Aloe Vera is native to Africa, but is grown today in the West Indies and the American Southwest. Aloe is a member of the lily family although it resembles a cactus. It’s been used since ancient times, but only recently has it enjoyed a rediscovery and subsequent popularity explosion. Aloe Vera is a nutritional storehouse, containing vitamins B1, B2, B6, C, niacinamide, choline and 18 amino acids, in addition to many other nutritional substances. Aloe Vera juice is an ingredient in many commercial topical creams, lotions and shampoos. Aloe Vera juiced is pressed from the fresh leaves of the aloe plant, a plant known for its ability to heal. The pressing of the leaves yields a thin, watery juice, not to be confused with the commercial formulations which are thickened into a gel.