Great idea, Molly! I've got the inspiration to scoop out a tablespoonful of gel from my aloe plant and OP with it along with some sesame oil. Oooooooohhhhhhhhhh, it just gets better & better!

I'll have to check that out. I lived in the Florida Keys for a bit and we used aloe all the time for sunburn and skin irritations. You are very right, it is an amazing plant! Although, some of the gel really smells stinky. Nevertheless, I would get an aloe plant and steer clear of any powdered aloe, myself. The gel is incredible. The outer green part, however, has very potent (ie. harsh for some) laxative properties. Personally, I stay away from those.

I also believe that clove (oil) and myrrh are helpful for the gums. I need to look into this more. Hmmm...

Oh, I will check out the Art Forum later today and see what goodies you have left there for me!!!

Thanks for reminding us about the wonderful properties of aloe, Molly. We are fortunate to live in a climate where aloe thrives in our yard. I probably have over a hundred plants. Anybody who can grow it as an indoor potted plant will have much greater benefits than taking a processed aloe product, as fresh is best.

This is how we take aloe -- cut off a thick spear, then cut off the narrow, pointy end, and stand the spear on end on a cutting board. "Filet" the spear by running a sharp knife down the 4 sides, being sure to remove the bright yellow/green part right under the skin. This is very bitter and can cause stomach upset. The central gel is the part you want.

Cut the cleaned gel stalk into pieces, and mix with fruit juice and ice in a blender. Chug it down. Talk about a tonic! Every time my husband has a bout of diverticulitis, it heals him in a day.

The remaining peeled skin is saved to be used throughout the day whenever I walk by the dish. I run my fingers over the sticky side and then rub them over my face, the back of my hands and any little cut or sore still needing healing.

To read more about aloe:

http://www.positivehealth.com/article-view.php?articleid=50


And step-by-step instructions on how to clean fresh aloe:

http://www.newstarget.com/PhotoTour_Aloe_Vera_1.html


Oil pulling, aloe vera and fresh garlic are the most potent items in my "medicine cabinet".

kebod

I think it's just hype. Aloe Vera Juice was something that I added, when I tried to heal my infection, along with OP, but it didn't stop the infection, and now I have a big portion of the gumline missing to prove it. Maybe some get a placebo from it, guess I just didn't believe it as much as others.

I believe it, and after reading more on it, it is a possible belief that Aloe Vera Cream may help patients dealing with ebola that seems to be spreading. Spread the cream and take a few Aloe Vera Gels and it should show great results. Godwilling.