When you think of aloe vera, you probably think of using it for sunburn relief. While it absolutely is great for your skin, when taken internally, aloe is a great healer for intestinal problems because it soothes and heals.
Aloe vera contains soothing compounds and polysaccharides that may help calm irritation within the digestive tract and support the gut lining. Because of this, many people find it helpful for symptoms like reflux, constipation, IBS, stomach irritation, and occasional digestive inflammation.
In functional and holistic gut health, aloe vera is often used as a supportive tool alongside nutrition, lifestyle changes, and addressing deeper root causes.
Due to the healing and soothing properties of aloe, it is known to aid in the healing of:
- ulcers
- hemorrhoids
- colitis
- diarrhea
- IBS symptoms
- bowel regularity
- H. pylori
- reflux symptoms
It also has a laxative effect, making it an option for constipation relief.
How to use it?
- Eat the whole leaf. Using a medicinal plant, cut off a leaf and throw it in a smoothie or eat it like a carrot and dip it in hummus. Be sure to buy edible aloe vera if you choose to do it this way. You can also squeeze out the gel and mix it with water to make your own juice.
- Drink the juice. This is probably the easiest as the juice is already prepared and all you have to do is shoot it down. Look for whole leaf, pure aloe vera juice with no other added ingredients (unless you are diarrhea prone). I use this one. Whole leaf aloe contains aloe latex, which has a laxative effect and may be helpful for constipation. However, if you are diarrhea prone, that may worsen symptoms or cause cramping. In that case, use the juicer of inner fillet only.
- Supplement form. inner leaf-best used for reflux, EOE, etc. Find that on my supplement dispensary HERE.
Who should supplement with aloe vera?
If you’re struggling with ongoing bloating, IBS, reflux, constipation, H. pylori, or other digestive symptoms, aloe vera may be a helpful in relieving symptoms. Keep in mind it’s important to understand why those symptoms are happening in the first place so use aloe alongside finding the “why” behind the symptom.
In my practice, I help women take a root-cause approach to gut healing through functional testing, nutrition, lifestyle support, and individualized protocols.
You can learn more about working with me HERE.
Have you used aloe in the past? Did you find it beneficial? Let me know in the comments!
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing
