Aloe:
Did you know that fresh pulp from the succulent leaves of the aloe plant acts as an astringent, emollient, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral agent? In addition to these great properites, the fresh pulp also stimulates cell regeneration. Therefore, aloe applied topically to burns and wounds helps tremendously with the healing process.
Aloe can also be injested to help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation from radiation therapy. It has been found to increase blood vessel regeneration in the lower extremeties of people with poor circulation. For people with over production of stomach acid, aloe can help sooth the stomach and aid healing. It has also been found to be an excellent laxative (Prescription for Natural Healing, Fourth Ed., Balch, 2006).
Aloe plants are easily grown indoors in pots. I have had great luck with my aloe plant (and honestly, I have no green thumb). My plant has done quite well in a room with indirect light. I water it moderately generally twice a week. It has been very patient and giving, recovering nicely when I cut off part of a leaf to apply to mosquito bites and skin irritations on my children. I have also found it to go nicely on my own face, applying a light covering over slight blemishes.
Aloe vera juice can be purchased in many grocery stores and on-line. It is often seen listed as an ingredient in facial products and dijestive aid products.
My son has had a common ailment that often goes undiagnosed in children until they end up in the urgent care or emergency room - constipation. Despite my routine asking him if he had gone to the bathroom each day, it appears as though he was not completely emptying himself each time he went. My doctor prescribed Miralax, a very commonly used bulking agent. He explained to me in detail the benefits of Miralax. However, other physicians I know and work with were not so convinced of its positive benefits due to it's source - polyethylene glycol. If you are interested, here are a couple of links to wikipedia sites discussing in detail the chemical agents involved in the making of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and it's many applications. PEG is made from ethylene oxide through it's interaction with water.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene_oxide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol
Anyway, rather than trying to figure out whether or not this rather expensive manufactured product is ultimately good for my growing child's body, I found an excellent product at Vitacost which my children love to take. It is a juice supplement with aloe vera juice, papaya enzymes, and flax to help with digestion, going to the bathroom, and acts as an internal deoderant. This product is inexpensive, tastes great and is all natural.
http://www.vitacost.com/Dynamic-Health-Simply-Digestion-Plus
All in all, aloe is a great plant with many benefits. Caution - if you are pregnant, do not take aloe internally.
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