Does it seem to you (as it does to me) that Aloe Vera products are reaching us in ever widening varieties? Even so, I was astonished today to learn that Aloe Vera has now been infused in the Jacquard lace of a new collection of underwear. Where will it turn up next, I ask myself!

Personally, I prefer my Aloe in a form that benefits either my system or my skin. How about you – and how many different Aloe products have you used?

Over the years I’ve used a fair few – fifty-five at the last count! Am I exaggerating? No, I’m honestly not. Why do I use so many? Because I’ve found nothing better in the marketplace – and that isn’t because I haven’t looked. It is because I have looked and made my purchases on that basis.

It all began with an Aloe Vera drink. My dog was drinking it to see if it would benefit his stiff limbs – and it did. That same drink had benefited my daughter’s IBS and before long – with Sam’s and Joanna’s encouragement – I started drinking it as a general tonic for good health. Yes, Aloe’s certainly a versatile drink, in more ways than one!

The brand we use comes in four basic forms. There’s the plain, straightforward stabilized inner leaf Aloe Vera Gel with perhaps the most challenging taste but with all the ingredients necessary to maintain a healthy digestive system and healthy energy level.

Then there’s Forever Freedom, with all the Gel’s nutrients combined with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM – natural elements shown to maintain healthy joint function and flexibility. This is an ideal drink for the more mature who wish to maintain mobility and for sports people.

Aloe Berry Nectar has the Gel’s benefits coupled with a sweet blend of apple and cranberry juice – high in antioxidant vitamins C and A plus potassium and pectin to aid in cleansing the digestive system. Not only does this health drink have a great taste – it can also help maintain a healthy urinary system.

Aloe Bits ‘n Peaches is Aloe Gel plus pure nutritious pieces of Aloe Vera bathed in the flavor of sun-ripened peaches, with added carotenoids which are valuable antioxidants and a source of vitamin A – essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. This natural fruity drink is ideal for children. They especially love it in the form of ice lollies!

After finding the drinks beneficial I began branching out and experimenting with an Aloe Liquid Soap that gently moisturises while it cleanses, an Aloe Bath Gelee (gel for both bath and shower) with an invigorating fragrance – and a great Aloe Toothgel with a gentle non-fluoride formula that nourishes, strengthens and protects teeth and gums.

I found an Aloe Lips that I can also use as a first aid stick and an Aloe deodorant that’s free from the aluminium salts and zirconium that are in most deodorants and anti-perspirants despite being said to have links with breast cancer and Alzheimer’s.

An Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo and Conditioning Rinse came next on my agenda, together with a number of skincare lotions that keep my skin feeling smooth, soft, supple – and, dare I add, young?

When Aloe and Propolis (Nature’s antibiotic from the bees) are blended together to create Aloe Propolis Cr