Aloe
Medicinal Uses:

Internally for chronic constipation (especially following iron medication), poor appetite, digestive problems, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Not given to pregnant women or to patients with hemorrhoids. Leaves are a strong purgative and require great care over dosage. Aloe vera juice may cause miscarriage and serious digestive upsets in excess, or if it contains more than .50 parts per million of aloin. To prevent griping in laxative formulations, it is usually combined with Foeniculum vulgare (See fennel) or Tamarindus indicus (see tamarind). Externally for burns, scalds, sunburn, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, and ulcers; also in colonic irrigation, and to prevent nail biting.
Different forms of aloe have different uses. Aloe barbadensis is used to promote bowel movements in cases of hemorrhoids and anal fissures and to treat fungal diseases, stomach tumors, colic, skin diseases, amenorrhea, infections, and worm infestation. Aloe capensis is used to soften the stool and to treat eye inflammations, syphilis, and gastrointestinal disorders. Aloe vera is used to treat constipation, herpes simplex lesions, psoriasis, sunburn, abrasions, minor burns, and wounds. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of Aloe barbadensis and Aloe capensis to treat constipation.
The clear mucilaginous gel from the center of the aloe vera leaf has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Probably best known for its ability to encourage the healing of burns, aloe vera gel can also be applied to wounds, abrasions, eczema, psoriasis and ulcers. The exudate from the cut aloe vera leaf acts as an extremely cathartic laxative, and consequently, homemade preparations of aloe vera should not be consumed. Commercial preparations (without the laxative constituents) are available, and preliminary research indicates that they may be beneficial in a range of conditions, including non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and high blood lipid levels.
Aloe has anti-inflammatory, emollient, vulnerary (wound-healing), and purgative (strong laxative) properties. The translucent gel-like sap extracted from the inner leaves of the plant are rich in polysaccharides that have a healing, soothing effect on the skin. Aloe is most frequently used externally to treat bruises, dry skin, insect bites, minor burns (including sunburn), minor cuts and wounds, skin infections, and skin irritations. Aloe has also been used in eyedrops to treat red, irritated eyes, conjunctivitis, and other eye ailments. Aloe additionally has a long history in folk herbalism as an internal treatment for constipation, digestive disorders, and gastritis. Today, however, internal use of the herb is rare—because of its strong purgative effects—and then only under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner.

Preparation:
For external use, aloe is widely available in creams, gels, liquids, and powdered gels; follow the manufacturer's directions. To make an eyewash for irritated eyes: add ½ teaspoon of powdered gel to 1 cup of boiled or sterile water and stir well until powder is dissolved (One teaspoon of boric acid may be added to boost aloe's healing effects). Strain liquid through a coffee filter before using on eyes.

Typical Dosage:
There is no typical dose for external application. Taken internally, a typical dose of aloe is approximately 0 .05 gm of Aloe barbadensis powder or 0 .05 to 0 .2 g or Aloe capensis powder.

NOTE: Due to its potential side effects, aloe is not recommended for internal use. ...read more