As you spend more time outdoors in the warmer weather, the aloe plant could become your new best friend.

Researchers are finding more uses for the potent gel in the leaf, which has long been touted as having healing properties. The gel contains nutrients and substances that – at least in test-tube studies – kill infectious bacteria and fungi and block chemicals that help cause inflammation, itching and pain signaling.

A few studies, according to Consumer Reports on Health, have suggested that aloe gel applied to the skin may help speed healing of minor burns, abrasions, sores and even psoriasis. In particular, using the gel from a potted aloe plant is more effective than buying commercial preparations, which may contain little aloe.

Break off a leaf and squeeze the gel from the broken edge onto your skin. Keep an aloe plant on your home’s window sill to be in easy reach if you get a sunburn or other skin abrasion.