How To Harvest Aloe Vera Gel and 20 Ways To Use It

Harvesting aloe vera gel and utilizing it effectively can be highly beneficial. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to harvest the gel and 20 ways to use it:

Harvesting Aloe Vera Gel

1. Cut a Leaf: Choose a large, healthy leaf and cut it close to the stem with a sharp knife.
2. Drain the Leaf: Let the aloin, a yellowish-orange sap, drain out and discard it. This is especially important if you plan to consume the gel.
3. Cut the Leaf in Half: Lay the leaf flat and slice it lengthwise.
4. Scoop the Gel: Use a spoon to extract the translucent gel.

Storing Aloe Vera Gel

• Short Term Storage: Refrigerate the whole leaf or extracted gel. If storing the gel, you can extend its shelf life with natural preservatives like crushed vitamin C tablets.
• Long Term Storage: Freeze the whole leaf or gel in ice cube trays. Thaw slowly at room temperature when ready to use.

20 Ways to Use Aloe Vera Gel

1. Natural Moisturizer: Apply directly to skin for hydration and healing.
2. Makeup Primer: Use as a gentle primer before applying makeup.
3. Eyebrow Gel: Style and set eyebrows.
4. Glitter Application: Mix with glitter for a sparkling effect.
5. Natural Exfoliator: Combine with brown sugar or coffee grounds for a body scrub.
6. Makeup Remover: Use as a gentle, natural makeup remover.
7. Toothpaste Alternative: Helps in controlling cavity-causing bacteria.
8. Mouthwash: Homemade aloe mouthwash for breath freshness.
9. Shaving Gel: Prevents razor burn and softens skin.
10. Hair Mask: Soothes the scalp and moisturizes hair.
11. Anti-Frizz Treatment: Controls frizzy hair in humid weather.
12. Acne Treatment: Natural salicylic acid source for treating acne.
13. Personal Lubricant: A natural alternative.
14. Soothe Minor Burns: Aids in healing sunburns and minor burns.
15. Bug Bite Relief: Relieves itching and speeds up healing.
16. Constipation Relief: Aloe vera juice can aid digestion.
17. Hangover Prevention: May help in reducing hangover symptoms.
18. Bloating Relief: Soothes stomach after overeating.
19. Canker Sore Treatment: Speeds up healing of mouth sores.
20. Diabetes Management: Shows potential in blood sugar level management.

Remember, always consult a healthcare professional before using aloe vera for medical purposes. This versatile plant offers numerous health and beauty benefits, making it a valuable addition to your natural remedy toolkit.