Aloe Vera isn't known as the 'First Aid Plant' fornothing! This prickly cactus-like plant has been used for centuriesas a natural soothing and revitalising emollient.

Delve back into the history books and you'll see that the humbleAloe originated from tropical Africa where related species wereused as a poultice on poison arrow wounds.

The ancient Greeks and Romans are also believed to have usedAloe Vera gel to soothe burns and wounds, while the Aloe Vera plantwas one of 700 remedies mentioned in an important medical papyrusof ancient Egypt. In fact it has even been suggested that it was animportant part of the beauty regime of the Egyptian queens!

On the other side of the world, China, Japan and India are alsoardent users of Aloe Vera, making the most of its soothing,revitalising, moisturising and antibacterial properties in theirtraditional herbal medicines.

The sturdy Aloe Vera plant is surprising in so many ways.Although it looks like a cactus, it is actually a member of thelily family. There are over 250 different varieties and matureplants can reach a height of 1.5m!

All that from one prickly plant. Isn't nature amazing!