It fascinates us that so many things which are generally considered to be “good” for us – and we really should do them (!) – come with so much negative baggage and energy. And, as we’ve said many times before, the “should” word is always a sign we really don’t want to do whatever it is. Not a great start for anything in life… 

 

The one we’d like to talk about today often goes hand in hand with those dreaded New Year’s Resolutions, although it can occur at any time of year. Have you guessed what it is yet? Goal setting. 

Mention lead poisoning and two pictures probably spring to mind. 

 

The lead water pipes found in Victorian houses, seen as cutting edge technology at the time (!), bringing fresh water directly into people’s home. 

 

4 Star leaded petrol, used for many years to fuel cars and lorries and only phased out relatively recently. 

 

With both now being firmly consigned to history, it’s easy to think of lead poisoning as being a thing of the past but, sadly, this isn’t quite the case. Its use goes back much, much, further than these relatively modern examples. 

We often talk about the many – and various – tricks the Little Monster in our Heads plays on us. At first glance, they all seem eminently sensible and reasonable, common sense really. So, it’s hardly surprising that we rarely stop to question them, accepting them without a second thought. And the trap springs, with us doing – or not doing (!) – the same things over and over again. On one hand we remain “safe”, with the status quo – our current circumstances, not the rather aged rock band (!) – continuing as before. On the other, we continue doing – or not doing – the same time over and over again. 

Aloe Vera is one of those plants with a myriad of different uses. Not only is it safe to use both internally and externally, but it’s also a good natured – and almost indestructible (!) – house plant. 

 

A tropical plant found in Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and America it’s estimated there are more than 400 different varieties in the wild. 

 

So, what makes it so useful?