Aloe Vera isn't known as the 'First Aid Plant' for nothing! This prickly cactus-like plant has been used for centuries as a natural soothing and revitalising emollient.

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

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

On the other side of the world, China, Japan and India are also ardent users of Aloe Vera, making the most of its soothing, revitalising, moisturising and antibacterial properties in their traditional 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 the lily family. There are over 250 different varieties and mature plants can reach a height of 1.5m!

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