I have recently discovered that the numerous Aloe Vera plants decorating my shelves and window ledges are actually really useful and after a couple of weeks of using them, I can’t believe I have hardly used them before. I have had Aloe Vera plants for years and found that they are extremely low maintenance and multiply very easily. They need very little watering and if you pull out the ‘babies’ and put them in new pots, it won’t be long before they are having ‘babies’ of their own!
I am currently in the process of giving up shampoo and it was only a matter of time before shower gel was given it’s marching orders as well. The only reason I didn’t give it up straight away is that I regularly shave my legs and needed something other than water to lubricate them when shaving.
In the past I have used Aloe Vera for burns. After running water on the burn for as long as it is needed to take the heat out of it, then the gel inside the Aloe Vera plant can be added at regular intervals. Thinking of burns, I recently decided to station the Aloe Vera plants in key places where they might be needed in case of emergency e.g. near sinks. Once they had moved into my bathrooms and kitchen from random places around my house, I suddenly started thinking about using them for nappy rash, cuts and grazes and this seems to have worked well for us so far.
Then I read Aloe Vera could make a good shampoo and had to give it a go. That was when I had my ah ha moment and decided it would be the perfect shaving / shower gel replacement! It worked brilliantly and that is the end of shower gel for me! Well nearly – I am still on the lookout for an alternative to shower gel that will travel – any and all suggestions appreciated! I love the fact that I can grow this myself and use it for such a wide range of uses, which I am discovering all the time and I no longer need to spend money on shower gel that comes in plastic bottles – hooray!
What do you use Aloe Vera for? I would love to hear your experiences, hints and tips.
If you liked this post I would really appreciate it if you click like on Facebook and follow on Twitter – thanks!
Disclaimer – this article details my personal experiences only and are followed at your own risk. If in doubt regarding a medical issue consult your doctor.
To use it as a shower gel, shaving gel, or shampoo just pull off one of the leaves at the base. Then squeeze the gel like insides onto your skin or your hair. I also use a body brush before I shower and use bicarbonate of soda as a deodorant afterwards if I need to.
Love this idea! Aloe Vera has been a life saver for so many different bug bites/Summer rashes…never thought of shave gel though! Stopping by from Sharefest today 🙂
Thanks for your comment Morgan. I am just getting started with Aloe Vera, but have also found it has come in handy with scrapes and scratches recently. What do you use Aloe Vera for?
Great ideas. Growing up in South Florida I've used the plant for burns many times and remember all the plants my mum had. Think it is time for me to grow it again!
I have recently discovered that the numerous Aloe Vera plants decorating my shelves and window ledges are actually really useful and after a couple of weeks of using them, I can’t believe I have hardly used them before. I have had Aloe Vera plants for years and found that they are extremely low maintenance and multiply very easily. They need very little watering and if you pull out the ‘babies’ and put them in new pots, it won’t be long before they are having ‘babies’ of their own!
So, how do you use it as a shower gel? Is it in place of your cleanser or just as a shaving lubricant?
I tried giving up shampoo last year and didn't do so well. How do you replace it with aloe?
To use it as a shower gel, shaving gel, or shampoo just pull off one of the leaves at the base. Then squeeze the gel like insides onto your skin or your hair. I also use a body brush before I shower and use bicarbonate of soda as a deodorant afterwards if I need to.
Love this idea! Aloe Vera has been a life saver for so many different bug bites/Summer rashes…never thought of shave gel though! Stopping by from Sharefest today 🙂
Always amazed at what aloe can be used for!
Visiting from SITS 🙂
Thanks for your comment Emily. Now I've started using it, I am using it all the time for so many things!
Thanks for your comment Morgan. I am just getting started with Aloe Vera, but have also found it has come in handy with scrapes and scratches recently. What do you use Aloe Vera for?
Hey there, I'm stopping by from SITS. Awesome new use of aloe. It's in everything! The Avada shampoo I'm using is gensing & aloe & I love it!
Great ideas. Growing up in South Florida I've used the plant for burns many times and remember all the plants my mum had. Think it is time for me to grow it again!
Found you through yesterday's sharefest!
Thank you for sharing. I searched for an all natural shower gel and think I will give aloe a try. I have lots of it.