Aloes.
The inspissated juice of Aloe Socotrina, Linn., and other species of Aloes.
Musabbar, Ilvá, Yalvá (Hind.), Musanbar (Duk.), Móshabbar (Beng.), Elwá (Punj.), Mússbar, Sibar (Kash.), Kariya-pólam, Irakta-pólam (Tam.), Múshámbaram (Tel.), Chenna-náyakam (Mal.), Musam-bara-bóla (Mah.), Yéliyo (Guz.), Kalu-bólam, Kari-bolam (Cing.), Mo (Burm.), Jadam (Malay).
16. Aloes, as met with in the bazaars, are generally imported, and of a very inferior description, but they may be rendered fit for medical use by the following process: Take of bazaar Aloes, in small fragments, one pound; boiling water, one gallon; stir them well together until they are thoroughly mixed, and set aside for twelve hours; then pour off the clear liquor, strain the remainder, mix the liquors, and place in open vessels in the sun, or over a gentle fire, till it is evaporated to dryness. Aloes of very good quality may also be prepared from two indigenous species of Aloe, A. Indica, Royle, and A. litoralis, König; the former inhabiting dry sandy plains in the Northwestern Provinces, and the latter similar localities on the sea-coasts of the Madras peninsula. The viscid juice with which the thick leaves abound should be collected and evaporated to dryness by exposure in open pans in the sun or over a gentle fire.
17. The principal use of Aloes is as a purgative, in doses of from three to six grains. If administered alone, it is apt to cause griping, nausea, &c.; hence, it is generally given in combination with aromatics, &c. It is ill adapted for children, for persons subject to Piles, or for Pregnant Females.
18. Few medicines are more generally useful for women when suffering from an Irregular or Suspended state of the Menstrual Discharge; but it should not be given during pregnancy, nor whilst the menstrual discharge is present. In these cases, especially when the patient is pale, thin, and weak, it is best given as follows: Take purified Aloes and Sulphate of Iron, of each, finely powdered, 24 grains; Cinnamon in powder, 60 grains; Honey, sufficient to make a mass; be careful that all the ingredients are well mixed; and divide into 24 pills, of which two are to be taken twice daily.
19. The following is another very good combination: Take Aloes and Asafœtida, of each 20 grains; beat into a mass with honey, and divide into 12 pills, of which one may be taken twice daily. These pills often prove of great service to women subject to Hysterical fits, and Flatulent distension of the Abdomen, especially when at the same time there is Constipation of the Bowels. In Headaches arising from the sudden stoppage either of menstrual discharge or of long-standing bleeding from piles, these pills often prove useful. Aloes should not ordinarily be given to persons subject to piles, as they are apt to aggravate the disease.
20. In cases of Habitual Constipation of the Bowels great benefit has been found from the persevering use of the following pills: Take of purified Aloes, 18 grains; Sulphate of Iron, 30 grains; beat into a mass with a little honey, and divide into 24 pills. Of these, one may be taken three times a day, immediately after the principal meals, till they begin to act upon the bowels gently and then the number may be reduced to two daily. At the end of a week or two another pill may be omitted, and within a month a single pill once or twice a week will suffice. If at any time they should act powerfully on the bowels as a purgative, they should be discontinued for a time.
21.