Aloe Vera

I'm not much of an indoor gardener.  House plants can be messy, and I am anti-mess.  I also used to have what my husband affectionately called "the black thumb of death."  A little dramatic, I think, but there are (or used to be) various and assorted potted pets that would probably agree.  However, that was then and this is now.  I seem to be gaining the upper hand on all sorts of vegetation, so with my confidence boosted, I grabbed up a little aloe vera plant I spotted in the store yesterday.  You see, I am researching the idea of planting a medicinal herb garden.  Outdoors, of course.  I have just the spot, and the idea has been circling the hamster wheel in my head for a while now.  This little herbal wonder seemed a good place to start.  Indoors, of course.  I made peace with the idea of letting it take up residency on a console in my living room because it just has so much to offer.  Here is a sampling of claims made by people past and present, near and far, as to the healing powers of aloe:

• Soothe burns, insect bites, atheletes foot, and rashes
• Banish pimples
• Grow hair
• Get rid of age spots
• Alleviate asthma, IBS, and heartburn
• Fight infection

You can find more uses here.

So, really, I guess the question is, what does it not do and why would I not want this miracle plant around to solve all my woes?

Go ahead.  Get one.  You'll thank me next time your psoriasis acts up.