Lu Hui, 1lb

Very bitter and very cold, Aloe (lu hui) is yin by nature, moistening in texture, sinking and downward-directing. Entering the yang brightness channels, it drains fire and unblocks stool, dries dampness, and kills parasites. Here it is appropriate for habitual constipation due to clumped heat in the Intestine, vertigo, red eyes, restless insomnia, and abdominal pain due to bowel parasites. Entering the terminal yin channels, particularly the Liver, it cools the Liver, clears heat, and thus treats Liver channel heat. Applied externally, it resolves toxicity and treats sores. Among its three actions, cooling the Liver and relieving constipation are primary, while its ability to kill parasites is rather mild. This substance works primarily by irritating the intestine, and its use may therefore be accompanied by colic. It is also excreted through the breast milk, and can act as a purgative for the breastfeeding infant. It is usually used in pill form together with other herbs.