Herbal powers: Aloe

A fantastic house plant for those who forget to water, aloe vera loves dry conditions and will even thrive on neglect! Grown indoors, this long-lived plant reaches 12in (30cm) and eventually produces a tall flowering stem with bell-shaped flowers. The medicinal properties of aloe are well known, the gel released from a broken leaf soothes and helps heal cuts or irritations.

Prepared herbal remedies include Dr Organic Aloe Vera Lip Balm, £3.99; and Aloe Pura Organic

Aloe Vera Gel, £5.69, for chapped skin, both Holland & Barrett.