To begin let me tell you a little bit about the aloe vera plant. I grow them (not as well as I should) and they need a lot of sunlight. They are native to Africa and grow best in hot arrid environments. Too much direct sunlight or water will harm them. They are a very thick and fleshly plant and remind you of cactus without the thorns. 

Aloe Vera has always been known for the way it soothes burns and rashes. It is also wonderful when used as a balm after shaving my head or face. It has antifungal and anti bacterial properties which makes it good for use against dandruff, excema, ringworm, heat rashes, sunburn, sores, cuts and abbrasions, and other skin maladies. It is good for soothing heartburn and acid reflux disease because of the healing effects that it has on the throat and stomach linings. This makes it a good digestive aid.

Aloe Vera sap or juice is used in some cultures to strengthen the immune system and kidneys. It is good for arthritis which is probably because of the antioxident compounds that it contains.

Since I have some live plants now I will sometimes chop the leaves into very small pieces and drink then in a tea. If you decide to use it the way tHat I do keep in mind that the actual sap has a bitter taste so you have to drink it quickly. You can offset this by adding a sweetner to the mixture.

Aloe Vera aids in promoting hair growth by nourishing the scalp and killing dandruff. It is also being researched to see if it has a place in helping to fight cancer.