Many of us have probably grown an aloe vera plant at one time or another. The benefits of the gel have long been recognized to help aid healing of cuts and bruises and even sunburn. I certainly can remember years back growing an aloe plant and I'd break open one of the leaves and spread the gel over a cut or a burn from the curling iron (yes, I'm dating myself but curling irons were very popular in the 80's!). Fast forward to today and Aloe is showing up in all sorts of skin care creams and juices. If you'll recall a couple of blogs entries back I had talked about using a diet detox regime. I used the Herbalife products and completed the 21 day Herbal Cleansing Program. Overall, I liked doing it, it was an easy program that cleansed in a very gentle predictable method. I didn't have to worry about leaving the house in the morning. One of the products within the regime was Herbal Aloe Liquid. Even after completing the 21 day program, I have continued to use the Aloe juice. Herbalife provides it as a juice or a mango flavored powder. I feel that I have an increase in energy and a greater overall sense of well being when I take it. My nails and hair seem to be growing great and my skin looks clear and bright. So I did a little investigating and this is the information that I found regarding Aloe Vera juice. I am making no claims regarding Aloe as a medicine or drug or that you should use it; I'm simply reporting what I read. Aloe may aid in digestion and have natural detoxifying properties. It may improve bowel regularity and increase protein absorption, decrease unhealthy bacteria and yeast, and may soothe heartburn and other digestive upset. Aloe is thought to boost the immune system. It may enhance fibroblast function; fibroblasts are responsible for collagen formation. There are a number of vitamins and minerals that occur naturally in Aloe including calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc, Vitamins A, B, B6, B12, C, E, Folic acid and niacin. Aloe also contains 8 essential amino acids and may inhibit inflammation. The flavor is mildly bitter so I just mix it in 2 ounces of juice everyday. And I've never felt better!  Have a great day! Beth