If all the claims for the health benefits of aloe vera were to be believed it would truly be a magical plant. Leaving aside the more outrageous claims the plant is still remarkably useful for minor skin irritations and burns among other ailments. It has the added benefit of being an easy houseplant to care for as Abbi Hayes explains in her article over at the Planters Place website.

Aloe Vera is definitely one of nature?s most miraculous plants. How lucky for us that it thrives in containers with little more than a sunny location and occasional water?! Its medicinal uses appear to be endless, but only some are backed up by scientific research, while others need further investigation.
Here are some useful qualities of Aloe Vera, sticking to those deemed safe by the scientific community. (I left off ingestion of the plant, even though I think that this is safe in small amounts. Aloe Vera is high in vitamins, minerals, amino and fatty acids, and has been used for thousands of years to aid digestion. However, there is conflicting evidence as to how much and how often is safe.)

First Aid

Aloe Vera is probably best known for its ability to soothe skin irritations. The gel found inside its leaf instantly soothes and helps heal burns, stings, bites, psoriasis, and rashes. Simply cut off as much of a leaf as you need (just the tip of a leaf for a single bite, maybe a whole leaf for sunburn), slice open, and apply the gel to the skin. For added relief, especially for burns, place a leaf in the refrigerator until cold, and then apply to skin.

See more at: Planters Place
Image source: Tess Watson