Most of us are familiar with Aloe Vera's use as a burn ointment, but this handy little houseplant has a number of other fantastic uses for aloe vera as well. It's uses range from medicinal to cosmetic - it's also wonderful for skin and hair!
Aloe has been used traditionally as a burn ointment, wound salve, cosmetic treatment, and oral laxative. It's super easy to grow in a container indoors for easy access - I think it makes a perfect housewarming or wedding present. I don't think I've ever actually had my own plant but from what I understand it's pretty hard to kill. It's a succulent that grows very slowly, ideally in low-light areas. Like other succulents, it needs very little water. If you can get your hands on a mature plant - that's great! But the smaller ones are still potent enough to be useful.
If you have a mature plant, you can even give the gift of aloe vera's healing properties by cutting off shoots and re-potting them - a whole new plant will grow!
You can also buy pure aloe vera gel... but that's not as much fun. 🙂
When you do have yourself a healthy supply of aloe, you'll be able to heal and nourish your skin and hair. Lots of uses here:
16 uses for aloe vera
- Condition and soften hair.
- Moisturize skin.
- Soothe sunburn.
- Tame frizz.
- Protect cuticles.
- Use as a foundation primer.
- Chop a section and use as a body or facial scrub.
- Treat minor burns.
- Lighten bruises quickly.
- Soothe insect bites.
- Heal wounds.
- Soothe diaper rash.
- Mix gel with sugar to make a scrub.
- Massage into scalp to reduce dandruff.
- Drink a weak aloe tea to uh, get things moving...
- Rub on gums to soothe irritation.
Jonathan (EcoDad)
I used to grow Aloe as a kid. I've killed Aloe plants before, but it took a lot of neglect, like being away for several weeks in a row and forgetting to get someone to water it. I'm going to see about growing some to help with my daughters tangled hair. Any idea if it is safe for cats?
Kylie Worthington
Hey Jonathan, it looks like Aloe is toxic to both cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/aloe
Louise Faith
How much fresh gel is it suggested to take daily, for easier bowl movements? Would adding a certain amount to green smoothies be an acceptable way to take internally. Is the peel/rind edible? Thanks.