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Is It Safe To Take A Herbal Laxative For Chronic Constipation For A Long Term?

Posted on Fri, 25 Feb 2022

Question: I have suffered with constipation for most of my life. I have been taking a herbal laxative (cape aloe/aloe latex) for the last 2 years. It is the only thing that helps me to have a daily bowel movement. Is it okay to be using this long term?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you can continue using it my dear.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Aleo latex has long been used as a natural laxative in a branch of herbal medicines called ayurveda. Being an extract of a plant is has no serious major long term side effect. So as per your query my dear patient if a natural product is helping you no need to take Miralax.
You could continue taking it for years without any side effects. However as any thing taken orally is metabolized by liver and kidney; To be on a very safe side a liver and kidney function test could be done every year once.
Though not asked yet few suggestions that may be helpful to you are:

Thrice daily, take two tea spoon (or one big spoon) isphagula husk with 200 to 300 mL water. It's a natural fiber which imbibes water swells up and acts as a bulk laxative.
- Increase warm water(at least 8 glass/day) intake
- Do not drink water during and after meals
- Eat small meals (rich in fiber)
- Eat plentiful "fresh oranges" and "pear"
- Avoid COLD milk and and AVOID junk food (NO burger, pizza-even if its veg.) altogether
- Mix few drops of "lemon juice" in warm water. Drink on empty stomach, early in the morning, to aid in bowel movement
- Avoid beverages / alcohol/ soft drinks
- Do some exercise (push-ups / squats etc.) early in the morning
- Avoid carbonated drinks
- Take 2-3 spoon edible virgin olive oil in the morning

Hope I was helpful.
Get well soon.
Thanks!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)

Thank you so much for your answer and the additional advice. I will try all of the above.

Would it be okay to continue the aloe latex while pregnant?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Aloe products could contain anthraquinones which are contraindicated in pregnancy.
So try to avoid it especially in first and second trimester of pregnancy.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (7 hours later)

Hi Dr.
Okay good to know because the Aloe that I take is the one that has the anthraquinones. As long as I'm not pregnant then it is okay to keep taking everyday?

I know that it does stain your colon. Is there any harm in that?

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Yes till you are not pregnant you can take it daily. No problem in that.
As a part of suggestion add two table spoon full of isapghul husk in 250 ml lukewarm water along with aloe extracts. These natural fibers swells up and acts as a natural laxative.
Aloe is safe you can take it daily.

Hope I was helpful.
It is natural, don't worry too much.
Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (21 minutes later)

Ok great!! Thank you so much as always for your help!

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks!

Detailed Answer:
Have a nice day ahead,
Thank you and regards.
Do rate the answer and suggestions for improvement are welcome.
Thank you!!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj