Aloe Vera the Living First Aid Kit!

Aloe Vera is mentioned in many ancient medical texts and one of its many folk names was "Medicine Plant". Many of the minor ailments that we suffer from when outdoors involve our skin, sunburns, bites, stings, nettle stings, grass rashes, blisters, small cuts, scrapes, and lesions, nearly all of these can be soothed or cured by using Aloe Vera gel. Simply cut off a section of a lower thick leaf, splice it in two, shave off any tiny spikes and you are ready to apply it. The gel inside the leaf is translucent and will stick to your skin without being sticky and will dry and disappear leaving no trace. Simply lightly rub onto the affected area, the gel will have a pleasant cooling effect and acts as a mild anti-sceptic and soothing agent. I also use it on a spot which is driving you mad to itch it. If I have any gel left over I rub it into my gums or onto my face or neck. If you go away on a camping trip cut off a whole leaf to take with you; just wrap it in a piece of cloth.
So if you haven't this living Medicine Cabinet in your house or garden yet then buy some this weekend, Aloe Vera plants can be bought in most larger garden centers and are usually to be found in the succulent/cactii section.