Xref: utzoo sci.bio:3974 sci.chem:2595 misc.consumers:24733
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From: sher@bbn.com (Lawrence D. Sher)
Newsgroups: sci.bio,sci.chem,misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Aloe, Aloe...
Message-ID: <61121@bbn.BBN.COM>
Date: 27 Nov 90 12:44:49 GMT
References: <2144@ac.dal.ca> <4188@kitty.UUCP> <15037@cs.utexas.edu> <4198@kitty.UUCP>
Sender: news@bbn.com
Reply-To: sher@labs-n.bbn.com (Lawrence D. Sher)
Followup-To: sci.bio
Organization: Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc., Cambridge MA
Lines: 23

>	There are serious questions about the efficacy of aloe in any
>application other than as a cathartic.
>
>	Aloe is an *irritant*.  ...
>
>	Aloe was used as a topical salve during the nineteenth century.
>It was eventually discovered ...
>	I am not trying to discourage any reader from buying soap and
>cosmetic products containing aloe, or from cutting up an aloe plant
>leaf for a home remedy....  I am just trying to provide a little information
>for some readers to use in making an informed decision.

This long, interesting treatise on aloe somehow overlooks the most
important point:
  There is no question that sap from a freshly cut aloe leaf stops the
  pain of minor burns and does nothing obvious to interfere with healing.  


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