Lu Hui (芦荟) — Aloe
Lu Hui is the dried juice of Aloe vera used internally in Chinese medicine for stubborn constipation, particularly where Liver-Fire adds to Heat in the intestines. It is stronger and colder than the culinary aloe gel and is used in small doses under prescriber supervision.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Lu Hui (芦荟) — Aloe (Aloe vera (dried juice / powder)) — is a Chinese herb in the Purgatives (moisten intestines) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Lu Hui |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 芦荟 |
| Latin name | Aloe vera (dried juice / powder) |
| English name | Aloe |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine |
| Category | Purgatives (moisten intestines) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Purges Heat downward
- Clears Liver Fire
- Kills parasites (traditional)
Indications
- Chronic constipation with Liver Fire
- Constipation with irritability and headache
- Chronic dyspepsia in children (childhood accumulation heat)
- Intestinal parasites (with other anti-parasitic herbs)
4. Dosage
1–3g of the powder or dried juice
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Contraindicated in pregnancy
- Not for weak, elderly or empty-Cold constitutions
- Not for prolonged use — can cause dependence
- Avoid concurrent stimulant laxatives
6. Key formulas
Lu Hui is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Lu Hui where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
