The aloe vera is a perennial plant and member of the family Aloeaceae. Healthy aloe vera specimens are capable of growing 3 feet in height with an equal spread at maturity. According to Plants for a Future, the clear gel that lies within the aloe vera leaf treats skin disorders, burns and wounds with positive results. If you have an aloe vera plant, extracting the gel from a leaf yourself is possible.
Step 1
Search your aloe vera plant for the largest leaf that protrudes from its base. Slice the leaf from the base using a sharp knife or sharp pair of scissors, making a clean cut.
Step 2
Rinse the aloe vera leaf under warm water to remove dirt, debris and any insects that may have found their way onto the leaf. Blot the aloe vera leaf dry with a clean paper towel.
Step 3
Set the aloe vera leaf on a clean cutting board. Fillet the aloe vera leaf lengthwise; slice from tip to base, using the sharp knife.
Step 4
Turn each half of the filleted aloe vera leaf inside facing up on the cutting board, exposing a layer of gel. Scoop the gel from the leaf using a teaspoon or kitchen butter knife.
Step 5
Toss the aloe vera leaf halves in the trash can. Store the extracted aloe vera gel in a sealed plastic bag or clean jar with tight fitting lid.
Tips and Warnings
- If you would prefer not to use a knife to fillet the aloe vera leaf, simply squeeze the gel from the leaf. Lay the leaf on the cutting board, and press-down on the leaf using the palm of your hand. Keep pressing until the gel oozes out of the cut end of the aloe vera leaf.
- Be careful not to cut your skin when handling the sharp scissors or knife.
Things You'll Need
- Aloe vera plant
- Sharp knife or sharp pair of scissors
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Teaspoon or kitchen butter knife
- Trash can
- Sealable plastic bag or clean jar with tight fitting lid
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