Stevia is of the Composite family, related to lettuce, marigold and chicory. It was "Officially" discovered in the late 19th century by Dr. Moises Santiago Bertoni. He was given samples of the plant and he reported that one small piece of the leaf will keep the mouth sweet for an hour". He named the plant Stevia Rebuadiani Bertoni in honor of a Paraguayan chemist name Rebaudi. Bertoni found that the Guarani Indians had been

using the leaves of the plant to sweeten bitter teas and as a sweet treat.

Benefit of stevia:

*Stevia does not have the neurological or renal side effects of some of the artificial sweeteners.

*Stevia possess anti-fungal and anti-bacterial property also in addition to its other versatile uses. It can be safely used in herbal medicines, tonics for diabetic patients and also in the daily usage products like

mouthwashes, and tooth pastes.

*Mild Stevia leaf tea offers excellent relief for an upset stomach.

*On topical application, Stevia extracts have therapeutic effect on acne, dermatitis, eczema and seborrhea. When placed directly on cuts and wounds, it has shown rapid healing without scarring.