How to Use an Aloe Vera Plant

The pulp inside an aloe vera plant contains anti-inflammatory enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. These properties can have healing effects on cuts, bug bites and sunburns. Aloe vera gel sold in stores is processed so many times, by the time it makes it into the bottle, almost all of the natural ingredients have been lost. With a kitchen knife, you will be able to extract the natural gel from the plant.

Things You'll Need

• Kitchen knife

Instructions

1. Choose a leaf at the bottom of the aloe vera plant, closest to the ground. The aloe vera gel is stored within these leaves. The bottom leaves hold the more potent aloe vera gel. Cut the whole leaf off with a knife.

2. Remove the thorns from the extracted leaf, using the knife. Discard thorns.

3. Lay leaf down on a flat surface. Take the knife and slice across the leaf, leaving a slit between the top and bottom layer.

4. Lift up the top layer and apply the gel directly to your wound or burn. If you find that there is a dry patch in the leaf, slice through it with the knife. This should extract any hidden gel.

5. Place the rest of the leaf into a plastic bag. Unless you were treating a very large burn or wound, there should be leftover gel. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

References

• Ideal Bite
• Tipnut