I remember when I was a kid, my mother used to have this gigantic, spiny and scary-looking Aloe Vera plant. If we had a scape, bruise or any slight mishap, she would go over and snap a piece off the end of it. She would come back and swab this funky-smelling green goo on us.
As an adult, I've learned to appreciate the Aloe plant. I always keep an Aloe Vera growing at my house. I love to use it for any type of topical scrapes, bumps, bruises and mishaps on the kitchen (ooops!). Occasionally when I'm cooking, I scald myself and it's a terrific natural antiseptic.
It has some incredible healing powers that have been dated all the way back thousands of years. The Egyptians were known for using this amazing plant with healing properties.
Aloe Vera plants are very easy to grow. They would grow better outside in warmer climates. During the winter, you can move your Aloe plants indoors and keep them happy and healthy inside. They don't require very much water. They will produce leaves that are filled with water. They will use the water to fill their succulent leaves and when you snap it off, you'll smell it.
The sap from the leaves is a little sticky and tacky but it makes a terrific natural topical healing agent for just about anything. I even drink Aloe Vera juice - not homemade! - I buy this at the health food store. I drink Aloe Vera juice to help with digestion. There's a myriad of uses for this wonderful plant.
I can go on and on about the benefits of Aloe Vera but just trust me on this. If you don't grow or have an Aloe Vera plant, I suggest that you go get one because it definitely is a terrific topical remedy that can be readily available anytime you need it.