Hi Granny,
Thinking of you this morning. Do you enjoy growing succulents? Those were the only thing (well that and my dragon palm) I could get to grow in AZ. They do really well here in the Central Valley too... the Mission Fathers grew them at all the missions because they were easy to grow and some of them (the prickly pear, as I found out last night reading the first half of the thread) are quite useful. The nurseries around here have novelty cactus and succulents from everywhere including South America. We had aloe vera in the front yard and it took over a planter box. Another very interesting and useful plant.
I’ve enjoyed having them and I thought you’d get a kick out of it too. I know that high desert area where you live is mostly scrubland but surely you could get these to grow indoors or on your porch, if there’s room. They seem to thrive on neglect, too.
Take care and talk to you soon!
http://health.learninginfo.org/benefits-aloe-vera.htm
The Health Benefits of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera gel is often thought as having one specific function: cooling and helping to heal sunburns. In fact, Aloe is an amazing plant with a wide ability to aid in the healing process, to protect, moisturize, and even extend life. It was used in ancient times for medicinal purposes, and its relevancy has not diminished today. Aloe’s usefulness continues to grow as scientists study its properties and possible applications.
Aloe Vera is a cellular regenerator and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects. These properties alone contribute to Aloe’s place as one of nature’s healthiest products. WorldwideHealth.com’s Health Library lists magnesium lactate, an itch inhibitor, in the minerals contained in the plant. Therefore, in bringing relief to insect bites, acne, sunburns, rashes, and other topical conditions, Aloe makes sense.
But what about the less frequent uses of Aloe? Should Aloe be considered as an addition to diet and lifestyle? Aloe can purportedly do so much more than soothe irritated skin. Taken internally, it can be used as a laxative and to destroy certain bacteria or parasites in the intestines. Unsubstantiated claims include that it can help heal ulcers and settle a queasy stomach. There are a dozen uses for Aloe that have been integrated into modern alternative medicine, and scientists have been able to study some of these claims.
Dr. Timothy E. Moore’s research on Aloe and dental health at the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) describes gel from the plant as having the ability to heal, control the accumulation of fluids, and reduce pain. He has also found that in denture patients, aloe can reduce inflammation and discomfort caused by fungi and bacteria. Other uses include post periodontal surgery and on cracks and lesions found inside and outside the mouth.
In a study performed by the Department of Physiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center, lab rats were given a 10% greater life span by ingesting Aloe. The animals showed lowered occurrences of various diseases including arterial thrombosis and leukemia. In addition, no adverse side effects were found in the rats on a diet that included Aloe.
While anyone considering alternative medicine to treat conditions should consult their physician first, Aloe may be a viable remedy for various ailments. Through observation and further tests, scientists have proven that the healing effects of Aloe extend beyond merely soothing sunburn. Future studies should bring credibility to other claims of Aloe’s diverse medical benefits.
Copyright 2005 Remedium
Do you enjoy growing succulents?<<<
Yes, before I got sick, I had a nice collection, but most are gone now.
I grew all kinds of plants for food and flowers, in the greenhouses, but not much in our yard, due to the soil and the wind blows away all the mulch, etc.
Now, some days, I can’t even manage to water the half dozen house plants.