Aloe is an interesting herb, not only because it can be used topically as well as internally but because it's also a beautiful plant. In fact, there are over 400 species of flowering succulents that are in the Aloe genus and its medicinal uses date back to 1500 B.C. where the Egyptians used it to heal burns and infections and get rid of parasites.

You can find this plant growing in many gardens in the southern regions and in pots indoors pretty much everywhere. Inside the leaves is a gel that has wonderful healing properties and is great for treating sunburns, cuts, poison ivy, burns, eczema and infections due to its anti-septic and antibiotic properties.



The Aloe, or Aloe Vera plant is full of vitamins, enzymes, minerals, amino acids, essential oils and glycoproteins which all give it powerful healing powers. In addition to soothing the skin, it is also said to help soothe the digestive tract and many healers use it to treat colitis and peptic ulcers. It is also said to help the lymph system, gallbladder, liver and kidney.

Taken internally, Aloe is said to be a good laxative and can also help with digestive ailments because it has an alkalizing effect.

New research on this plant shows that it has a compound called acemannan which may help boost the immune system.

Many people keep an Aloe Vera plant right in their kitchen to be used when they need it. It's a great natural remedy for bug bites and can help take the sting out of sunburns, but it's great just to put on your skin is part of your weekly regimen to keep your skin soft and supple. To use your plant, you can split open the thick leaves and used the gel inside, or removed the thin outer skin and make a paste by pulverizing it in your blender.