Botanical name of Aloe: Aloe ferrox mill. (Cape aloe)
plant family: Grass lily family (Liliaceae)
Main botanical characteristics: Perennial, stately plant with trunk, 2-3m high, at the top a powerful tuft of lanceolate fleshy leaves with prickly edges, cylindrically arranged flower clusters with many pale red and greenish striped flowers.
Heyday: May-June
Plant parts used: Extract from leaves (Extractum Aloe)
Ingredients: Anthranoids / Anthracene glycosides / Bitter substances
Effect: Laxative (purgative), stimulant of peristalsis, choleretic (cholestatic), antiabsorbent (non-absorbing fluid), antiulcerogenic (against ulcer formation), hydragogue (strong laxative)
Anthranoids: Cause increased secretion of chloride into the colon lumen (draws in water), as well as increased release of histamine and prostaglandins → neuromuscular irritation → caution: cramps. 2-7 hours for onset of action.
indications: Constipation, diseases where easy defecation is desired: hemorrhoids, bile stasis (bitter substance), externally for 1st degree burns and anti-inflammatory for jellyfish injury,
Contraindications / Side effects: Pregnancy, intestinal obstruction (ileus), inflammatory bowel diseases such as appendicitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, the maximum duration of use of Aloe ferrox is 1-2 weeks.
Preparation and dosage form:
Internally:
- extract
- powder
- pills
- Coated tablets
- Tablets
- tincture
- Suppositories (according to package leaflet)
Effect of aloe in the context of TCM: (cold)
- Clears heat in the liver
- Strengthens the stomach
- Has an anti-parasitic effect
- Has a diuretic effect
- Cools fire and counteracts stagnation
Humoral quality: Warm 2, Dry 2. Astringent. Tones the hollow organs.
