Aloe vera is one of the easiest succulents to grow around the house. This plant is also considered as introverts of the succulent world and the best part about this plant is you don’t need to worry about its growth once planted, it needs very low maintenance to survive.
In this article, we are going to see some healthy and beauty uses and how to get that aloe vera gel from the plant in an easy way.
How To Harvest Aloe Vera Gel:
Harvesting aloe vera gel is pretty easy when you know the process. In the process of aloe vera harvest, make sure you take aloe from a well-established plant which is at least 7 to 8 years old.
Cut out the large thick leaves that are growing at the base of the plant and it should be as close as the central stalked as possible. Tearing off directly can damage the plant, so use sharp scissors or knife to cut the leaf. Once you cut down the leaf, put them in the glass or jar to drain.
Aloe contains a yellow gel-like substance called aloin, which can cause severe gastric distress when ingested. Allow the aloe to drain for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water and pat dry. If you want to use its gel, cut the skin of aloe vera on both sides of the leaf and collect the gel in a small bowl.
You can use this fresh gel on your skin to prevent all types of skin issues including skin rashes, sunburns, acne, etc.
Make sure to rinse it before using it on your skin to remove aloin from its gel. You can even store this fresh gel in a covered container in the fridge for a week. By following above steps you can harvest aloe vera.
How To Make Aloe Vera Juice:
You can make aloe vera juice easily in your home itself. All you need to do is blend two tablespoons of aloe vera gel with one cup of water and add once tablespoon of honey to it.
Freeze or use aloe vera juice in a glass right away to enjoy its benefits.
22 Ways To Use Aloe Vera Gel:
Before using it in your regular life, don’t forget to consult your doctor to enjoy its benefits.
1. Natural Exfoliator:
Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with ½ cup of sugar to make excellent exfoliate for your skin. Rub this mixture over your body and rinse with warm water for soft and smooth skin.
2. Alternative For Toothpaste:
According to Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences paper, aloe vera performed better at controlling the bacteria when compared with commercial toothpaste.
It is also helped in healing several other oral issues such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
3. Perfect Mouthwash:
If you want to get rid of bad breath, then try this easy homemade mouthwash. All you need to do is mix ½ cup of aloe vera juice with ½ cup of distilled water, 11/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 drops of peppermint essential oil and 1 drop of tea tree essential oil in a small bottle. Stir it well to combine all the ingredients. That’s it your simple mouthwash is ready.
Gently shake the bottle and pour a small amount of mouthwash in to a cup. Swish the mouthwash in your mouth for several seconds then spit it out. Use it on a regular basis to prevent bad breath and other oral diseases.
4. Prevent Skin Irritations:
Simply use its fresh gel on your skin to prevent all types of skin irritations.
5. Anti Frizz Hair Treatment:
During humid weather, rub small dab of aloe vera between your fingertips and gently pat your hair to smoothen your frizzy hair.
6. Prevents Dandruff:
Blend aloe vera gel with 2 table spoons of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and one table spoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture on your scalp and leave it for 2-3 hours. Rinse it off with normal water and repeat it for once in a week to prevent dandruff completely.
7. Hair Mask:
Create scalp soothing hair mask using fresh aloe vera gel. Massage it directly in to the roots of your hair and smooth down your tresses. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes and rinse it off with cool water.
8. Use it As A Glitter:
If you want to use a glitter on your cheeks, then here is a simple and natural glitter to use. Mix one table spoon of aloe vera gel with as little or as much glitter you like. Now, apply it on your cheeks, hair and shoulders for a hit of shimmer.
9. Natural Moisturizer:
Instead of using chemical-filled moisturizers on your skin that cause irritations, switch to this natural moisturizer called aloe vera gel on your skin. Apply aloe vera gel directly on your skin and face to moisturize and heal.
10. Gentle Makeup Primer:
Aloe vera works as a wonderful alternative to makeup primers, and works much gentle on your skin. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel on your skin before applying your makeup to last it for longer hours.
11. For Beautiful Eyebrows:
If you want to keep your eyebrows well shaped and groomed, use aloe vera gel over your eyebrows to shape and hold them in place using a spoolie brush.
12. Prevent Acne And Pimple:
Use aloe vera gel on your acne and pimple to prevent them completely for twice in a day.
13. Natural Lubricant:
Keeping aloe vera plant beside your bed on a table works as an excellent natural personal lubricant.
14. Soothe Minor Burns:
Due to its anti-inflammatory and natural pain-relieving properties, aloe vera works as a great natural soothing choice to heal burns.
15. Relieves Constipation:
Aloe vera contains a compound called anthraquinones in the latex that helps in relieving you from constipation. Add a tablespoon of aloe vera juice to your morning smoothies to get relief from constipation.
16. For Bug Bites:
Aloe vera gel works as a natural option for bug bites and heals you faster from itching and irritation.
17. Eases Hangover:
As this plant is packed with water and nutrients, drinking its juice help you feel better after your night party. Or drinking aloe vera juice before you consume alcohol can prevent a hangover easily.
18. For Bloating:
The next time when you’ve overeaten and your stomach isn’t happy about that third slice of pizza with extra green peppers, try sipping some aloe vera juice. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and natural enzymes, it soothes all your tummy issues easily.
19. For Cancer Sores:
Aloe vera is also used to relieve some of the pain associated with some awful sores that cause severe pain that can’t be handled.
20. For Shaving:
Aloe vera gel makes your skin slick and prevents you from razor burns. You’ll have baby soft skin after your shave, once you’ve finished make sure to rinse your razor thoroughly.
21. For Diabetes:
A study involving aloe vera and blood sugars which were published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders found that fasting blood glucose levels in pre-diabetes was much improved after four weeks. However, scientists concluded that more research was needed.
22. For Baby Feet:
If you are struggling to wear sandals and other favorite footwear because of cracks on your foot, don’t worry. Apply aloe vera gel on your foot and massage it for few minutes and then put on cotton socks. Rinse it off in the morning to get baby feet.
As mentioned above you can harvest and use aloe vera