The award-winning author is bringing her Cookin' For Cures book to Bega and Bermagui libraries this week to share her story of healing and immune-boosting through using the plant growing in her backyard.

Her knowledge comes from direct experience.

"I was a typical country girl living on property and doing some burning off, but it was a bit damp...we've all done it and I won't be doing it again," Ms Andrews said of her decision to lob some petrol on to the fire.

"I got second degree burns and lost all the skin off my elbow. I drove myself to hospital and the act of changing gears made the skin come off. My hand looked like a blown-up surgical glove with the blistering.

"The next day I rubbed on some aloe vera. I had a garden full of it and knew it was for burns but hadn't used it before.

"There was amazing instant relief."

Ms Andrews said she then went looking for more details, researching the benefits of the natural remedy that go beyond burn relief - including ingesting it.

She began using it in drinks and food and said it helps with numerous serious health issues.

"It strengthens the immune system - I haven't had eczema or arthritis in 14 years [since taking aloe]," she said.

Ms Andrew has spent the better part of four years compiling Cookin' For Cures detailing her experiences and recipes with aloe vera. She will be offering her advice at author talks this week.

Head along to the Bega library on Wednesday, October 16, at 10.30am; and then Bermagui library on Friday, October 18, at 11am.

Read more at www.angiessmartbooks.com