The aloe vera plant, which is one of the oldest medicinal plants, is known for its healing abilities. This plant has characteristic thick green, branch-like pointed leaves that contain moist pulp. The aloe vera's pulp is a popula treatment for minor skin scrapes, cuts, burns and irritation; however, when used internally, it also helps soothe and treat stomach ulcers, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. A study published in the medical journal "Angiology" notes that aloe vera juice also has heart healthy and immune boosting properties. You can prepare fresh aloe vera juice at home. However, it is important to consult a doctor before using this herbal drink for treating health conditions.
Step 1
Choose a thick and mature branch or leaf from an aloe vera plant and remove it by cutting it close to the base of the plant. Stand the leaf up in a bowl, so that the inner yellow sap, which is also called aloin or latex, drains out. Aloin should not be ingested as it is a laxative. Wash the leaf thoroughly with warm water.
Step 2
Scrape off the sharp outer rind of the harvested leaf by beginning at the edges. Use a paring knife. Peel away the outer rind and fillet the leaf so that the white pulp is exposed. Use a spoon to scoop out the white inner pulp by pressing down firmly but not too close to the green rind to avoid mixing any remaining yellow sap or aloin with the pulp.
Step 3
Place the pulp in a strainer and rinse with white vinegar to remove any remaining sap. Wash again with water to remove the vinegar. Place the cleansed aloe vera pulp in a blender and either puree or liquefy it to make it easier to drink. Either mix the aloe vera with fresh fruit juice to flavor it or add it to a fruit smoothie.
Step 4
Drink the fresh aloe vera juice immediately for best results. Store any remaining aloe vera by refrigerating or freezing it in a tightly sealed container. Do not drink more more aloe vera juice per day than is recommended by a health care professional.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a smaller mason jar to blend the aloe vera for a smoother consistency. To make the aloe vera pulp stay fresh longer, either add a drop of vitamin E oil by squeezing it from a vitamin capsule or combine citric acid powder made from a crushed vitamin C tablet.
Things You'll Need
- Aloe vera leaf
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Butter knife
- Blender
- Strainer
- Vinegar
- Glass
- Orange or fruit juice
References
- The British Journal of General Practice: Aloe vera: a systematic review of its clinical effectiveness
- KnowledgeHound: How to Juice an Aloe Leaf -- Grow Your Own Aloe Vera Gel
- PubMed.gov: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral aloe vera gel for active ulcerative colitis
- "Angiology": Prevention of Atheromatous Heart Disease
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