Lu Hui
Aloe barbadensis Mill. / Aloe ferox Mill.
☯ TCM Properties
Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels; Clears Liver Fire; Kills parasites and treats childhood nutritional impairment
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Aloe is a genus of succulent perennials in Asphodelaceae; the medicinal sources Lu Hui include principally Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (syn. A. barbadensis) and Aloe ferox Mill. Plants form rosettes of fleshy, lance-shaped leaves with toothed margins, the inner parenchyma containing a clear mucilaginous gel and just beneath the rind a bitter yellow latex rich in anthraquinone glycosides (aloin). Tall racemes bear tubular yellow to orange-red flowers. Native to arid regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and now widely cultivated, aloe yields two distinct products: the gel (used externally for burns and skin) and the dried, concentrated latex (Lu Hui), a powerful purgative used in TCM, Ayurveda, and Western herbalism to drain heat from the Liver and dispel constipation.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Lu Hui (aloe vera, dried aloe latex) is a cold, bitter herb that strongly purges Intestinal Heat and Fire, kills parasites, and clears Liver Fire. In Chinese medicine, it is used for severe constipation with heat signs, habitual constipation, and intestinal parasites. Its Liver-clearing action addresses headache, dizziness, irritability, and red eyes from Liver Fire. Applied externally, it cools burns, sores, and skin conditions. Its potent purgative action means it is used in small doses and avoided in debilitated patients.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.