ALOES, in medicine, is the inspissated juice of the aloe. The juice is collected from the leaves, which are cut and put in a tub, and when a large quantity is procured, it is boiled to a suitable consistence or it is exposed to the sun, till all the fluid part is exhaled. There are several kinds sold in the shops as the socotrine aloes from Socotora, an isle in the Indian ocean the hepatic or common Barbadoes aloes and the fetid or caballine aloes.
Aloes is a stimulating stomachic purgative when taken in small doses, it is useful for people of a lax habit and sedentary life.