How can a plant that looks so menacing be so therapeutic?

My grandmother kept countless aloe plants in the back yard.  Every time I had a scrape, cut or burn, she’d disappear into her garden and come back with a cutting of aloe vera and squeeze the goop to spread.

After the epic Crystal Lake ride (5-27-11) [Chef Pete,  where are you?] , the arms and face were cooked.  After the shower I realized I needed something.  I found the tube of aloe vera I had originally bought for post-knee-surgery therapy and thought I’d give it a try.  Applied it to my face, my arms, legs, shoulders, . . . , everywhere.

Man o’Man!   There was an instant sensation of relief & well-being; it was truly a nirvanic glow: Un-F’n believable.  You be the judge.  I’m keeping big supplies on hand -  it’s a daily ritual now; after shave, after shower  . . . hooked.  You can get the stuff anywhere and it’s cheap.  I recommend simple, natural, unscented aloe vera gel.  You don’t want to introduce a new scent that’s going to get in the way of the nirvanic euphoria.

There are countless studies about the benefits of aloe vera.  Here’s a link to an article that’s worth the read: http://www.naturalnews.com/

Warning! Do not get aloe gel near the pygmy pud or pygmygina;  it could promote unspeakable behavior and would disappoint the sensibilities of my grandmother.