The Secret Weapon
When I was growing up, both my mother and grandmother had this plant on the kitchen counter. They gave it, along with the housewarming gift, to anyone moving into their first home or apartment. They considered this plant essential to every home, and you could almost always find it in the kitchen.
I’m referring to the Aloe vera plant.
The primary reason my mom and grandma kept this plant in the kitchen wasn’t for its impressive looks, there are many better looking plants that will thrive in the indoors. No, they kept this plant in the kitchen because of its soothing, healing abilities in treating a burn, even as severe as a second-degree burn. Burn your hand on a hot pan, and a piece of the plant would be broken off, and they would apply the healing gel from the plant to the burn area. Scrap your skin and the aloe plant would come out as well.
Science proves the Aloe plant to be useful in other ways as well; used in a toothpaste for helping control cavity-causing bacteria, helping to heal wounds such as diabetes-induced foot ulcers. They can use the extracts from the plant as a natural antioxidant, an additive to creams for protection of skin damage after radiation therapy, and in acne creams. Although research isn’t conclusive at this point, the extracts are also being tested in the hopes of use against constipation, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, depression, memory loss, and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
All that potential from one plant! It’s always best to discuss the use of anything you add to your skin or wounds with a doctor. Doctors also recommend you test for an allergic reaction before using.
Gossip from the Southern Garden 