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Monday, June 17, 2013

How To Harvest Aloe Vera Gel

I have lived in Florida since the late 80’s.  While living in the south I have also had Aloe Vera plants growing in my yard.  I currently have over a dozen plants growing outside around my home.  In this hot and steamy climate these amazing succulents grow like a weed and spread very quickly.  I love this plant because it has so many wonderful uses, and it is the perfect treatment for burns, minor boo boos, or dry skin.


How To Harvest Aloe Vera Gel:
  1. Cut off a healthy Aloe Vera leaf close to the plants center.
  2. Slice it carefully along the center of the leaf, along its entire length.
  3. Gently peel back the two cut edges.
  4. Use a spoon to scrape the clear gel from the center of the leaf, then place it in a bowl.


    Aloe Vera Gel Tips and Uses:
    • At the center of the plant, the aloe vera leaves contain a thickest gel.
    • Do not use any gel with a green tinge.
    • Aloe Vera gel makes a wonderful shaving gel for gently shaving your legs.
    • It is a fantastic addictive for homemade facial masks.
    • Applied on your hair it can tame any fizze, and repair dry hair.
    • Aloe Vera gel makes a great oil free moisturizer, it’s a effective humectant increasing water retention in the skin.
    • It can be used to treat sunburn, it hydrates the skin for a quick recovery.
    • It is a magical skin brightener, and can decrease age spots.
    • I like to massage Aloe Vera gel into my feet and cover with socks for a moistening foot treatment.


    I truly enjoy cultivating my own aloe vera plants, and using this miracle gel.
    Do you grow Aloe Vera at home?  Do you have other uses for Aloe Vera gel?

    Smiles, Paula


    { Follow Me On Pinterest }Paula Parrish

9 comments:

  1. I saw you on Making the World Cuter. I had to come visit. I've had an aloe plant growing in my kitchen for years and I've never known what to do with it. Thank you for your very helpful post. I pinned so for later reference.

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  2. Yes, but I grow mine inside in pots. Sometimes I put them outside for the summer. We usually just use it to treat burns. Thanks for the other ideas.

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  3. Thank you for this great information, however I have a few question: After you harvest the gel, do you keep it in the fridge? How long can you keep the gel before it spoils? Thanks - Vickie

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    1. Use it fresh, because as soon as you harvest it quickly loses it consistency and becomes unstable. I store mine unrefrigerated, and I use it the same day or the following day. Thanks for stopping by. ;o)

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  4. This is so neat! I am loving your homemade beauty recipes and can't wait to check out some more :)
    ~Katie @ Upcycled Treasures

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  5. Awesome tips! Wouldn't have thought to use it for some of the things you mentioned! Thanks! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof

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  6. Thanks for the tip! Now I need an aloe plant!!!

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  7. Really cool. I wish we had AV plants like that where I live! Thanks for linking up with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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  8. I too live in Fl and have lots of aloe plants... I do all the things you do with it, but after I skim the gel from the leaf I pop it into a cuisinart I keep just for my herbal uses and give it a whirl to help break down the fibers and whip it up. I also like to chill it in the fridge before use except in emergencies, you are right best used fresh as possible.

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