Aloe Vera - the Non-Cactus Medicinal Treasure Chest

The list of uses for aloe vera - without pharmacuetical companies making tablets at inflated prices of them for you - is almost unbelievable. Unless you are asthmatic or diabetic, aloe vera can help you get an almost free tonic, remove scars, heal wounds, improve hair, plus also relieve arthritis, constipation and toxins from the human body.

CAVEAT EMPTOR: As always with articles on AC or anywhere that pertains to health and your well-being, please consult with your physician before adding Aloe vera, etc., to your regimen of pills and medications, if you have any. Thank you. And shalom -- the word encompasses holistic health, too.

Just last week, a heavy metal sheet fell on my right hand and the hand of my friend. Almost immediately my hand began to swell. Although I have health insurance, I hate going to the ER. While getting home I applied some ice to my hand, and began thinking "Cactus." My mom used a creeping cactus plant in South Africa to bind up sprains, injuries and even small fractures with amazing curative and healing results. But I have no cactus at home in Maryland!

I do have a few aloe vera plants. Please note that Aloe vera are not cactus (plural from the Greek "kaktos" ought to be CACTOI, but we accept CACTI these days). This miraculous plant is actually a lily. And a native to my native Southern Africa, although the Ancient Egyptians had transplanted them by the time Celopatra got there and used it for her skin and beauty needs.

What did I do with aloe vera and my injury?
I cut a leaf from my plant at home, peeled the outermost layer - the thorns or spines are best removed - and I prepared to cook it. Yes, back to the kitchen for me .... The diced leaf was put in a small saucepan with a few drops of olive oil. I added a quarter of a teaspoon of turmeric. Turmeric is the powdered spice that is used in India as a culinary spice and the main ingredient in curry powder/sauces.

Once it had cooled, I placed the poultice on a gauze and then over my injured hand (the fingers were fine). I covered it with another gauze material and bandaged the hand. I slept with this "medicine" overnight. The next day I was carrying boxes with a friend who needed to place some items in storage! I am still amazed that the blood clots and much of the pain had evaoprated overnight.

Aloe vera and its gel have properties that heal injuries more rapidly than I have seen until now. It rivals the power of my mother "special" cactus.

Other uses of aloe vera are a tonic that can be taken in 2-4 tablespoonsful morning and evening to ameliorate arthritis, constipation, toxicity and for its laxative properties. All you need to do is cut few small leaves of aloe vera (preferably from the bottom of the plant) and soak in a glass of water for four hours. Then you can begin using your liquid treasure. You may even save it in your refrigerator. Drink 2-4 tablespoonsful twice a day. This tonic -and also the cut leaves for future use - will keep for 2 -3 weeks.

Most insect stings, even poison ivy and related ichiness, stretch marks and scars may be removed quickly or within 6 months if aloe vera gel (scraped from the inside of the leaf) is applied directly to the affected area. For stings and itch, use often ... but for scars, one ought to apply morning and night consistently for best results (within six month).

So, do not let the other humans among our species sell you tablets and bottled stuff from aloe vera at high
prices; be a Cleopatra and get your beauty needs, tonic and medicinal remedies free from Africa! Shalom