Aloe gel has been used to treat inflammation and burns for more than 2,500 years. The fresh gel is widely used as a folk medicine for minor burns and sunburn, as well as minor cuts and scrapes. Aloe gel dries into a natural bandage. It promotes healing and helps keep burns from becoming infected.

Aloe gel is also used in beverages commonly sold as “aloe juice.” Aloe gel, mixed with distilled water, citric acid, fruit juices, and natural preservatives is also marketed as “aloe juice.” Known to be a digestive aid or folk remedy for arthritis, stomach ulcers, diabetes, and other conditions. One teaspoon after meals is often suggested. Read the product label for specific recommendations. Aloe juice is relatively inexpensive. Check your local health food stores for availability. One of Cleopatra’s secret beauty ingredients was reputed to be aloe vera, and it is today chosen by contemporary cosmetic firms for face and hand creams, suntan lotions and shampoos.

Aloe has a long history as a healer. It has been valued at least since the 4th century when Aristotle requested Alexander the Great to conquer Socotra in the Indian Ocean, where many species of Aloe Vera grow. He immediately seized the island to guarantee a supply of the wound treatment for his troops, while keeping the herb from his enemies. Traditional Indian Ayurvedic doctors and Chinese physicians quickly adopted it as a laxative and skin treatment. American pioneers used aloe gel to treat wounds, burns and rashes.

Aloe Vera has attracted the interest of many governments for its ability to heal radiation burns in the event of a nuclear disaster. Much research is currently being done in this area in the United States. In the 1930s, radiologists noticed that aloe gel scooped straight from the cut leaves of the plant hastened the healing of x-ray burns. There are between 250 an 350 species of aloe around the world. They are originally from Africa and commercially grown in southern Texas and Mexico. In cultivation they need a frost-few environment.

The gel obtained by breaking the leaves is a remarkable healer. Applied to wounds, it forms a clear protective seal and encourages skin regeneration. It can be applied directly to cuts, burns, sunburn and is immediately healing. Fresh aloe gel can be obtained by cutting a leaf lengthwise and scraping the gel out with a spoon. It can also be obtained by cutting a leaf from the base of the plant and squeezing it. Before applying aloe to burns or cuts, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. Scoop out the gel, apply liberally to the affected area and allow to dry. Periodic leaf-snipping does not harm the plant.

Recent studies have documented that Aloe Vera promotes wound healing of soft-tissue damage. Aloe contains allantoin, a substance that speeds wound healing. It prevents progressive skin damage that usually occurs following burns. It should be emphasized that aloe is safe only for minor first- and second- degree burns. ALWAYS seek medical attention for serious burns.

Aloe is a popular houseplant and is relatively easy to grow provided it is not over watered. They prefer sun but tolerate shade, and they don’t mind poor soil. Aloes periodically produce offshoots, which may be removed and replanted when they are a few inches tall. Simply uproot or unpot the plant, work the soil gently to separate the offshoot and return the parent plant to its bed or pot. In Autumn bring plants indoors when there is any danger of frost. Place in a warm sunny area, preferably on a kitchen windowsill. Cut leaves as needed any time. A plant of more than 2 years has stronger properties.