16 uses for aloe vera

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

1. Condition and soften hair.
2. Moisturize skin.
3. Soothe sunburn.
4. Tame frizz.
5. Protect cuticles.
6. Use as a foundation primer.
7. Chop a section and use as a body or facial scrub.
8. Treat minor burns.
9. Lighten bruises quickly.
10. Soothe insect bites.
11. Heal wounds.
12. Soothe diaper rash.
13. Mix gel with sugar to make a scrub.
14. Massage into scalp to reduce dandruff.
15. Drink a weak aloe tea to uh, get things moving…
16. Rub on gums to soothe irritation.