A very versatile plant, Aloe Vera, belonging to the lily family contains natural therapeutic and beautifying properties. Referred to as a ‘Miracle Plant’, due to wide array of benefits and uses of aloe vera, it is widely used in the preparation of various herbal medicines, cosmetics and beauty products. 

The existence of Aloe Vera dates back to 4500 BC in the ancient book of natural medicines mentioned in the Rig Veda. However, the first documents regarding use of Aloe Vera was in 1862, in the Egyptian Papyrus, where the queens to enhance their appearance, used the plant.  There is also reference to the plants medicinal advantages in the Egyptian Roman Greek epoch including the Indian and Chinese writings.

Aloe Vera comprises of more than seventy-five effective components, which includes the twenty amino acids and the eight essential amino acids indispensable for the human body.  Besides these, they also contain certain enzymes effective for metabolic health, essential vitamins, minerals, poly-saccharides that render immune-stimulating properties along with its magical healing touch. The substances in Aloe Vera such as Salicylic Acid, Saponins and Sterols provide its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

1. Excellent for digestion
It's worth trying for anyone who suffers with digestion problems like IBS. Its healing and soothing properties can help with the painful symptoms.

2. An easy way to boost your vitamin and mineral intake
Aloe vera juice is packed with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folic acid. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and potassium. Sounds pretty good, right?

3. Hair growth
Full of natural vitamins and enzymes that can directly promote healthy hair.

4. Good for burns, acne and hydrating skin
When used topically aloe vera can soothe inflamed skin and enhance collagen and hyaluronic acid to help rejuvenate skin.

5. Detoxifying
Aloe vera juice is crammed full of amino acids, vitamins and minerals making it one of nature’s most effective cleansers. ‘It can help strengthen digestion and rid the body of any nasty waste, thus detoxifying the body naturally,’ says Sebastian. ‘Its main property is to be soothing, cooling and moistening which helps to clear inflammatory and irritating heat, such as in menopause, plus inflammatory skin and digestive problems, such as acne, rosacea and IBS.’

6. Supports the immune system
Aloe vera is packed full of immune-boosting polysaccharides which help the immune system to behave properly. ‘Too much inflammation in the body can cause problems within the immune system and can cause conditions like asthma, eczema and Crohn’s disease. Soothing herbs like aloe vera juice can slow the inflammatory cascade and help reorder the immune response to prevent these conditions.’

7. Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
There is some evidence to suggest aloe vera lowers cholesterol and has a positive effect on blood sugar levels, meaning it can be useful for treating diabetes and obesity.