Aloe

Medicinal plant used in cases of occasional constipation and as a skin regenerator.

What is it

Aloe is the common name of Aloe vera, it is a succulent shrubby plant that grows in hot and dry climates, in the Mediterranean, in Asia and North Africa.

It has been known and used since ancient Egyptian times to protect the skin from burns, burns, irritations and wounds.

Activity

The hard part of the leaves of Aloe contains compounds, called anthraquinones, responsible for laxative effects.

Anthraquinones, in fact, stimulate the contraction of the colon muscles, thus increasing intestinal peristalsis and favoring evacuation.

It also increases the secretion of water and salts by the intestine itself, with the result of making the stool softer and increasing its volume, all for the benefit of easier evacuation.

The laxative effect is manifested after 12-16 hours.

Read also the in-depth article Constipation, an answer from nature.

The gel obtained from the juice present in the leaves of Aloe is used for the healing properties of the skin.

In fact, it has proven to be useful in case of burns, sunburn, wound healing, scars caused by acne, senile purpura and lesions from insect bites.

It also has a stimulating action for the regeneration of skin cells.

This activity is also determined by the richness of water present in the gel, which exerts a moisturizing and emollient activity, and by the considerable presence of polysaccharides with anti-inflammatory action.

It improves dermatitis, increases the collagen content in scar tissues and helps heal wounds.

Finally, aloe activates the ability of white blood cells to engulf and destroy germs, viruses and fungi, with an action of immunostimulation.

Why is it used

Aloe is used to treat occasional constipation (constipation) and should not be used frequently.

Aloe gel is used for external use as an emollient and anti-inflammatory of the skin.

It is found in many cosmetic products and cleansers for cleansing face and body as a moisturizer and protective, in products for sun exposure and in those to soothe the effects of insect bites.

How to use it

The average daily dose for laxative use is 120 to 300 mg per day of titrated dry extract.

It should be taken in the evening, half an hour before going to sleep. Best to avoid taking it for more than a week.

Effects

In case of individual hypersensitivity or if the recommended doses are exceeded, Aloe can cause severe abdominal pain and diarrhea and, consequently, loss of important mineral salts such as potassium and sodium and magnesium.

The abuse of aloe, like all laxatives that contain anthraquinones, can lead to addiction: the intestine no longer works properly and peristalsis is greatly reduced (lazy intestine).

Precautions

Aloe should not be used during pregnancy because it can cause abdominal contractions or during breastfeeding. It should not be given to children under 14 years of age.

It is contraindicated for those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, colitis, diverticulosis, intestinal obstruction or liver, kidney or heart disease.

Interactions

Aloe can interact with heart medications, such as quinidine antiarrhythmics, digitalis, beta blockers and fenoxedil; diuretics that cause potassium loss such as furosemide; vincamine and some analgesics.

The immunostimulant action is inhibited by the simultaneous use of corticosteroids.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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