How To Get Aloe From a Plant
Pure aloe vera gel has been used for thousands of years to treat minor burns. Here's how to harvest it yourself, from an aloe vera plant.
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You Will Need
- An aloe vera plant
- A serrated knife
Steps
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Taking aloe or aloe latex orally for laxative effects may lead to cramping or diarrhea.
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Step 1
Cut off an aloe vera leaf
Using a serrated knife, cut a large aloe vera leaf from a living plant. The leaf should be green and thick.
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Step 2
Drain the liquid resin
Hold the leaf cut side down and allow the liquid resin in the inner lining of the leaf to drip out.
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Persons allergic to garlic and onions may have allergic reactions to aloe.
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Step 3
Cut off the top layer
Cut off the top layer of the leaf’s skin to expose the underlying layer of aloe vera gel.
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Step 4
Cut away the sides of the leaf
Cut away the skin from the two sides of the leaf.
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Step 5
Remove the gel
Cut the layer of gel away from the bottom layer of skin and place it in a cup.
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Some taxonomists have suggested that aloe vera is an ancient hybrid and not a naturally developed species.
