Aloe Vera

• A succulent perennial plant belonging to the lily family, aloe Vera grows wild in Madagascar and large portions of the African continent. Because of its many therapeutic uses, it is now commercially cultivated in the United States, Japan, and countries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Many individuals also grow aloe as a houseplant.

• The aloe plant is b6st known for its healing aloe Vera gel, a thin, clear, jellylike substance that can be squeezed or scraped from the inner part of the fleshy leaf. The soothing juice is made from this gel.

Health Benefits

• For centuries, the gel of the aloe Vera plant has been used as a soothing topical remedy for minor burns and wounds. It continues to be popular for treating sunburns and other first-degree bums because it appears to speed healing. Specifically, aloe Vera may help to:

•Speed healing of first-degree burns, including sunburns.

•Soothe and hasten healing of cuts, scrapes, and other minor wounds and skin irritations.

•Lessen painful effects of shingles.

•Reduce symptoms of psoriasis.

•Ease heartburn, ulcers, diverticular disorders, and other types of digestive upset.

• A juice made from the aloe gel acts as an anti-inflammatory and can be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints. Low calories.