Aloe vera has been used to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns, eczema and insect bites. The sap applied directly from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammation.

There are over 300 different types of aloe, but only a mere few were used traditionally as an herbal medicine. It is used in foods in Japan, India, Pakistan, and Mexico, but unreliably, as it may cause reactions.

Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturisers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions. Cleopatra was said to have used aloe as a beauty tool. I guess that is why Mark Anthony could not resist her!

Whatever powers and potions is may contain, I always have a plant in my garden. It is great for soothing mosquito and insect bites.

The tile floor background and the image itself have been altered in Photoshop and other image processing software.