Many of us are quick to turn to aloe vera as the ultimate sunburn solution after a long day at the beach—but it’s those same soothing and healing benefits that can make the prickly plant ideal for all sorts of bodily uses.

According to Britt Brandon, AKA the Ultimate Fit Mom and author of The Everything Guide to Aloe Vera for Health, you can incorporate aloe vera into your daily routine in simple ways. “Implement aloe into the diet by adding to smoothies, salads, etc.,” she says, “or utilize aloe vera for topical applications by combining it with other products.”

And with aloe available in a variety of forms (powder, liquid, and gel), high-quality store-bought selections can reap the same benefits as those straight from the plant. Just make sure the product has been approved by the “International Aloe Science Council (IASC), which monitors the production and manufacturing of quality aloe products,” she advises.