We keep a container or two of naturally dispensible aloe vera for emergencies.

Our original "set" came from an old Indian Shaman Army Nurse who brought it to festivals as the primary component of his medical kit, and was kind enough to give us a starter nearly 20 years ago.

We had some difficulty getting it well established until we learned the specific and very demanding requirements for keeping it growing. Once we found that looking at it too often causes it to wilt and we put it out in the back sun room (but not in too much direct sun), and established our routine of watering it at least twice per year but not more than three times, it began to thrive.

During our recent move the pots got upset and the poor plants laid on the bare ground for a few days, but we re-potted and thinned it and passed on starts to a half dozen people at the festival. The two pots we kept are a bit overcrowded; but in our new and smaller home we're still looking for the best place to establish their place.

At the first sign of dryness, just snap off a leaf and squeeze the juice where it's needed. If used quickly after minor burns, sunburn, cuts and scratches, and/or insect bites that show an allergicish rash it's an excellent all-purpose curative. And odor free.

John