Any guesses on which plant we’re talking about? Well, it’s none other than the mighty aloe vera—a plant that’s always full of surprises!
Most of us know it as the go-to for burns and skin rashes, but this surprising succulent has secret superpowers you didn’t know about. Let’s check out the lesser-known, super practical aloe vera uses that you’ll wish you knew sooner!
Best Aloe Vera Uses You Didn’t Know About
1. Can Act As a Moisturizer
Run out of your face cream? Don’t panic. For a simple DIY aloe vera moisturizer, all you need are common household ingredients. Harvest a quarter cup of aloe vera pulp and mix in 1/4th of a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil.
Add in a tablespoon of coconut oil. Mix these thoroughly and store them in an airtight container for everyday use. This recipe will take hardly five minutes to whip up!
Note: Do not store the moisturizer for more than a couple of weeks, as it can start getting moldy.
2. Helps Get Rid of Dental Plaque
Time to see the antibacterial properties of aloe vera in action! There is hardly anything that aloe vera gel can’t help heal, and that includes dental plaque, too. Just dab some gel on your fingers or toothbrush and gently rub it onto your teeth and gums.
And this is why you absolutely must have an aloe vera in your bathroom!
3. Switch to a Natural Shaving Gel
Why spend on expensive shaving creams, which are often packed full of chemicals, when you have the most perfect natural alternative right on the windowsill? Not only does aloe vera soothe your skin while shaving due to its cooling properties, but a DIY gel also allows the razor to glide better over your skin.
For this recipe, harvest gel from 2–3 thick aloe leaves, mix in the same amount of sweet almond oil, and for that spa-like feel, add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil.
Heads-up: Don’t add water. Make small batches and keep them refrigerated.
4. ‘Au Naturel’ Face Wash
By now, aloe vera will probably have taken over most of your bathroom routine. So why not include it in your skincare regimen as well? Considering its myriad antimicrobial, soothing, and cooling properties, you can make an amazing face wash with aloe vera gel.
There’s not even a recipe—you just have to take some gel and massage it into your skin in circular motions. This will open your pores while keeping your face hydrated. Add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil—but always dilute it with a carrier oil first!
5. Can Heal Dry, Cracked Heels
If your heels feel like sandpaper, aloe vera is here to smooth things over—literally. Thanks to its hygroscopic compounds, it locks in moisture and softens tough skin.
Research backs it too—aloe gel forms a protective layer on your skin, letting it hold onto water better. Plus, it’s packed with skin-loving vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids that seep in deep to do the repair work.
6. Excellent for Relieving Foot Pain
After a long day, your feet bear the brunt. But aloe vera’s got your soles covered. It contains salicylic acid, which fights inflammation and eases pain.
Just rub a little on your feet before bed—five minutes a day, and you’ll notice the difference in a week.
7. Acts as a Natural Fertilizer for Plants
Alright, we’ve sung aloe vera’s praises for people—now it’s your plants’ turn! Did you know aloe vera contains some of the most important plant nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc? Combined with other beneficial enzymes and polysaccharides, it can promote healthy plant cells.
For a super mild, all-natural liquid fertilizer that also enriches the soil, aloe vera is the one to choose!
8. Boosts Plant Immunity
It’s no shocker that aloe vera boosts plant health too—it’s loaded with antioxidants and amino acids. These build a natural shield against disease, pests, and other troublemakers.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially in the garden!
9. Deters Houseplant Pests and Infections
From an immunity booster to keeping away pests, aloe vera deserves a permanent spot on the shelf of your houseplant supplies! It contains saponins that keep away common houseplant pests like mealybugs, aphids, and fungus gnats.
Dilute aloe gel with water and treat your plants with it. This trick also helps prevent fungal infections—talk about a two-in-one!
10. Amazing Rooting Hormone
This study shows how cost-effective and environmentally effective it can be to use aloe vera as a rooting hormone instead of synthetic phytohormones and plant growth regulators.
Aloe vera contains over 70 active constituents, such as vitamins A, C, E, and B2, besides various other nutrients, minerals, and enzymes, all of which are important for the formation of healthy plant cells, root development, and overall plant growth.
Besides that, acemannan is a powerful compound that protects cuttings from fungi, bacteria, and mold.
11. Soothes Scalp and Fights Dandruff
If you’ve ever dealt with an itchy, flaky scalp, aloe vera might just become your new best friend. Its natural enzymes help exfoliate dead skin cells, while its antifungal properties keep dandruff at bay.
To use, massage fresh aloe gel into your scalp, leave it on for 20–30 minutes, and rinse it off with a mild shampoo. Regular use can not only reduce flakiness but also promote healthier hair growth by keeping your scalp clean and hydrated.
So, aloe vera isn’t just a skincare hero—it’s also a secret weapon for garden care. Which of these hacks are you going to try first? Let us know in the comments!
