This article started off as another summer tip type story, but then, I realized that this one in particular was so much more. I have killed just about every plant I ever had up until last year. That's when Lazarus came into my life. Lazarus is an aloe plant, and this is his story:

First of all, let me explain his name. I like the idea of natural remedies, so I bought an aloe plant, knowing that the gel within their thick stems/leaves (what the heck is that on an aloe plant anyway?) is a great first aid gel. I brought it home and, naturally, (if you know me) I forgot about it.

Then, one day, I looked at what used to be a lush, puffy, green, healthy aloe plant, and it had taken on a rather sickly, grey hue, and its once lush tropical stems/leaves were quite droopy. I immediately gave it some water, and a few days later, there he was, all green and rain-forest looking. He actually came back from the dead! So, I named him "Lazarus".

Me, being me, forgot about Lazarus again. Thank God I'm a much better mother than I am a horticulturalist. Lazarus turned that sickly shade of grey again. I watered him, talked to him and sat by his little terracotta pot. He came back to life, once again, living up to his name.

Lazarus went on to live a wonderful life. I watered him when I was supposed to, and he saved my family from many irritations. In fact, my son once had a horrible burn on the back of his neck and I applied a product containing only aloe gel and lidocaine. He screamed, it was burning him even more. I washed that off, ran downstairs and grabbed a stem/leaf from Lazarus. I squeezed out the gel, it relieved the pain and the healing began.

Aloe plants are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, so it's great for sunburns and minor cuts etc. The gel has also been used for acne and there are reports that it may even help with wrinkles. Woohoo! Move over, Lazarus, you're about to get lots of company.

Listen to Linda G weekdays from 3-7pm on 105.5 FM, online at kicks1055.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.

 

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