Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) When I was growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, one plant that always grew just outside the back door of our home was aloe vera.  It was literally my mother's `cure all.' My sister and I had that slimy green ooze applied to everything from sunburn to acne.  Even though it was the brunt of many family jokes, Mom's complete belief in the healing properties of this strange plant did in fact seem to work. Little did I know, that as early as 4000 BC, the aloe vera plant was depicted on temple walls in the tombs of Pharaohs.  By 1500 BC, aloe is mentioned in Egypt's Papyrus Embers where formulas containing aloe are described for a variety of illnesses. Aloe was said to have been Cleopatra's favored beauty aid and folklore has it that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra to secure the aloe grown there.  He used it for treating wounded soldiers.  Nomadic people dug their valuable aloe plants and carried them to every new campsite to ensure availability for treating ailments.  The Bible makes numerous references to the use of aloes combined with other spices for soothing the body and the mind.  In fact, in John 19:39-40, Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes to place within the linen that was used to bind the body of Jesus after his crucifixion.   It took early man thousands of years to develop what we know today as the modern understanding of plants.  Most of our marketed medicines are distillations, combinations, reproductions or variations of substances found in nature.  Today, many old home remedies have been demonstrated to have healing attributes.   So what's the secret to this ancient mysterious plant?  Well, for one thing, the sap contains many nutrients, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids and several vitamins.  The presence of salicylic acid in aloe is an aspirin-like compound, which helps control pain.  It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.  Studies also indicate that cell growth is accelerated when aloe is applied, helping to minimize scarring resulting from wounds. Even though it has become a multi-million dollar industry for health and beauty products, aloe vera still lacks FDA approval.  But I don't let that dissuade me.  I now grow plants by the dozens just outside my back door.  Even if it does `rub me raw' that my mom was right about this miracle plant, at least I can apply some of that slimy green ooze to ease the pain. Thanks Mom…..