Aloe Vera

Your skin will love this soothing plant

Ancient healers valued aloe vera for its healing properties. For centuries, this stemless, spiny plant has been a favorite remedy for insect bites, cuts and scrapes, and of course, burns. Today, aloe vera plants sit on many kitchen counters, and aloe vera gel is a featured ingredient in skin care products.

Split open a fleshy leaf of an aloe vera plant, and you will see its thick, clear gel. Its medicinal properties include analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral. Aloe vera is usually used as a topical remedy, but the juice is sometimes taken internally. Do not ingest the juice, which can cause severe digestive upset, without supervision of a trained practitioner.

Health benefits of aloe vera

Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with many practical uses.   Since the reign of Cleopatra, the gel has been well-known as a cooling remedy for burns, including sunburn. Its ant-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties make it a highly effective remedy for scrapes and insect bites. Some people use it to treat the itching, scaling symptoms of psoriasis. To use as a topical remedy, break off a leaf and squeeze the gel directly onto the wound or burn.

As an internal remedy, aloe vera has strong purgative properties. Do not ingest this plant without the guidance of a trained practitioner. If you purchase aloe vera juice from a health food store, follow the label directions carefully. Herbalists and naturopathic doctors recommend it for treatment of intestinal ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers are currently studying the possible uses of aloe vera in the treatment of cancer tumors and type II diabetes.

Many beginning indoor gardeners grow aloe vera for its ease of care, as well as its healing propeties. If you are taking your first steps as a medicinal herb gardener, try soothing, low-mainenance aloe vera. You'll never run out of uses for this lily of the desert.