Botanical Overview
Aloe ferox, also known as Cape aloe, Bitter aloe, or Red aloe, is a succulent plant species belonging to the family Asphodelaceae. Native to Southern Africa, it is valued for its leaves, from which the bitter yellow latex and clear gel are harvested for medicinal use.
Energetics
This plant is considered cooling in temperature and drying in moisture. Its taste profile is bitter and acrid, with a descending directionality, and it acts as a relaxing tonic primarily affecting the qi.
Primary Actions
- Laxative
- Demulcent
- Anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing
Indications
Western
- Constipation
- Skin inflammation
- Minor burns
- Wounds
- Irritated skin
Syndromes
- Constipation
- Inflammatory skin conditions
- Topical wound healing
TCM
No traditional Chinese Medicine uses documented for this species.
Ayurveda
No Ayurveda specific syndromes or symptoms reported.
Unani
Not traditionally utilized or documented in Unani medicine.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemical constituents include anthraquinones such as aloins, polysaccharides, chromones, and flavonoids, contributing to its laxative and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Latex containing 50-200 mg aloin per day used as a short-term laxative
- Topical gel applications for burns and wound healing
- Powdered leaf extract standardized for aloin content
Safety & Contraindications
Use with caution due to risks of cramping and electrolyte imbalance on oral use; contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, intestinal obstruction, and inflammatory bowel disease. Topical use may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Astrological Correspondences
Not reliably documented in traditional herbal astrology sources.
Selected References
- Phytotherapy Desk Reference – Aloe ferox Miller (Bradley, 1992)
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Aloe vera and Aloe ferox (WHO, 1999)
- European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph – Aloe L. (EMA, 2018)