A DUNDEE woman who suffered serious internal injuries while drinking in a Dundee pub has been discharged from hospital— after discovering the healing properties of a cactus-like plant.

Mother of two Frances Nichol said she had stunned doctors by starting to eat again just days after sustaining throat and stomach injuries so severe she initially thought she was going to die.

The secret of her recovery seems to be a herbal remedy normally used to counter conditions from sunburn to indigestion.

“They didn’t think at the hospital that I would eat again until next week, but then I found this natural herbal stuff called aloe vera,” said Frances (38).

“It’s meant to be for burns but what it has done has been amazing. I’m still sore from what happened but I’m out of hospital and I even managed to eat some cauliflower and cheese.”

Ms Nichol became ill after taking a sip of a white rum and mixer drink at the John Barleycorn pub in Strathmartine Road on Wednesday. The effects of what is believed to be some caustic substance were immediate and devastating. She was left lying helpless on the floor and vomiting blood.

Rushed to Ninewells, she was treated for burns to her lips, mouth and throat. A mini-camera inserted in her throat found further burns right down to her gullet.

She was given morphine for the pain but it had to be given intravenously because of the injuries to her throat.

Five days on, she still does not know what caused her injuries but is determined to find out.

The pub was closed temporarily as a precaution following the incident while agencies carried out a probe. A spokesperson for the Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises chain said last night, “The pub is open. The results of police tests are not due until early this week so we have no more information.”

Pub bosses stress it is too early to say that Frances’ injuries were linked to the venue. It’s understood, however, that suspicion fell on a bottle of soft drink that had been poured for her as a mixer. One pub-goer said there was a turpentine-like smell from the bottle.