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Aloe Vera is a succulent, flowering, perennial plant from the Lily family. There are hundreds of species of Aloe plant but Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller to use the full title is the one known as True Aloe. It has been used for a wide variety of medicinal purposes throughout history. Modern pharmaceutical companies use extracts of Aloe Vera in many skin-based cosmetics, sited as a natural approach to cosmetics.

Aloe Vera is grown throughout the world, historically in drier tropical regions, and is used both for it's aesthetic beauty and other purposes. It is mainly known as a treatment for the skin, applied to cuts, burns, eczema, etc. The gel contained within the plant is widely recognised as the best source of the healing properties. While modern science sometimes refutes the plant as having much medicinal value, it has been used throughout history, by ancient cultures all over the world and also by famous individuals. Nelson Mandela praises the plant and Christopher Columbus too (Aloe Health UK).

Aloe Vera contains enzymes that the body needs from foods, and a whole host of vitamins and minerals. It also contains plant steroids with analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties. In it's raw form, parts of the plant also act as a powerful laxative. Those who support Aloe Vera believe in its use as a drink or foodstuff and not just as a source of chemicals for health products, though unfortunately the raw plant has a bitter taste and is best to be prepared with fruits.

Aloe is still hotly debated in medicinal circles. There is evidence both for and against its restorative powers. The main problem with testing the effectiveness of the plant in speeding the recovery of wounds is that one cannot wound a person beyond minor incisions for the sake of medical trial. Nevertheless the tributes of ancient people, folklore and mythology give hope to the idea of using the plant as a healing aid.