Among the easiest-to-grow houseplants, Aloe vera will decorate a
kitchen shelf with quiet grace, while doing double duty as a
self-regenerating first-aid kit. A native of southern Africa,
Aloe vera’s fleshy leaves contain numerous plant compounds with
antimicrobial, pain-reducing, anti-oxidant, and anti-
inflammatory properties. Used medicinally  for at least 6000
years, the succulent plant spread throughout the world to become
important in the traditional medicine of ancient Egypt, Rome,
Greece, Persia, Egypt, Italy in Europe, India, and throughout
Asia and Africa. The Spanish introduced Aloe vera to South
America and the Caribbean. Everyday health uses Scientific
evidence supports using the jelly-like substance inside Aloe
vera leaves for alleviating pain and helping heal everyday
burns, abrasions, bruises, boils, canker sores, and other mouth
sores. It may also improve symptoms of minor frostbite, herpes
(both cold sores and shingles), hemorrhoids, psoriasis, and
acne. Some folks use Aloe vera gel for denta