When I began writing articles some 20 years ago, I remember one of my first articles was about the therapeutic benefits of Aloe Vera Juice. Aloe Vera Juice had at that time become very popular for treating irritable bowel syndrome. The response to that particular article was quite amazing. We had many customers returning to tell us they had finally been able to gain relief from their IBS symptoms by taking Aloe Vera juice. I remember one lady was ecstatic as for the first time in years she no longer suffered from alternating constipation and diarrhoea, plus constant bloating, and discomfort.

Obviously over the past 20 years, many products have appeared on the market for treatment of IBS, however Aloe Vera remains one of our biggest sellers for this complaint.

Although Aloe Vera is a medicine which dates back thousands of years, the benefits of Aloe Vera for digestive health wasn’t researched until 1963. This early study was able to find positive healing benefits for treatment of peptic ulcers. Aloe Vera has now been used to soothe and heal stomach ulcers. It is believed to contain antibacterial plus healing properties which help re-establish and heal the stomach lining. (1)

Subsequently, Aloe Vera Juice has been found to be beneficial in aiding gastrointestinal health. It is believed to enhance digestion plus restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut and bowel. It has also been found to be an excellent anti-inflammatory to the gut and bowel. By bringing down the inflammation in the gut and bowel and improving digestion, it may assist with bloating, cramping, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea and the pain and discomfort related to IBS.

One of the many positive comments about Aloe Vera from customers is their increase in energy and feeling of wellbeing. This is logical, as when our digestion improves, we better absorb the nutrients from our food, which of course helps increase our energy levels and feeling of wellbeing.

One Aloe Vera formula I particularly like contains not only Aloe Vera but also herbs which may be helpful in calming, healing, and alkalising the gut and bowel. These herbs include Angelica, Broom, Bilberry, Chamomile, Chlorophyll, Dandelion, Echinacea, Fennel, Ginger, Green Barley, Gou Kola, Lemon Balm, Liquorice Root, Marshmallow Root, Nettle, Olive Leaf Extract, Parsley Leaf, Rosehip, Slippery Elm, and Thyme.

It is important when choosing an Aloe Vera Juice to ensure the juice has been prepared correctly removing excessive laxative anthraquinones. The best option is the 100% organic Aloe Vera Barbadensis from the inner leaf which contains over 200 nutrients. This contrasts with the whole leaf form which can be more irritating to the gut.

Aloe Vera can also be effective as a colon cleanse. Interestingly, Aloe Vera absorbs four times faster than water which then enables deeper toxins in the colon to cling to the jelly, thereby drawing the toxins out through its gentle laxative action.

There’s also a belief that Aloe Vera can help lower blood sugar in type-2 diabetics and reduce visceral fat.

When treating IBS we also suggest eliminating foods such as wheat and dairy from your diet. The term Irritable Bowel Syndrome means your bowel is irritated and it’s therefore obvious you are consuming certain foods which could be irritating your bowel. A good start to overcoming this problem is to preclude wheat and dairy, regularly take Aloe Vera Juice plus a good probiotic. Some customers find they get relief immediately.

• Blitz JJ, Smith JW, Gerar JR. Aloe vera gel in peptic ulcer therapy, preliminary report. K.Am Osteopath Assoc 1963:731-735