Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species, well-known for the cooling gel located inside the long thick leaves. The gel is used for its antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and emollient properties.

In this blog, you will learn how to prune an aloe vera plant to extract the gel inside the leaves. You will also learn how to prepare and store the gel. Refer to my video in order to learn more about harvesting the gel of an aloe vera plant.

Equipment

What you will need…

·       Aloe Vera Plant or harvested leaves

·       two glass containers like a beakers or mason jars

·       One glass bowl

·       Spoon or glass stirring rods

·       Isopropyl alcohol also known as rubbing alcohol for sanitizing

·       Small sharp Knife

·       Vegetable peeler (Optional)

·       Cheese cloth

·       Funnel

·       Blender or immersion blender

·       Vitamin E for preserving (ascorbic acid known as vitamin c can also be used) (Optional)

·       Ice cube trays (Optional)

·       Wash cloth for wiping your hands to keep them from becoming slippery

·       Note: all utensils and glassware should be sanitized using isopropyl alcohol to prevent contamination of your gel. Also use gloves if you want to use the aloe vera in a product.

Instructions

Harvesting the Leaves

1)   Examine the aloe vera plant to determine which leaves to remove. I recommend removing the older leaves starting at the base as this will promote new growth for the aloe vera plant. The older leaves will be at the base and have a darker appearance.

Note: I do not use a scissor or a knife to cut the leaf as this may infect the plant. I recommend removing it completely

2)   Remove the leaf or leaves by pushing down and away from the base of the plant

3)   Rinse the leaves or wipe with water and pat dry

Harvesting the Gel

1)   Cut ¼ inch off the base of the leaf and place the leaf upright in a clean sanitized mason jar.

2)  Wait for 1 hour for the toxins to drain out of the leaves (yellow slime)

3) After 1 hour, cut ¼ inch off to remove any residual toxins that may still be present

4) You may store the entire leaf of the aloe vera if you are not using it right away in the fridge for approximately 4 to 5 days or in the freezer for approximately 6 to 8 months or longer by wrapping the leaf in a plastic wrap and placing it in a reusable freezer bag.  If you do freeze your leaves, let them thaw at room temperature for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Do not thaw using the microwave.

5) You may cut the leaf in section and use only a small amount of the gel. Some like using the gel from the leaf directly on a wound or burn.

6) In my video, I decided to use the entire leaf for demonstration purposes and I may use it later.

7) To extract the gel, start first by removing the prickly edges first, by using a pairing knife. In my video, I demonstrate slicing the leaf in half using a pairing knife and a wire cheese slicer. Both methods work great but I prefer using the knife. The wire cheese slicer is great to use for larger leaves. Cut the leaf in half lengthwise and scrape the gel into a glass bowl using a spoon.

8) At this point, you may freeze the gel or proceed by transforming the gel into a liquid by using a blender or an immersion blender.

9) Place a funnel on top of your mason jar and add a cheesecloth in the funnel.

10) Filter the aloe vera through the cheesecloth by squeezing it into the mason jar.

Storage

11) The liquid aloe vera may be poured into ice cube trays and placed in the freezer. Once frozen, store the aloe vera in a reusable freezer bag to keep it clean. The aloe vera should be good for 6 to 8 months. Do not forget to write the name and the date on the bag or container.

12) Add vitamin E or C to your aloe vera to extend the storage life of your product.

How to Use Your Aloe Vera

There are so many ways to use aloe vera gel

a.   Some use in a smoothie – I haven’t tried this yet

b.    As an ingredient for lotions, and other products.

c.     Use directly on skin when you have a sun burn or other minor burns. It is very cooling and soothing, great to help your skin heal.