Aloes
aloe vera
Medicinal Actions
Antiallergic, Anticancer, Cell-Proliferant, Emmenagogue, Gastrotonic, Hepatotonic, Hypoglycemic, Laxative, Nephrotonic, Pancreatonic, Stomachic, Colic
Primary Conditions Treated
General Dosage
50–300 mg at bedtime; 50–200 mg dried juice or equivalent per day; 50–200 mg dried juice or equivalent 3 ×/day; 1 capsule at bedtime; 100–300 mg; 1 tsp juice after meals. As a laxative for adults and children over 10 years old, 0.04–0.11 g of the dry juice of Barbados or Curaçao aloe or 0.06–0.17 g Cape aloe corresponding to 10–30 mg hydroxyanthraquinones/day.
Safety & Contraindications
Dermatosis, diarrhea, intestinal cramps, ulcers. Also contraindicated in hemorrhoids, ileus, and nephropathy, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown causes, any enteritis, and menstruation. Commission E reports contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid laxatives. Because of its laxative and reputed abortifacient actions, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. However, they suggest that topical, but not oral, application may be okay in pregnancy and lactation. The latex can be a drastic laxative. Contraindicated for pregnant women and children. Do not use internally in pregnancy. Do not use with undiagnosed abdominal pain. Do not use internally for more than 10 days. Epidemiological studies in Germany reveal that abusers of anthranoid laxatives have three times higher rate of colon carcinoma. May cause allergic dermatosis. Taken in excess may result in ulcers or irritated bowels. Hypoglycemic. Naturopaths Yarnell and Meserole state that people allergic to aloe may develop a severe rash following its application. Alcoholic extract at 100 mg/kg for 3 months toxic in mice. Naturopaths Yarnell and Meserole state that people allergic to aloe may develop a severe rash following its application. Anthraquinones may be purgative, and GI tract irritant. Because of its laxative and reputed abortifacient actions, its use in pregnancy and lactation is to be avoided. “Anthraquinones may be secreted into breast milk”. Do not use more than 8–10 days. “Do not use in cases of abdominal pain or diarrhea. Discontinue use if diarrhea or watery stools occur. Consult a health care provider prior to use in pregnancy or nursing. Not for long-term use or overdosage. Speaking of Aloe spicata, “Because of its drastic laxative action it is not commonly employed in the United States.