The Aloe Vera plant is a robust succulent that can resist heat, wind, and drought due to its ultra-thick outer layer and vast webbed inner vein system which allows it to retain moisture.  The “plant of immortality” first appeared in the warm, dry climate of Eygpt over 6000 years ago.  Ancient documents show that Cleopatra used it in her daily beauty routine.  Aloe Vera has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal plant to treat sunburns, skin conditions and as an embalming fluid due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  Aloe Vera has many internal and external benefits.  Here are six:

Hydration: It has a mild after taste; however, because Aloe is water-dense, and the body requires lots of fluid it is a good source for maintaining hydration. The nutrients found in Aloe Vera juice support the function of the kidney and liver as they flush blood and urine.

Skin Health: The leaf and flower of Aloe Vera is a natural antioxidant.  It is a source of choline and folic acid, both are beneficial to hair and skin protection and regeneration.  Drinking Aloe Vera juice has been found to reduce the frequency and appearance of acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Anti-aging: The Aloe Vera leaf has over 240 nutritional and medicinal ingredients including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C and E, and, the minerals, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, selenium, sodium and chromium, all important to protecting and repairing skin.

Muscle growth and maintenance: Amino acids are the building blocks involved in the construction of muscle tissue and proteins; Aloe Vera has more than 20 amino acids which also help regulate immune function.

Oral Health: An Aloe Vera mouth rinse was found to be beneficial in limiting plaque build-up.  A patch of Aloe can aid in the recovery and reduce the pain of canker and other mouth ulcers due to its natural anti-inflammatory effects.

Digestion: Aloe Vera contains the 8 enzymes that break down fats and sugars from food thereby benefiting digestion and nutrient absorption. The underside of the aloe vera leaf is latex, which acts as a laxative and helps reduce constipation.