اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي بالإسْلامِ قَائِماً، واحْفَظْني بالإسْلامِ قاعِداً، واحْفَظْنِي بالإسْلامِ رَاقِداً، ولا تُشْمِتْ بيِ عَدُوًّا ولا حَاسِداً

Sebir (Aloe Vera / Ailwah)

صَـبـِرٌ: روى أبو داود فى كِتاب "المَرَاسيل" من حديث قيس ابن رافع القَيْسىِّ، أنَّ رسولَ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "ماذا فى الأَمَرَّيْن من الشِّفَاءِ ؟ الصَّبِرُ والثُّفَّاءُ

وفى "السنن" لأبى داود: من حديث أُمِّ سَلَمَة، قالت: دخلَ علىَّ رسولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم، حين تُوفِّىَ أبو سلمةَ، وقد جعلتُ علىَّ صَبِرَاً، فقال: "ماذا يا أُمَّ سلمةَ" ؟ فقلت: إنما هو صَبِرٌ يا رسولَ اللهِ، ليس فيه طيِبٌ، قال: "إنَّهُ يَشُبُّ الوَجْهَ، فَلا تجعليه إلا بالليل" ونَهى عنه بالنهار. الصَّبِرُ كثيرُ المنافع، لا سِيَّما الهندىَّ منه، يُنقِّى الفُضول الصفراوية التى فى الدماغ وأعصابِ البصر، وإذا طُلِىَ على الجبهة والصُّدغ بدُهن الورد، نفع من الصُّدَاع، وينفع من قُروح الأنف والفمِ، ويُسهل السَّوداء والمالِيخُولْيا.والصَّبِرُ الفارسى يُذكى العقل، ويُمِدُّ الفؤاد، ويُنقِّى الفُضُول الصفراويةَ والبلغميَّةَ مِن المَعِدَة إذا شُرِبَ منه مِلْعقتان بماء، ويردُّ الشهوةَ الباطلة والفاسدة، وإذا شُرِب فى البرد، خِيف أن يُسهل دماً

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote : Abu Dawood recorded in "Al-Maraseel" from the narration of Qais bin Rafi' Al-Qaisi that the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ said: "What healing is found in the two bitter substances? Aloe and cress." Additionally, in the "Sunan" of Abu Dawood, Umm Salama Radi Allaho Anha reported: "The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ came to me when Abu Salama had passed away. I had applied aloe, and he asked: 'What is this, Umm Salama?' I replied, 'It is only aloe, O Messenger of Allah, and it has no perfume.' He said: 'It enhances the appearance of the face, so use it only at night,' and he forbade its use during the day."

Aloe has numerous benefits, especially the Indian variety. It purifies yellow bile accumulated in the brain and the nerves associated with vision. When applied to the forehead and temples with rose oil, it alleviates headaches. It also helps with ulcers in the nose and mouth and facilitates the expulsion of black bile, making it beneficial for melancholia.

The Persian variety of aloe sharpens the mind, strengthens the heart, and clears yellow bile and phlegm from the stomach when consumed as two spoons mixed with water. It curbs false and unhealthy appetites. However, if consumed in cold weather, it may result in bleeding.

Aloe Vera (extract) (Sebir) by Ibn al-Baytaar: Aloe Vera (extract) resin, known as "Sebir," has diverse benefits. It dries without causing excessive irritation and exhibits a compound nature, as indicated by its taste, which combines astringency and intense bitterness. Aloe Vera (extract) gently purges the intestines and is particularly effective in clearing the stomach. It also heals wounds, treats ulcers, especially deep-seated ones, and soothes inflammation in the mouth, nostrils, and eyes. Furthermore, it is effective in arresting bleeding, resolving swelling, and aiding healing without causing sharp pain. When mixed with honey or water, it purifies the stomach and alleviates jaundice. Applied externally, it heals wounds, soothes hemorrhoids, and reduces swelling. Quality Aloe Vera (extract), especially the Socotra variety, is golden yellow with a saffron-like hue, fragrant, and easily crumbles, making it the most preferred. In contrast, inferior varieties lack these qualities and are often unpleasant in smell and appearance.

Al-Razi in "Al-Hawi": The nature of Aloe Vera (extract) (Sebir) is to draw and expel bile. Unwashed Aloe Vera (extract) has a stronger laxative effect, while honey significantly reduces its medicinal potency, altering its natural properties to the extent that it barely warms the body. Aloe Vera (extract)'s laxative strength is moderate, sufficient to clear what it encounters in the abdomen. If a small additional amount is administered, its effect can extend to the chest and liver, but it is not one of the medicines that deplete the entire body. Aloe Vera (extract) is one of the most effective remedies for stomach ailments caused by bitterness, often curing such conditions in a single day. Additionally, individuals suffering from stomach and abdominal disorders due to poor humors benefit from Aloe Vera (extract)-based remedies. However, Aloe Vera (extract) cannot draw out thick fluids due to its weak laxative force, but its efficacy increases when mixed with fine spices.

Aloe Vera (extract) warms and tones the stomach, expels wind, sharpens the mind, and clears the heart. Al-Hoor highlighted that Arabian Aloe Vera (extract) is better for treating swelling than Socotran Aloe Vera (extract), which is not typically used for topical applications, while the Arabian variety is not preferred for oral use.

Mahraris stated that Aloe Vera (extract) can harm the liver and aggravate hemorrhoids. According to ancient medicine, Aloe Vera (extract) purges black bile and is beneficial for melancholy and mental disturbances.

Al-Razi referred to Ibn Masawayh's findings that Aloe Vera (extract) benefits the eyes, dries the body, and can be applied to cracked hands for healing. Masarhwiya explained that Aloe Vera (extract) draws out phlegm from the head and joints and opens liver blockages. Ibn Sina noted its benefits for eye ulcers, infections, and pain, as well as for drying excessive eye moisture.

Ishaq ibn Imran mentioned that Aloe Vera (extract) helps with early cataracts, clears the head, stomach, and entire body of accumulated wastes, and cleanses the veins and nerves, sharpening the mind. Al-Mansuri described its ability to purge bile and moisture, recommending doses between one to two mithqals (weight measures). Depending on the condition, it can be combined with mastic and rose for stomach or liver ailments.

Habeesh bin Al-Hassan classified Aloe Vera (extract) into three types:

Socotran (Sokotri): Distinguished by a bright saffron-like yellow color, aromatic scent, quick crumbling, and a glossy texture resembling gum arabic. This is the preferred type.

Arabian (Yemeni): Weaker in color, aroma, and sheen, with less potency than Socotran Aloe Vera (extract). It often causes cramps and discomfort, leaving residues in the stomach and taking one to two days for effects to manifest.

Samanjani: Inferior, foul-smelling, with little color or sheen, and slow to crumble. It is better avoided unless corrected by mixing with rose or mastic.

Socotran Aloe Vera (extract), when consumed, releases fine vapors that ascend to the brain, cleansing it of accumulated phlegm and vapors rising from the stomach. This strengthens vision by purging the hollow nerve (similar to a quill), where light is carried, increasing its clarity.

Aloe Vera (extract) should not be consumed in extreme cold or heat but rather in moderate climates, as in cold weather it may harm the rectum, causing bleeding by relaxing the surrounding veins. Aloe Vera (extract) purifies both the stomach and the brain due to their connected pathways, as the nerve descending from the back of the head interacts with the stomach, drawing its contents upward and vice versa.

Ibn Saranyon: A dose of one mithqal (a weight unit) of Aloe Vera (extract) mixed with honey water is administered in the morning. Some people give it at night to induce sleep, but this is a mistake. Taking Aloe Vera (extract) after meals is harmful as it purges thick bile mixed with dense moisture more effectively than thin, watery fluids. In smaller doses, it only facilitates bowel movements.

Others: The ancients believed Aloe Vera (extract)’s primary benefit lies in cleansing and strengthening the intestines, removing impurities without harming the stomach. It is particularly beneficial for people with weak stomachs, accumulated waste, or heavy heads. Aloe Vera (extract) also purifies the stomach and intestines, benefiting the head by removing impurities that ascend from the digestive system. It is effective for yellow bile-induced eye inflammation, frequent sneezing due to bile, and disturbing dreams caused by melancholia or combined bile and black bile imbalances.

Aloe Vera (extract) also helps those with chills or sharp yellow bile winds that irritate the intestines or cause burning sensations in the stomach due to bile descending into it. Such individuals, often with excess upper-body waste, cannot be treated with enemas. Aloe Vera (extract) cleanses the stomach, intestines, and nearby areas but only affects the entire body when a large dose is administered—about two or three mithqals according to ancient physicians, or one to one and a half mithqals according to modern practitioners. Combining Aloe Vera (extract) with mastic, rose, or similar substances enhances its laxative effects and mitigates its harshness.

Ibn Samhun: Aloe Vera (extract) can harm the rectum due to its dryness, which is strong in the third degree, and the rectum’s dry, nerve-sensitive nature. Its dryness may cause cracks or irritation, exacerbated by the dry and spicy residue Aloe Vera (extract) purges.

Ibn Masawayh: Finely powdered Aloe Vera (extract) adheres to the stomach lining, enhancing its cleansing and drawing head waste over time due to its prolonged retention.

Al-Sharif: When mixed with leek water and applied repeatedly to hemorrhoids, it eliminates them effectively. Afterward, rose oil rubbed between two lead sheets can soothe the area. Additionally, burning Aloe Vera (extract) and inhaling its smoke through a funnel is highly effective for asthma relief, especially with consistent use.

Experiments: Applying Aloe Vera (extract) mixed with salt and natron to the forehead benefits nasal discharges, warms the brain, and dries its moisture. Mixed with plantain water or vinegar, it heals moist scalp wounds in children. Combined with acacia, it seals open wounds.

For vision, Aloe Vera (extract) stops bleeding, softens thick eyelids, sharpens eyesight, fills deep eye ulcers, and smooths the surrounding surface. Mixed with plantain water and applied to nasal or ear ulcers, it heals them. Aloe Vera (extract) can also be used as an enema for treating fistulas, cleaning and drying them. Mixed with vinegar, it benefits redness and hives. Aloe Vera (extract) dissolved in wool soaked in vinegar and thickened by heat soothes fractures and bruises, alleviating pain and strengthening the affected areas.

Dawod Antaaki wrote :  The best aloe is harvested during the mid-summer season, sun-dried, stored in leather containers, and retains its potency for up to four years. Fresh aloe is identified by its lack of blackness and its liver-like appearance when blown upon.

Aloe is classified as hot and dry, in the third or second degree, and is effective in expelling the three humors (phlegm, bile, and black bile). It clears the brain (when combined with mastic), relieves joint pains (with agaric), and treats asthma, chest pain, stomach disorders, spleen and kidney issues. It is also included in premium medicines to enhance their effects, remove obstructions in the liver pathways, and protect the body from decay. Additionally, it alleviates intestinal winds, itching, scabies, ulcers, skin diseases, madness, leprosy, paranoia, hemorrhoids, fissures, bruises, tumors, and various skin ailments when applied topically with honey or other substances.

When mixed with myrtle or rue, aloe promotes hair growth, darkens hair, prevents hair loss, kills lice, and restores hair in bald spots, as proven through use. Dissolved in vinegar, it cures ringworm, eczema, and alopecia. When applied to the eyes, it sharpens vision, treats scabies, inflammation, and thickened eyelids. Boiled with leek water, it cures all anal diseases and eliminates hemorrhoids regardless of the method of use.

Aloe can cause side effects like bloody urine, harm to young individuals, and liver damage. It remains in the stomach layers for up to seven days. To mitigate its harmful effects, it can be combined with mastic gum, yellow rose, wormwood, and saffron.

Aloe (Sebir) by Ibn-e-Sina: A solid extract with a reddish-yellow color. There are three types: Socotran, Arabian, and Sumanjani.

Best Type: The Socotrine variety is the finest, with a saffron-like liquid, a myrrh-like scent, a glossy texture, free of impurities, and lacking any grit.

Arabian Aloe: Inferior in color (less yellow), texture (less glossy), and density. It is stickier and harder.

Sumatran Aloe: The poorest quality, with a foul odor, muddy texture, little yellowing, and no gloss. Aged aloe turns black.

Temperament: Generally considered hot and dry in the second degree, though some argue it is hot and dry in the third degree, which is less accurate.

Effects: Astringent, drying, and sedative. Indian Aloe is highly beneficial, dries without causing irritation, with mild astringency that doesn’t sting even on severe wounds.

Cosmetic Use: Mixed with honey, it treats bruises, heals inflamed abscesses, and prevents hair loss when applied with a liquid preparation.

Treatment for Swellings and Boils: Effective against anal and genital swellings, especially muscle swellings on the sides of the tongue, when mixed with honey or liquid.

Wounds and Ulcers: Excellent for treating slow-healing wounds, particularly in the anal and genital areas, as well as nasal and oral ulcers and fistulas.

Head Organs: Aloe purges yellow bile accumulations in the head. When applied with rose oil to the forehead and temples, it alleviates and cures headaches. It is effective for nasal and oral ulcers and for treating ear injuries or muscle swelling on the sides of the tongue when mixed with honey or a liquid preparation. Ancient medicine noted that aloe alleviates black bile and benefits melancholia. Persian aloe sharpens the mind and invigorates the heart.

Eyes: Aloe is beneficial for eye ulcers, scabies, pain, and itching of the corners of the eyes, as well as drying excessive moisture.

Digestive Organs: Aloe purges yellow bile and phlegm from the stomach. Taken with cold or lukewarm water, it cleans the stomach and restores appetite. It relieves burning and inflammation caused by stomach heat, especially in the uvula, due to yellow bile. Consuming it in the morning and evening, mixed with corrective ingredients, facilitates bowel movements without spoiling food. It can relieve stomach pains in a single day and opens liver blockages. However, it may harm the liver but can alleviate jaundice through its laxative effect. Aloe is the best laxative for the stomach. The washed form is milder but gentler on the stomach. Mixing it with honey reduces its strength, making it less potent as a laxative, only expelling material it encounters. Its purgative effect rarely affects the stomach but targets the liver. The Arabian variety may cause cramps and lingering effects for one to two days.

Excretory Organs: One and a half drachms (about 5 grams) in hot water acts as a mild laxative, while three drachms provide a complete cleanse. A moderate dose is two drachms with honey water, purging phlegm and yellow bile. Combined with other laxatives, it protects the stomach from harm.

Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures: Applied with sweetened liquids, it reduces hemorrhoids, heals anal fissures, stops bleeding, and treats swelling of the anus and genital areas when mixed with honey or liquid preparations.

Risks: In cold weather, there is a risk of aloe causing bloody diarrhea.