A fresh leaf is cut, the transparent pulp is extracted and applied directly to the affected area, following traditional South African uses. This preparation is made at the time of use, as the pulp oxidizes rapidly. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
The hardened resin was formerly dissolved in alcohol to obtain a bitter tincture used for purgative purposes. This preparation, due to its potency, must be prepared and dosed only by a qualified professional. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
The collected sap was sun-dried until it hardened into a brittle resin, then ground into powder. This highly concentrated powder was used with great restraint; its handling today requires supervision by a healthcare professional. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Aloe succotrina is found wild on the rocky slopes of the Cape, in South Africa; it is also sometimes found with collectors of succulent plants or in certain specialized herbalist shops offering rare aloes.
Leaves are preferably harvested in late austral summer, when the plant has accumulated its most concentrated sap, during dry weather.