as part of the diet.
ALOES Aloe socotrina( N. O.: Liliaceae)
Common Names: Eombay Aloes, Turkey Aloes, Moka Aloes, Zanzibar Aloes. Features: Aloe, a genus of nearly 200 species of mostly South African succulent plants. The properties of this plant were known to the ancient Greeks and it has been gathered on Socotra for over 2,000 years.
ALOES Aloe socotrina( Vishaya Schkolla, Moscow, 1963)
Aloe thrives in warm regions and grows wild in Florida, U. S. A. It is much like succulent cactus in texture. The leaves are usually elongated, of a deep brown or olive colour, frequently pointed, blunt, or spiny-toothed, sometimes blotched or mottled. The stem is commonly short with a basal rosette of leaves; taste: peculiar and bitter; powder: a bright yellow. The red or yellow tubular flowers are found on a stalk in simple or branched clusters.
These properties change somewhat in the different varieties, some species being tree-like with forked branches. Aloe bainesii grows to heights of 65 ft. and 15 ft. wide at the base. Other species of Aloe are often cultivated in gardens of succulents, including the miniature ones grown in homes; they require strong light and careful watering. The“ American aloe” is not an Aloe, but Agave americana. Medicinal Part: The insipid juice of the leaves, which is a greenish translucent salve-like substance. Solvent: Water. Bodily Influence: Tonic, Purgative, Emmenagogue, Anthelmintic. Uses: Aloes are one of the most sovereign agents we have among the herbal medicines, being cleansing to the morbid matter of the stomach, liver, spleen, kidney and bladder. Does not gripe and is very healing and soothing to all the tissue, blood and lymph fluids it obliges.
Aloes should never be used in pregnancy, or by itself when persons are suffering from haemorrhoids, as in haemorrhoids it arouses and irritates the lower bowels. Much used in suppressed menstruation, dyspepsia, skin lesions, disease of the liver, headaches, etc. Dose: In constipation, in powder form from ½ – 2 grains, depending on age and condition; for obstructed or suppressed menstruation, 5 – 10 grains twice daily; to expel thread worms dissolve the Aloe in warm water and use as an injection. The same mixture can be taken internally for several days. Externally: Powdered Aloes made into a strong decoction and rubbed over the nipples will help wean a nursing child; the association of pleasant experience will soon find other sources due to the disagreeable bitter taste.