The many uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of the best known of all medicinal plants. An African cactus plant with fleshy spiky leaves which taper to a point, it has bright red flowers when in bloom. The Arabs call it the Desert Lily. In Ireland, it will only survive as a house plant. Aloe Vera gel found under the outer skin of the leaves has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

In its native Africa, the extracted Aloe was traditionally taken for stomach aches and to guard against infection from insect bites. It was also valued as an insect repellant. In India, Aloe Vera has been used to treat skin eruptions and inflammations. In Mexico, the juice is used to treat skin complaints and wounds. In Central and South America, Aloe Vera is taken as a mild laxative. In the 19th Century, the popularity of Aloe Vera declined as synthetic laboratory drugs took the place of botanical compounds. However, its burn healing and skin nourishing properties aroused new interest in the 20th Century.

Its most common use in the Western world is as an anti-inflamatory and those who keep it as a house plant apply the gel to household burns and insect bites. It is also a soothing aftersun lotion. Jill Rosemary Davies' book, Aloe Vera in a nutshell (Element, £6.35) includes recipes for home made Aloe Vera poultices, lotions and drinks.

Aloe Vera juice can be added to various combinations of vegetables and fruit to make energising and detoxifying drinks. Its advocates claim that it helps alleviate rheumatism and arthritis, relieves eye, mouth and vaginal infections, treats constipation and a range of allergies.

Aloe Vera is grown commercially in Mexico, Australia, the United States and the Caribbean. Some experts suggest that you should look for the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) seal of approval before buying Aloe Vera products.