Aloe Vera is often one of the first ‘herbals’ most of us learn about.  I must admit that in 30 years of using herbal remedies I have mostly used Aloe Vera as a base for aromatherapy applications and diaper rash.

So, here I am at the cabin without most of the amenities of home, although we do have electricity, hot and cold running water, and indoor plumbing. What I don’t have is my entire apothecary and ‘stash’ of Nature’s Sunshine products. We have been doing maintenance, including painting yard furniture, ripping out a rotting deck, and laying on the beach and playing in the lake (this is my personal maintenance).

Last night as I was getting ready for bed, using tea tree oil to remove the oil-based primer from my hands, I noticed my hands looked and felt parched and rough.  (Did you know you can use tea tree oil for this) They really did look like close up pictures of the dry, cracked sand in the desert. Since I forgot my Irish Moss Hand and Body Lotion at home, I thought I’d just have to put up with skin that looked like parchment and felt irritated. Then, I remembered that I had Aloe Vera Gel here, along with a few basic essential oils. I decided to try plain aloe vera first. Just before crawling into my sleeping bag I applied it generously to every bit of parched skin I could find on my body. When I awoke this morning I was very impressed! My skin was much improved, smoother, softer, and definitely less angry with me!

It would appear Cleopatra was right! Aloe Vera Gel is an amazing therapy for the skin!