Aloe, or
Aloe vera, is a tender plant that forms a rosette of long, slender, fleshy leaves that are lined with soft, spiny teeth along the edges, says Hayden Shuping, greenhouse manager for Reynolda Gardens. Once those leaves are cut open, you ll find the gel-like substance that many health experts use for everything from beauty treatments to recipes. The interior pulp contains a substance called aloin, which makes it a favorite holistic treatment thanks to its reported anti-inflammatory properties. Just be sure to read up on the proper way to consume the plant if you plan to use it in any recipes, as parts of the succulent are toxic.