 days. Continued use may lead to dependency or deplete your body of fluids and electrolytes.
