From your garden to your plate to your skin!
As a gardener, there’s a certain thrill that comes with nurturing a plant from a tiny seed to a thriving life form. But what if I told you some of your homegrown veggies have hidden talents beyond the dinner plate? Take aloe vera, for instance. This spikey succulent isn’t just a decorative houseplant – it’s a treasure trove of potential uses!
For the beginner gardener, aloe vera’s appeal is undeniable. It’s incredibly easy to care for, tolerates neglect surprisingly well, and thrives in warm, sunny climates. But for those who love to experiment in the kitchen, aloe vera offers a whole new world of flavor and functionality. So, dust off your gardening gloves and get ready to transform your aloe vera from a pretty addition to your windowsill into a versatile kitchen companion.
1. Soothing Savior: The Ultimate Sunburn Soother
We’ve all been there – a day of fun in the sun that turns into a night of fiery discomfort. Here’s where your aloe vera plant swoops in like a green-leafed superhero. The clear gel inside the aloe vera leaves possesses incredible cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Simply cut a leaf from your aloe vera plant, slice it open lengthwise, and scoop out the gel. Apply the gel liberally to your sunburn and let it work its magic. The coolness will provide immediate relief, while the anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce redness and inflammation, promoting faster healing.
For an extra dose of TLC, store your aloe vera leaves in the refrigerator. The cool gel will feel even more refreshing on a hot sunburn.
After using the aloe vera gel, consider whipping up a batch of my favorite hydrating cucumber and aloe vera facial mist. Simply blend together equal parts cucumber slices and aloe vera gel, strain the mixture, and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender is a great choice for its calming properties). Decant the mixture into a spray bottle and mist your face throughout the day for a refreshing pick-me-up.
2. Bug Repellent: A Natural Remedy for Mosquito Bites
Sunburns aren’t the only skin woes aloe vera can help with. The soothing properties of the gel can also be beneficial for a variety of minor skin irritations, including razor bumps, insect bites, and minor cuts. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of aloe vera can help reduce redness, swelling, and itching, promoting faster healing.
Consider planting a few aloe vera plants around your patio or outdoor seating area. They’ll not only look lovely but will also be readily available for on-the-spot relief from those pesky mosquito bites.
Did you know aloe vera gel can also be used as a natural shaving cream? Its lubricating properties help the razor glide smoothly, reducing razor burn and irritation. Plus, the aloe vera gel will leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
3. Drink Your Greens (…Kind Of): Explore the Digestive Benefits of Aloe Vera Juice
While the clear gel inside the aloe vera leaf is most commonly used for topical applications, the inner part of the leaf (where the gel comes from) can actually be juiced and consumed. Important Note: Make sure to only use organic aloe vera plants and consult with your doctor before consuming aloe vera juice, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Studies have shown that aloe vera juice may offer some digestive benefits, including aiding with constipation and soothing heartburn. The juice is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which can contribute to overall well-being.
For a refreshing and gut-friendly drink, try diluting pure aloe vera juice with lemon, water and honey. Or your favorite fruit juice. Add fresh fruit for a vibrant twist!
4. A Culinary Twist: Add a Touch of Aloe to Your Smoothies and Salads
For the truly adventurous foodie, aloe vera offers some interesting culinary applications. Important Note: Once again, make sure to only use organic aloe vera plants intended for consumption. A small amount of the clear aloe vera gel (not the yellow inner part of the leaf) can be added to smoothies for a boost of vitamins and a slightly thickened texture. The subtle flavor profile of aloe vera blends well with fruits like mango, pineapple, and berries.
Harvest aloe vera for culinary purposes early in the morning when the leaves are plump and full of moisture.