There are some Aloe Vera uses that are more or less self-evident, such as in skincare – perhaps especially in the sense of applying it to burns. Not for nothing has Aloe Vera long been known as the Burns Plant!

My aim here is to focus on a few more unusual uses and to demonstrate in this way Aloe’s immense versatility. I shall be referring throughout to Aloe Barbadensis Miller – the only ‘true’ Aloe.

For while there are over 200 Aloe species, probably just four or five have medicinal properties and of these the Barbadensis Miller is the most potent and it alone is entitled to be known as Aloe Vera.

I’ve been learning about the power of this plant gradually over the last ten or so years – ever since my dog was given an Aloe drink to help his arthritic limbs. When the drink (much to my surprise) did help him – quite considerably – after first putting the improvement down to coincidence, I began my research.

Since then I’ve witnessed its effectiveness in soap, where it moisturizes as well as cleanses, in bath gelee that leaves my skin feeling like silk and in a toothgel for which I’ve found more uses than I plan to mention!

I’ll just say that the one I use (blended with bee propolis) nourishes, strengthens and protects my teeth and gums while also fighting plaque and whitening without bleaching agents – and if I ingest it when I feel a sore throat coming on the soreness never seems to develop as it did before I found this ‘remedy’!

Of course I’m not referring to all Aloe toothgels – just to the one in my bathroom.

I also use an Aloe deodorant that’s free of the zirconium and aluminium salts commonly found in deodorants and anti-perspirants. So I know that I’m protecting myself from the risks of Alzheimer’s and breast cancer often associated with those ingredients.

What else? Plenty! How about an Aloe Lip Balm that’s handy too as a first aid stick? Just the right size to carry in your pocket or handbag, as well as moisturizing and conditioning lips it’s great for burns, bites and stings and for calming irritated skin.

Then there’s the option of washing your hair with an Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo that’s suitable for all hair types, Aloe being an adaptogen. It also keeps the scalp healthy and helps control irritation – as does an Aloe-Jojoba Conditioning Rinse. This carries through to an Aloe Styling Gel plus a spray that replenishes lost moisture and protects your hair whilst styling and/or straightening.

It’s important to check with any products you buy that the Aloe Vera content is high and that the Aloe has been stabilized (a process ensuring that it is essentially identical to the inner leaf gel when it leaves the plant).

The ‘right’ Aloe makes a great moisturizer for face, hands and body and – especially when blended with bee propolis, chamomile and comfrey – is useful for people prone to eczema and psoriasis.

Well, I’ve certainly supplied you with some Aloe Vera uses, haven’t I? And I haven’t quite finished yet, not having mentioned the blissful relief I get from everyday stress and strains with Aloe heat lotion.

And one of my favorite products is an Aloe Vera gelly that’s essentially identical to the Aloe Vera’s inner leaf and that lubricates sensitive tissue safely. This gelly is absorbed quickly, calms irritated skin and helps reduce scar formation. I wouldn’t be without a tube in my first aid cabinet!

I could continue more or less indefinitely, but will curb myself and just say that I love my gentle Aloe Scrub, my SPF 30 Aloe Sunscreen, my Aloe Body Toner and Aloe Body Conditioning Cr