The aloe vera plant is a tropical plant with thick leaves that contain a transparent gel. This gel is commonly applied to the skin for the treatment of minor burns and wounds. The inner lining of the leaf also contains latex, which has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, especially as an oral laxative. Aloe vera latex may be dried and prepared in gel capsules that don't require a prescription.
Step 1
Use aloe vera gel capsules as a laxative. According to MedlinePlus, scientific evidence strongly supports the laxative properties of herbal remedies that contain aloe vera latex. The effectiveness of aloe vera latex itself isn't as clear since these remedies contain other ingredients.
Step 2
Take aloe vera gel capsules by themselves. The dosage of aloe vera latex needed to maintain a soft stool in adults is typically in the range of 40 to 170 mg. This dosage of aloe vera latex typically contains 10 to 30 milligrams of hydroxyanthraquinones, which are the active ingredients in aloe vera latex.
Step 3
Use aloe vera gel capsules in combination with other drugs. A dosage of 150 mg of aloe vera latex has been found to be effective as a laxative when combined with 300 mg of celandine or 50 mg of psyllium.
Step 4
Avoid using aloe vera gels capsules in people younger than 18. The safety of aloe vera latex has not been well-studied in children.
Step 5
Look for side effects of aloe vera gel capsules. The most common side effects include cramping and diarrhea. Aloe vera gel capsules can also make constipation worse over the next week once you stop taking them.
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