Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

MAJOR PLANT REMEDIES• 35Aloe ferox ‘Miller’ALOEKEY SYMPTOMS involuntary stools • diarrhea with sudden urging, especially at5 a.m. • insecure feeling in the rectum • headaches that are better for cold compressesLance-shaped leaves containa thick, clear gelThe medicinal properties of the various species of aloe havebeen exploited for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romansconsidered aloe to be a valuable tonic and purgative. The purgativequality of dried aloe gel is still valued today in herbal medicine,but the plant is probably more familiar now as the source of asoothing and effective skin lotion. The Aloe remedy was proved byBuchner in 1821 and by the homeopath Dr. Helbig in 1833, and isused today mainly for digestive complaints, particularly diarrhea.REMEDY PROFILEHomeopaths consider Aloe when thepsychological traits exhibited includeweariness, a reluctance to work, andgreat irritability, especially in cloudyweather. Dissatisfaction and anger arecommonly directed internally, possiblyproducing constipation. Moreover, theperson may dream about stools orinvoluntary soiling. Beer is a typical craving,despite the fact that it usually exacerbatesany physical symptoms.Aloe is most frequently prescribed fordisorders of the large intestine. It may betaken for congestion in the pelvic organsand the head, and is also thought to counterfatigue, hemorrhoids, and the possibleconsequences of a sedentary lifestyle,particularly in the elderly.DiarrheaSYMPTOMS A sudden urge to pass stools,which is at its strongest particularly early inthe morning, possibly forcing an early risefrom bed at around 5 a.m. Accompanied byhot, explosive gas, the stools may containmucus or jellylike lumps. They may bepassed involuntarily, giving rise to a feelingof insecurity in the rectum (this may also bean indication of colitis). Diarrhea mayalternate with constipation. It is marked byincomplete, unsatisfactory stools and heavypressure in the lower abdominal area.Symptoms generally tend to be worse priorto menstruation, or may primarily affect theelderly or those with sedentary habits.Symptoms better For passing gas; for cool.Symptoms worse First thing in themorning; for walking; immediatelyafter eating; for oysters; for beer.HemorrhoidsSYMPTOMS Hemorrhoids that resemble smallbunches of grapes and protrude from theanus. They are typically accompanied bysoreness and tenderness. There may be apainful, burning sensation in the rectum andanus, and flatulent diarrhea.Symptoms better For bathing in cold water.Symptoms worse For heat; for jarringmovement; upon sitting down; after eatingor drinking.HepatitisSYMPTOMS A sensation of congestion and heat inthe liver. There may be rumbling and distentionin the abdomen, causing it to feel full, heavy,bloated, and hot. An accumulation of gas mayaccompany this feeling of distention, as well asstrain and tension that is felt in the area betweenthe pubic bone and the coccyx.Symptoms better For cold; for open air.Symptoms worse For heat; after eatingor drinking.HeadachesSYMPTOMS Severe, painful headaches that seemto trigger a sensation of congestion in the faceand in the head. These headaches frequentlyappear to alternate with the occurrence ofhemorrhoids or diarrhea, or may be associatedwith pain in the lower back.Symptoms better For open air; for coldcompresses on the head.Symptoms worse For heat.ALOE The gel of this plant hasa long history of medicinal useas a skin lotion.SOURCE DETAILSORIGINNative to southern Africa, particularly thenorthern, eastern, and western Capes, butnow cultivated throughout the world. Foundin fertile, well-drained areas with sandy soiland direct sunlight.BACKGROUNDTraditionally, aloe gel has been used as alaxative and purgative. Various research trialsconducted between 1979 and 1995 foundthat extracts from the plant boost immunesystemfunctioning, and may even help totreat cancer and irritable bowel syndrome.PREPARATIONThe juice is extracted from the plant anddried to make a hard resin, which is thenpowdered and steeped in alcohol. Themixture is left to macerate for at least fivedays, after which it is filtered, and thenrepeatedly diluted and succussed.COMMON NAMESAloe, Cape aloe.Spiny leaves form inrosette shapeSee also Diarrhea, page 238