Aloe vera

Aloe vera [Image]. [2014]. retrieved from: http://en.mr-ginseng.com/aloe-vera/

Common name: 
Aloe  
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 169).

Latin binomial:
Aloe vera
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 169).

Family: 
Liliaceae
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 169).

Parts used:
Juice for the leaves
(Hoffman, 1983, p. 169).
  

Active constituents:

• Aloins
• Anthraquinones
• Resins 

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 169). 

Actions:

• Cathartic
• Vulnerary
• Emmenagogue
• Verminfuge
• External demulcent
• External vulnerary 

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 169). 

• Immune enhancing
• Antiviral
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti tumor

(Bone, 2003, p.61).  

Indications:

• Internally where a powerful cathartic is needed
• In small doses to increase the menstrual flow
• Externally use the juice for burns, sunburn and insect bites 

(Hoffman, 2002, p. 175).

Contraindications: 
People with a known hypersensitivity should avoid
(Bone, 2003, p.61).

Dosage:

• Internally: take 0.1 to 0.3 grams of the juice
• Externally: place fresh juice directly onto the affected area 

(Hoffman, 2002, p. 175).  

 

Combinations: 
Aloe should be combined with carminatives when used for menstrual flow problems to avoid griping (Hoffman, 2002, p. 175).  

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.