Aloe Vera juice: have you tried it? It's got all sorts of health-giving properties, cleansing your bowel and rejuvenating you etc (obviously these aren't medical claims). I drink it every day, and my mother's been taking it for over 10 years: half a mug first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and swears by it. She's 77 and is still bowling about the village where she lives, still works (teaching) and is still a real powerhouse of energy to put the rest of us to shame. How much of that is down to the aloe, I couldn't say, but it doesn't seem to be doing her any harm.

The taste is like musty fruit juice - which doesn't sound appealing, I know. But hold your nose or buy the variety ready mixed with fruit juice. A good little company I use to buy mine is Forever Living - email vivien@highperformers.co.uk if you want some. If you buy a certain amount (say, 4 bottles - about £80 - remember it's concentrated, certified organic and lasts a long time) the postage is free - and we love a free offer here at MoneyMagpie!  

I'd say you can't really cook with aloe vera juice, but someobody will prove me wrong. This is a lovely warming drink for when we've all got coughs and colds, as we do in my house at the moment.

Driver's Aloe Punch

1 litre red grape juice

330ml can lemonade

Half and orange

12 cloves, stuck in the orange

2 Aloe Blossom tea bags

1 dessertspoon honey

Method: Gently warm all ingredients in a large saucepan, stirring. Ladle into heatproof glasses or mugs.