Articles

This month, New Directions unveiled a breakthrough - the world's very first 100% certified organic Aloe Vera Gel. It seemed only natural to work on an organic version of this product, as not only is it one of the biggest selling of the range, but a contender in the botanical health and beauty realm that has well and truly broken free from any niche constraints. In fact, it has never been in such constraints; the benefits and validity of the Aloe Vera plant have long been recognised on the broadest social levels. I remember my grandmother (by no means a classic follower of alternative treatments and therapies, or even natural remedies) collecting Aloe Vera leaves from her garden, to sooth my sunburn when I'd stayed out in the sun for longer than little Aaron was supposed to. Like Eucalyptus and Tea Tree, it is an ingredient that has been found tried and true (and hence, part of our culture) for as long as most of us can remember - and long before we were even born. The Greek scientists had declared the plant to be the universal panacea; the Egyptians declared it “The Plant of Immortality”; and the Native Americans knew it as “The Wand of Heaven”. That's a fairly impressive history! But what is the secret of Aloe Vera, and for what problems can it be helpful?