Aloe vera is in Greek known as aloe or perdika. It originated in Africa where related species have been used as an antidote for poison arrows wounds. Ancient Greeks and Romans were familiarized with this plant and would also use it to heal wounds. Its gel is thin, jellylike mucilage sourced from fresh leaves. In 77 AD Pliny the Elder wrote “aloe’s uses are many but it is mainly used as a laxative, as it is the only laxative which is tonic for the stomach”.

Aloe was widely used as a laxative in the middle ages. In China, its gel was also used as a laxative and in India as an ingredient of beverages.

Aloe vera juice is used dried or dehydrated as a pharmaceutical product. It contains aloin, anthraquinone and resin. Aloe has laxative, vulnerary, emmenagogue and vermifuge activity and it can be used externally as an emollient, vulnerary agent. It can be used internally as a strong laxative. A small dosage increases menstruation. Aloe vera juice can be used on the skin to heal light burns, sun burns and insect bites. When used internally as an emmenagogue, it should be combined with antiflatulent herbs to prevent stomach pains. Aloe should be avoided during pregnancy as it causes contraction of the uterus. It should also be avoided during lactation, because it could act as a laxative for the baby.

For internal use, the dosage is 0.1-0.3 grams of juice. For external use, apply fresh juice on the affected area.

Leaves can be used to prepare a tincture or powder for the treatment of persistent constipation. Use 1-3 ml per dose of the tincture as an appetite stimulant or for the treatment of constipation, even though its taste is quite unpleasant. Daily dosage of the powder is 100-500mg to use as a laxative or to stimulate the flow of bile.



* Sakis Kouvatsos, “Chaniotika nea”