Byline: FELICITY WATERS
THE natural remedy aloe vera could soon be prescribed by GPs.
The cactus-like plant is being tested by gastroenterologists at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, to see if it can help patients with irritable bowel syndrome. It is believed to be the first trial of its kind in the UK and could herald the beginning of alternative medicines being prescribed alongside conventional treatment.
The director of the clinical research unit at Morriston, Kathie Wareham, said, "There is already some anecdotal evidence that aloe vera helps to alleviate the symptoms of IBS but we are now carrying out a full scientific study into its benefits. …
