to cure yourself with herbs

Treat yourself with Aloe juice

Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis Miller, Aloe ferox Miller

Part used: concentrated and dried juice obtained from Aloe leaves

Therapeutic properties: laxative, purgative, cathartic, stomachic, choleretic and cholagogue

Therapeutic use:

  • obstinate constipation

Examples of medical specialties containing Aloe juice: Cuscutine ®

NOTES: when aloe juice is taken for curative purposes it is essential to use defined and standardized pharmaceutical forms in active ingredients (in hydroxyanthacene derivatives calculated as barbaloin = aloin), the only ones that let you know how many pharmacologically active molecules are being given to the patient .

Aloe: well established medical indications

Short term treatment of occasional constipation.

Indicative dosage in adolescents older than 12 years, adult and elderly:

  • Take an oral dose of Aloe juice equivalent to 10-30 mg of hydroxyantracene derivatives calculated as barbaloin = aloin. The correct dose is the minimum one sufficient to produce an easy evacuation of soft stools. It is advisable to use the minimum doses initially. When necessary, the dose can then be increased, but without ever exceeding the maximum indicated. Take preferably in the evening, during the meal. The laxative effect is appreciable 10-12 hours after ingestion

NOTES: Do not exceed the dose of 30 mg per day of hydroxyantracene derivatives calculated as barbaloin = aloin . NOT suitable for children and adolescents under 12 years. precautionary purpose, do not take during pregnancy and lactation.

Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity towards one or more pharmacologically active substances contained in Aloe juice. Contraindicated in case of intestinal obstructions, intestinal atony, appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), abdominal pain of unknown origin, severe dehydration accompanied by hydro-electrolyte imbalances.

Patients receiving cardiac glycosides (digitalis), antiarrhythmic drugs, QT-enhancing drugs, diuretics, corticosteroids or licorice root should consult their doctor before starting concomitant therapy with aloe juice. The intake of aloe could in fact reduce its absorption and / or interfere with their pharmacological action.

Like all laxatives, aloe juice should not be taken by patients suffering from faecal impaction or suffering from episodes of abdominal pain or other gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting) that cannot be traced back to a well-identified disease; these symptoms could indicate an intestinal block (ileum).

Prolonged use is contraindicated; when constipation is a recurring problem, seek medical attention to identify the causes. Use for longer than one or two weeks requires medical supervision. The consequences of a prolonged use / abuse include: possible alterations of the hydro-electrolytic balance, muscular fatigue and alterations of the cardiac rhythm due to the depletion of potassium in the blood; this risk increases in case of concomitant use with drug therapies with cardiac glycosides, diuretics, corticosteroids or licorice root. Chronic use of aloe juice can cause blood and protein to leak into the urine (albuminuria and hematuria); there is also the danger of pigmentation of the intestinal mucosa (colonic pseudomelanosis), which tends to still regress with the suspension of therapy.

Take only after correcting dietary habits (increased intake of fluids and soluble fiber) and behavioral (increasing physical activity), and have proven ineffective.

Cases of abdominal pain and cramps, fecal incontinence (spontaneous passage of liquid stool) have been reported, particularly in patients with irritable bowel syndrome or overdose. The appearance of red-brown urine (pH dependent) has no pathological significance. If these side effects occur seriously, or if other side effects occur, consult your doctor or pharmacist. In case of intense diarrhea follow a rehydration therapy to replace the lost fluids and mineral salts.

The doses of aloe juice indicated for the eupeptic (digestive) activity are about 4-5 times lower than those expected to obtain the laxative effect.

For more information on the correct use of a specific product based on aloe juice, and for the complete list of side effects, see the package leaflet that accompanies the product. This information must always be read carefully before starting treatment.

Examples of herbal and pharmaceutical preparations containing Aloe Juice

Laxative capsules (benign, Capra, Cattorini)

Aloe, dry extract40%
Rhubarb, dry extract30%
Frangola, dry extract30%

Take one to three tablets in the evening, depending on the case

Cuscutine ®

Therapeutic indications: Short-term treatment of occasional constipation.

Senna extract3.5 mg
aloina50 mg

The correct dose is the minimum one sufficient to produce an easy evacuation of soft stools. It is advisable to use the minimum doses initially. Take preferably in the evening, during the meal.