Aloe Vera is a cactus like plant but is actually part of the lily family. There are over 300 varieties of the Aloe plant, but it is the Aloe barbadensis variety which exhibits the best medicinal properties. Aloe Vera has a long history as a safe and effective medicine and skin care aid. The Ancient Egyptians and Greeks documented its use for a wide range of ailments and its healing properties are mentioned several times in the Bible. t is also recorded that both Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus took the plant with them to far distant lands  enabling the fame and seeds of the plant to spread. Around the world the plant has acquired a number of unusual descriptions such as "Voodoo Juice," "Fountain of Youth", "First Aid Plant" and "Wand of Heaven." Modern use of Aloe Vera was first documented in the 1930s to heal radiation burns. It was also used after the second World War, to aid the victims of the fallout in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. It was reported that the victims who were treated with Aloe Vera showed signs of increased tissue growth and reduced pain, where other medicines had failed.

Taken internally Aloe Vera has been shown to have various beneficial effects on the body:-

Blood Circulation - a number of constituents have beneficial effects on blood pressure and coagulation.

Bone and joint disorders - due to its high mineral and amino acid content.

Detoxification - amino acids assist the liver and kidneys.

Digestion - as well as being widely shown to benefit irritable bowel syndrome it is also useful for other digestive problems including peptic ulcers.

Immune system - contains many ingredients providing antibacterial, antiviral and analgesic elements.

Skin care - moisturising and conditioning effects even when taken internally.

The precise method by which Aloe Vera works within the body is not yet fully understoodbut it is a great stimulator of the body's own system which counteracts disease and disorder.