Aloe Vera is a very versatile plant since its different parts are able to treat many aliments of the body both internally and externally.

For thousands of years aloe has been used to soothe inflamed skin, treat burns and wounds, and heal skin infections.

This succulent has always been known for treating skin conditions topically but those meaty leaves can also help internally. Aloe contains many vitamins such as A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. and B12. There are also 20 minerals found in aloe which include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, and manganese. Something even new to me is that it is considered an adaptogen which helps to boost the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and to resist illness. When the gel is ingested it aids in detoxification by absorbing toxins along the intestinal tract and the latex is a powerful laxative. I can't wait to cut off a leaf of my plant today and add it to my smoothie!