by Catalogs.com Info Guru Angela K. Van Winkle

Aside from being an interesting looking house plant, aloe vera is also an incredibly useful succulent to have around.

It is so useful, in fact, that it is used commercially in everything from after sun gels to moisturizing hand soaps and then some. Here are just a few of this wonder-plant’s many uses.

10. Sunburn Treatment

Sunburn may be the first thing you think of when you hear the words aloe vera. This is because the gel from this plant’s succulent leaves can help soothe your poor scorched skin after having too much fun in the sun, and can even lessen the chances of peeling if applied immediately and regularly while the burn still stings. Look for cooling spray mists, after sun therapy lotions and pure aloe gel – keep it in the fridge to ramp up the soothing power.

9. Burn Ointment and Gel

Like sunburns, aloe is great for easing the pain and severity of first and second degree burns. Just slather some onto the effected area. Look for ointments and gels that include aloe as a top ingredient. One great way to soothe burned skin is to freeze the aloe gel in an ice cube tray and use the frozen cubes, giving the burn a 1-2 punch of healing cold and medicine.

8. Indigestion and Stomach Aches

Did you know you can drink this stuff? It’s true. Aloe is great for aiding tummy upsets and issues. Just be sure to follow the directions and don’t drink too much at a time. A little too much, and your indigestion treatment becomes a laxative. Any more than that and you could find yourself in real trouble.

7. Eyebrows and Fly-Aways

This handy little gel will have your errant brow hair behaving in no time. Slick a little on with an eyebrow brush or clean mascara brush, and everything will stay in place without being sticky or stiff. Also works great for fly-aways on your head, if you’re having one of those hair days.

6. Facial Scrub

Aloe gel makes the perfect base for a deep cleaning exfolient. The gel itself is super moisturizing and packed full of skin-rejuvenating vitamins. Just add scrubbies (ground apricot pits, baking soda, or sea salt, to name a few) and you’ve got a facial scrub that can’t be beat.

5. Cuts and Abrasions

That fat-leafed plant your mom always had around might have looked a little worse for wear. That’s because she was forever cutting off bits of it to soothe your cuts and scraped knees. That miracle gel inside the leaves just sits there, waiting for us to need it at a moment’s notice.

4. Skin Toner

The cosmetic and skin-care industry knows a good thing when it sees it. Aloe vera has been tucked away in every possible product, including skin toners. Aloe helps repair damaged skin (as you may have gathered by now), and works wonders on wrinkles, scars, blemishes, and even dark spots.

3. Makeup Remover

It’s the end of the night, and time to take off your mask before hitting the sack. Why reach for a pricey and chemical-ridden makeup remover when some humble (but powerful!) aloe gel will do the trick just as well, if not better? Try it. You won’t be disappointed.

2. Vitamin Supplement

So packed with nutrients is our happy little succulent friend, that many people take aloe supplements as part of their vitamin regimen. It aids digestion, repairs damaged tissue, and may even aid in treating diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels.

1. Shave Gel

Again with the endless chemicals! Many commercial shave gels help you get a closer shave and less razor burn, but there is a more natural choice. That’s right, the mighty and versatile aloe vera plant has come to the rescue again. Our hero will soften and strengthen your skin, even while you shave the hairs right off of it. Aloe vera, we love you.