HERBS
Using Aloe vera for Constipation: A TCM Practitioner's View
If you have read about constipation and Chinese medicine, Aloe vera was probably in the list. This article narrows it down: why the tradition uses it here, what evidence exists, and how to actually take it.
In pattern terms, this is about qi stagnation with sluggish motility and bloating. Aloe vera (Lu Hui, 芦荟) is cold in nature and enters the liver, stomach, large intestine meridians, which is the classical reason it suits that picture.
Classically, it drains downward in stubborn constipation (inner leaf extract only). A practitioner matching your tongue and pulse to that pattern is exactly the situation it was chosen for.
How people take it for constipation
Gel outside, extract inside only occasionally and briefly.
Acupressure runs alongside the herbs in most treatment plans. The points most often paired with this pattern are zusanli, tianshu, and pressing them firmly for a minute at a time is easy to learn.
For the fuller picture, including the other patterns behind constipation, see the Constipation guide.
Consistency beats dose. A modest amount taken regularly usually does more than a heroic amount taken twice.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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