Even if you have the opposite of a green thumb, you can grow aloe. And you should. We have an aloe plant in our kitchen. It is very sturdy and I even left it out n the porch recently and can now attest aloe withstand freezing temperatures all the way to 120 degrees, and it’s pretty hard to over water or under-water, it is the perfect plant for beginners to start growing.

Besides being a great introductory houseplant, aloe contains ample amounts of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, C, E, B, folic acid and choline. Potassium, calcium, selenium, iron and 8 of the essential amino acids are all richly found within this super plant. We probably all know aloe as a summer necessity, but with all of these nutrients, it is no surprise the aloe plant offers many physical and mental health benefits.

Improves Mental Health: Aloe can help regulate appetite and sleep rhythm thanks to the amino acid tryptophan, which aids in the production of serotonin. Serotonin supports feelings of relaxation and reduces depression. Recent studies also indicate aloes ability improve memory.

Aloe Vera Juice and Gel: as a topical application, aloe vera gel is great for all kinds of burns, including sunburn.  It has been shown to have therapeutic value in the healing of skin lesions caused by psoriasis.  The juice is a great general tonic recommended as an aid to digestion, a stimulus for intestinal health, and a gentle colon cleanse.  Aloe vera is one of the few vegetarian sources of vitamin B12, containing 19 amino acids, 20 minerals, and 12 vitamins, all of which have a beneficial effect on general health.  Drinking 4 to 8 ounces daily diluted in juice or taken neat is recommended, but just a couple of times a week will be beneficial.