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Aloe has been used medicinally for over 6,000 years.

The ancient Egyptians used it to heal battle wounds and cure infections, and the early Greeks used it for relieving blisters, burns and leg ulcers as well as healing bowel and stomach disorders.
Today it is found in health products in the form of gels, juices and creams, and also as an ingredient in some cosmetic products.

Aloe Vera is world renowned for its therapeutic properties. It contains around 75 known ingredients including enzymes that aid digestion and reduce inflammation, and Saponins, which have an anti-microbial effect against bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast.

It is possible to grow your own Aloe Vera plant indoors and use it as a quick remedy for minor burns and grazes. Just break off a leaf and apply the gel directly. If you are buying an Aloe Vera product, always purchase those made from 100% pure Aloe Vera. Look out for the International Aloe Science Council Seal of Approval as a guide.

While ingested as a gel or juice, aloe vera can be used to treat digestive conditions such as IBS, peptic ulcers, acid reflux, Crohns disease, candida; musculo-skeletal conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism; and immune-related conditions such as asthma, hayfever and even ME.

If taking Aloe Vera internally you would normally take between two fl oz (60ml) and six fl oz (180ml) per day depending on the acuteness of your condition. If you start out on a high dose you would expect to reduce to the lower doses by about six weeks.

To experience the full benefits of an Aloe Vera product it is often recommended that it is used regularly for a minimum period of three months.