Agave Plant
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Treating Battle Wounds
As an actively warring nation, Aztecs needed to be able to treat wounds effectively so warriors could continue fighting. To treat cuts and prevent infections, the wounds were cleansed with fresh urine. Though this practice seems putrid, urine is an extremely sterile liquid. Afterwards, Agave sap was applied to the wound to prevent further bleeding and infection, and to speed healing. It was centuries later before scientists discovered that Agave sap also acted as an antibiotic- clearly showing that the Aztecs were truly years beyond their time in the medicinal field.
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Aloe Vera Plant
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Skin Conditions
The Aztecs used aloe vera as a treatment for a multitude of diseases. This plant's clear inner gel was extracted from its leaves often to soothe skin irritations. Tjhe aloe vera's mild, cooling effect on the skin made it an excellent candidate for calming the symptoms of Eczema, sunburns, and even frostbite. Aztecs also knew about the accelerated healing effect aloe vera provided when applied to skin, so aloe vera was often blended with other herbs and applied as a paste to wounds.
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