Are you aware of the many uses of Aloe Vera as an Herb?

[herbal_gardening]

Probably no other single herb in modern times has been so well spoken of in regard to its many marvelous healing virtues by members of the medical and dental professions as has aloe vera.

Aloe Vera can be used for minor burns, swellings and inflammations, laxative purposes, oral problems, to name a few. They come in various forms: the natural gel, prepared ointment, salve or lotion, liquid drink concentrate and
encapsulated powder.

Aloe Vera was even believed to have been used to embalm Pharaoh Ramses II and to preserve the body of Jesus Christ.

[vegetable-gardener]

aloe vera is a great plant to have. We used to sell aloe juice and that's great for the intestines. It's great for burns and sunburn. And when you break a piec of it heals itself.

[lil_dill]

This herb is fantastic for pretty much everything. It's like a superplant. I started off with 1 baby from a friend. I've now got about half a dozen and the largest is just coming into flower. I didn't even know they did that! :O

[rozen]

Due to healing property Aloe Vera plant is used in various medicinal purposes like for getting relief from constipation, increasing WBC, increasing immune system etc. Apart from medicinal uses, there are numerous other like used in removing pimples, in the treatment of diabetes etc. This natural medicine contains almost all the important vitamins and minerals which are required by our body so Aloe Vera juice is also taken on a daily basis so as to get maximum benefit.

[Turfwars]

Aloe Vera is a cracker. Good for you in so many different ways, it is also so easy to grow and fairly low maintenance!

It seems to have been over the last 10 years that it's popularity has really taken off. Would that be fair to say?

Edit: ]I'm not too sure about that Durgan...there are quite a few reliable sources that detail the evidence that AV has got substantial health benefits. Admittedly a lot of people trying to make a quick buck by selling it siezed the opportunity to claim that it had certain miraculous qualities, but on the whole it is a great natural substance to use.

I was first introduced to it when I was on holiday visiting a friend in Australia about 15 years back. At the time it was didn't have so much "miracle hype" surrounding it.

Enthusiasm still very much intact

[Durgan]

I use to grow beautiful Aloe Vera and used it for many quack cures. Eventually I found it does absolutely nothing. Totally useless. At best there is a little anecdotal posturing about its supposed benefits. Sorry to pin prick the enthusiastic balloon.