Benefits:

Externally, aloe gel has long been valued for healing minor burns, wounds, and abrasions, and relieving assoicated pain and inflamation. Aloe juice may hold promise for treating diabetes and reducing levels of triglycerides and blood sugar.

Caution:

Don't use this herb if you have intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, diarrhea, inflamed intestins (colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome). Aloe juice may product a laxative effect if taken in a higher dose than recommended. Don't use for more than 10 days.

Forms available:

Various concentrations of the gel, powdered dry juice. The gel is incorporated into ointments, creams, lotions, and the like. Some of aloe's active compounds deteriorate in storage, so use the fresh gel for maximum potency.

Native to Africa, grown commercially in souther Texas and Mexico.