How to Use Aloe from a Plant

Aloe vera is a plant that can be found in many households due to its numerous uses. From its gel to its leaves, aloe vera can provide numerous benefits to your health and beauty routine. If you have an aloe plant at home and want to know how to make the most out of it, keep reading for some inside tips!

Harvesting the Aloe

The first step in using aloe vera is to harvest it. To do this, you'll need a sharp knife, gloves, and a cutting board. Cut off some of the lower leaves of the aloe vera, being careful not to damage the plant. Once you have the leaves, clean them with water to remove any dirt or debris.

Using the Gel

The gel is the most well-known and widely used part of the aloe vera. To access the gel, you'll need to remove the outer skin of the leaves. Cut off the edges of the leaf, then slice it open lengthwise. Scoop out the clear gel with a spoon or your fingers. This gel can be used directly on your skin for its numerous benefits such as soothing sunburns, moisturizing skin, and reducing inflammation.

Making Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera juice is another popular use for this plant. To make it, start by removing the outer skin of the leaves just as you would for the gel. Once you have the inner clear gel, rinse it thoroughly to remove any remnants of latex. Then, put the gel into a blender and add water to thin it to your desired consistency. You can add honey or other fruit juices to sweeten it if you like. Aloe vera juice can help to detoxify the body, boost digestion, and improve skin health.

Cooking with Aloe

Believe it or not, aloe vera can also be used in cooking! While it might not seem like an obvious choice, the gel can be added to smoothies, juices, and even desserts for a unique twist. Before using it in food, make sure to remove the outer skin and thoroughly clean the gel. Aloe vera is a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help to soothe digestive issues.

Storing Aloe Vera

If you don't use all of your aloe vera at once, it's important to store it properly. The best way to do this is to wrap the individual leaves in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. This will help to extend the shelf life of the gel or leaves. Make sure to use within a week or two, as the gel and leaves can discolor and lose their potency over time.

In conclusion, aloe vera is a versatile plant that can provide many benefits for your health and beauty routine. From using the gel for sunburns to adding it to your smoothies, there are many different ways to incorporate aloe vera into your life. Plus, if you have a plant at home, it's easy to harvest and store for future use. Try out some of these tips and see the magic of aloe vera for yourself!