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How to harvest aloe


How to Use Aloe Vera Plant: Benefits, Risks, and More

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Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that’s been used to treat various health conditions for thousands of years. It’s usually safe to use also vera directly from the plant or you can buy it in gel form.

Aloe vera creams, gels, and ointments contain the clear gel found in aloe veraleaves. These products can be applied topically to treat various skin conditions. Aloe is sold in capsule or liquid form to take internally to promote health and well-being.

Read on to learn how to use aloe vera and the potential benefits and risks.

It’s relatively simple to harvest an aloe plant for gel and juice. You’ll need a mature plant that’s at least a few years old. This ensures a higher concentration of the active ingredients.

You’ll also want to wait a few weeks before cutting leaves from the same plant. You may want to have a few plants on rotation if you plan to harvest aloe often.

To harvest your aloe plant for gel and juice:

  1. Remove 3-4 leaves at a time, choosing thick leaves from the outer sections of the plant.
  2. Ensure the leaves are healthy and free of any mold or damage.
  3. Cut them close to the stem. Most of the beneficial nutrients are found at the base of the leaves.
  4. Avoid the roots.
  5. Wash and dry the leaves.
  6. Trim the prickly edges with a knife.
  7. Using a knife or your fingers, separate the interior gel from the outside of the leaf. The interior gel is the part of the aloe that you’ll use.
  8. Allow the yellow sap to drain from the leaf. This is the aloe vera latex. If you plan to use the latex, you can catch this in a container. If you’re not planning to use the latex, you can dispose of it.
  9. Cut the aloe gel into slices or cubes.

If you want smooth aloe gel, after separating the aloe from the exterior part of the leaf, you can put the aloe into a blender and then strain the substance to remove the pulp.

How to use fresh aloe gel

You can apply fresh aloe gel directly to your skin or follow a recipe to make a homemade beauty product. It can also be added to food, smoothies, and drinks.

To make aloe juice, use 1 cup of liquid for every 2 tablespoons of aloe gel. Include any other ingredients, like fruit, and use a blender or food processor to mix up your drink.

If you’re planning to consume the fresh slices of aloe gel, it will keep in the refrigerator for a few days, but its best to consume it as quickly as possible. You can always store aloe vera gel in the freezer if you’re not ready to use it right away.

There are plenty of ways you can use aloe vera, both topically and internally.

1. Heals burns

Due to its soothing, moisturizing, and cooling properties, aloe vera is often used to treat burns.

A 2013 study with 50 participants found that people who used aloe vera gel to treat superficial and partial thickness burns showed better results than the group that used a 1 percent silver sulfadiazine cream.

The aloe vera group showed earlier wound healing and pain relief. Plus, aloe vera had the benefit of being inexpensive.

More research is needed, but the available evidence suggests that aloe gel can be beneficial for burn wound healing.

If you have a sunburn or another mild burn, apply aloe vera a few times a day to the area. If you have a severe burn, seek medical help before applying aloe.

2. Improves digestive health

Consuming aloe vera may benefit your digestive tract and help to soothe and cure stomach ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

A 2018 review looked at three studies with 151 people. Results from the studies showed that aloe vera significantly improved symptoms of IBS when compared to a placebo. No adverse effects were reported, though more research is needed using a larger study size.

Additionally, aloe vera may help inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which is found in your digestive tract and can lead to ulcers.

Keep in mind that this advice is for aloe vera only. Other aloe plants may be poisonous and should not be taken internally.

3. Promotes oral health

Aloe vera toothpaste and mouthwash are natural options for improving oral hygiene and reducing plaque.

Results of a 2017 study found that people who used an aloe vera toothpaste showed significant improvements to their oral health.

The study included 40 adolescents who were divided into two groups. Each group used either an aloe vera toothpaste or a traditional toothpaste containing triclosan twice daily.

After 30 days, the aloe toothpaste was found to be more effective than the triclosan toothpaste in lowering levels of candida, plaque, and gingivitis.

People who used the aloe vera toothpaste showed better overall oral health without experiencing any adverse effects.

4. Clears acne

Using fresh aloe on your face may help clear up acne. You can also purchase aloe products designed for acne, including cleansers, toners, and creams. These may have the extra benefit of containing other effective ingredients, too.

Acne products made with aloe may be less irritating to the skin than traditional acne treatments.

A small 2014 study found that a cream combining conventional acne medication with aloe vera gel was significantly more effective than acne medication alone or a placebo in treating mild to moderate acne.

In this study, improvements were seen in lower levels of inflammation and fewer lesions in the group who used the combination cream over a period of eight weeks.

5. Relieves anal fissures

If you have anal fissures, applying an aloe vera cream to the affected area several times throughout the day may help promote healing.

A 2014 study found that using a cream containing aloe vera juice powder was effective in treating chronic anal fissures. People used the aloe cream three times a day for six weeks.

Improvements were shown in pain, hemorrhaging upon defection, and wound healing. These results were significantly different from those of the control group. While this research is promising, further studies are needed to expand upon this research.

It’s safe for most people to use aloe vera topically for minor skin care concerns. Generally, it’s well tolerated, though skin irritations and allergic reactions are possible. Never use aloe vera or any severe cuts or burns.

Pay attention to how your body reacts to aloe. Notice if you experience any sensitivities or adverse reactions. Don’t use aloe if you’re allergic to garlic, onions, or tulips. Avoid taking aloe vera within two weeks of any scheduled surgery.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children under the age of 12, should avoid the oral use of aloe vera.

Carefully follow the dosage information when taking aloe vera gel or latex internally. Limit your use to small periods of time. After a few weeks of use, take a break for at least one week. Always buy from a reputable brand to ensure safety and quality.

The laxative effect of aloe vera latex has the potential to cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps. These effects could inhibit the absorption of oral drugs and reduce their effectiveness.

Do not take aloe vera internally if you have the following conditions:

Possible side effects of aloe vera include:

Talk to your doctor before using aloe vera if you are also taking the following medications, because aloe vera may interact with them:

You can find aloe plants at garden centers, floral shops, and even online. They are usually fairly easy to grow provided they have enough sunlight and warmth.

Aloe plants need about six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Younger plants need less direct sunlight than more mature plants. Typically, aloe plants are grown in warmer climates, but they can be grown indoors during colder months.

Water your aloe plant when the soil is dry for about two inches below the surface. You can use your finger to determine how dry the soil is.

Depending on your climate, you may need to water once a week or even less. Always err on the side of less to avoid overwatering, which can cause the tips of the aloe leaves to brown.

Make sure your plant pot has drain holes on the bottom to allow any excess water to run out.

Keep your eye on your plant’s health so you can notice any issues that arise and treat them accordingly.

Aloe vera plants are relatively easy to care for and process, and there are many possible uses for the plant.

Aloe is generally safe for most people, but if you have an underlying health condition or take medicines or use herbs, talk to your doctor before using aloe as it could react with other medications and substances.

Aloe Harvesting - How And When To Harvest An Aloe Vera Plant

Home › Houseplants › Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Image by lzf

The health benefits of aloe vera have been known for centuries. As a topical agent, it is effective in treating cuts and burns. As an ingested supplement, the plant has potential digestive benefits. Growing your own aloe plants and harvesting aloe leaves for smoothies and other consumables allows you to get the freshest supply of this amazing succulent. Knowing how to harvest aloe vera will help preserve the health of the plant and allow you to experience the flesh at its peak.

Picking Aloe Vera

Juices and smoothies are all the rage with suggestions of supplements and additives to enhance their healthful properties. Aloe has many healthful benefits, but you should be cautious when ingesting it. Even a small dose can cause diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, and other complications in sensitive individuals. For stouter people, aloe harvesting can provide a ready source of the nutritious and healthful aloe gel.

It is best to pick aloe from mature plants, preferably those planted in the ground. When the tips of the leaves attain a rosy tinge, the leaf is ripe and ready to harvest. The plant is fairly slow growing, so be cautious when aloe harvesting not to take too many leaves in a condensed period. Additionally, avoid removing the lower smaller leaves and focus on the larger upper foliage.

Choose a thick, smooth, large leaf and use a clean, sharp knife to cut it as close to the trunk as possible. A knife is the best way to harvest the leaves, as hand picking aloe vera may cause tissue damage to the leaf and the plant. Unblemished leaves are the best tasting and contain the most aloe gel.

How to Harvest Aloe Vera

Harvesting aloe leaves extends past the acquisition stage and into the preparation stage. Just getting a healthy leaf will get you nowhere if you don’t know how to prepare it properly. Aloe leaves contain a yellowish sap, called aloin, which can be very bitter and cause stomach upset in some individuals.

After you harvest an aloe vera plant, hold the cut end down so the aloin can run out. This will keep the gel from tasting so bitter. Wash the leaf then lay it flat on the table and cut off the serrated edges. Start on one side and filet off the skin, much like you take the skin off a fish. Continue removing the skin on all sides, including the yellowish layer, until a clear to white, translucent flesh is exposed. This is the good stuff and is ready to use after a quick rinse.

How to Use the Aloe Gel

Aloe in its purest form can be pureed with a fruit smoothie or juiced with other vegetables and fruit. It can also be cut into cubes and preserved by freezing for a month. The jury is still out in the scientific community as to the health benefits, but many users feel the plant is useful as a digestive health supplement. Either way, the live plant juices are a good nutritional supplement just as any leafy green, and the texture adds interest to juices.

In addition to harvesting aloe for its nutritional benefits, you can pick the leaves as needed for the treatment of minor burns or scrapes. Just squeeze the juicy sap onto the affected area for instant relief.

If you are lucky enough to have large specimens, go out and harvest an aloe plant and see for yourself what the fuss is all about.

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90,000 how it is used and how it is collected at home. Video - World News Today NTD

World News » Health » Aloe vera: how it is used and how it is collected at home. Video

Aloe vera is a common indoor plant. Since ancient times it has been known in many countries as a miracle plant. It is used medicinally to treat obesity and burns, dermatitis, ulcers, asthma, diabetes, acne, and even leprosy.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a short-stemmed succulent that reproduces through shoots. In the wild, it can grow up to two meters in height. There are over 500 plant species, 130 of which are found in Africa. It is found in subtropical regions around the world. You can grow it without the hassle at home. nine0003

Succulent aloe vera leaves grow right in the rosette. They have jagged edges and consist of three layers. The inner layer is a bitter translucent gel containing glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins. A bitter yellow juice containing anthraquinones and glycosides forms the middle layer. The outer layer - the peel, serves as a protective shell in which carbohydrates and proteins are synthesized.

Aloe vera healing properties

Aloe vera gel more than 95% consists of water. But it contains beneficial enzymes and amino acids that help digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Some of the enzymes contained in aloe vera gel destroy free radicals in the human body.

At least 160 essential compounds have been found in the plant to date. The healing properties of aloe vera are due to the combination of all its components.

Aloe vera contains iron, magnesium, calcium, chromium, copper, manganese, potassium, selenium and zinc. A balanced ratio of trace elements reduces the risk of cancer and heart attacks. nine0003

The yellow juice from the middle layer of the leaf is called aloin - anthraquinone glycosyl. It has a laxative effect, increasing intestinal motility. Whole leaf juice also contains aloin.

Applications

Aloe has traditionally been used to treat skin conditions, baldness and wounds. Due to the high content of water, essential oils, enzymes and amino acids, it is effective in the treatment of eczema, allergies and psoriasis. Extracts are widely used in cosmetics: in moisturizers, soaps, lotions for dry skin. Studies show that extracts of the plant can lighten skin pigmentation and help with acne. nine0003

Aloe juice contains polysaccharides and anthraquinones that improve bowel function. It also reduces the acidity of the stomach and eliminates inflammation, relieving heartburn.

Aloe vera is a source of vitamins A, B1, B12, B2, C, E and folic acid. Plant juice is useful to add to various drinks. Thanks to the content of zinc, magnesium, copper and iron, it supports the immune system.

Growing aloe at home

Although there is a wide range of aloe products available, experts advise using extracts of the plant directly from it. Aloe grows well indoors. He needs sunlight. Watering should be done after the soil is completely dry. nine0003

How to harvest aloe at home

Select thick, healthy leaves and cut them off at the base with a sharp knife. Let the aloe juice drain by placing the leaf vertically in a glass or other container. Then carefully cut off the skin with a sharp knife.

The resulting pulp can be used in smoothies or for skin treatment. Can be cut into pieces and frozen for later use. Watch the video.

Before use, it is advisable to consult a doctor, especially for pregnant women. nine0003

recipe, and also how to squeeze it correctly, how to squeeze it out of the leaves and get the remedy, what to do with it and how to store it? Selo.Guru — web portal about agriculture

Aloe is one of the most common houseplants. Unpretentious in care, it has many useful properties. It is used to treat colds, runny nose, inflammation and maintain general immunity. You can even prepare healing aloe juice at home. Let's figure out how to do this without losing the amazing properties of the plant. nine0003

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  • Which types of plants can be prepared?
  • What leaves can be made from?
  • How to cut a sheet correctly?
  • How to squeeze and get a product from raw materials?

    • What kinds of plants can be prepared?

    Help. More than 500 varieties of this plant are known to modern science. Most of them are succulents that grow mainly in the tropical zone. They are characterized by the ability to retain moisture for a long time. nine0003

    However, only about a dozen species are acceptable for medicinal purposes, the most common of which are aloe vera (another name is real aloe) and aloe arborescens, also known as agave.

    Despite the similarity of medicinal properties, aloe vera and agave are recommended for different purposes.

    The first is especially effective when used internally, it has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and the immune system as a whole. The second has proven itself in the treatment of skin diseases, as well as various wounds and cuts. Read more about how and for what diseases aloe juice is used, we told here. nine0003

    Which leaves can be made from?

    To obtain the maximum concentration of nutrients, leaves of a not too young plant are needed, preferably 3 or more years old. Medicinal are the lower and middle dense and fleshy leaves with a length of more than 15 cm without signs of disease or wilting.

    Help. Dry leaves must also be cut. They are not used in medicine, such processing helps to maintain the health of the plant itself.

    How to cut a sheet correctly?

    Juicing should be done in the winter-spring period.

    1. The main thing to do before preparing aloe juice is to stop watering the plant about 2 weeks in advance, this helps the accumulation of nutrients in the leaves.
    2. Place the plant in a dark place 2-3 days before the expected separation of the raw materials.
    3. Cut the leaves carefully, as close to the trunk as possible, trying not to damage it.
    4. The leaves separated from the trunk should be thoroughly washed, dried, tightly wrapped in dark paper and placed in a cool place (4-8 ° C) for 2 weeks. Further, all darkened leaves are removed, they are no longer suitable for further use.

    Find out in our separate publications how you can store aloe juice at home, as well as how it can be used as a flower food.

    How to squeeze and get a product from raw materials?

    How to extract juice from harvested and prepared leaves:

    1. Finely chop the leaves.
    2. Pour cool water into the resulting mass in a ratio of 1:3, mix.
    3. Refrigerate the resulting mixture for 1.5 hours.
    4. Squeeze and filter the juice with cheesecloth.

    The product is ready for use.

    To obtain concentrated juice, step 2 must be skipped, the finished mass is simply removed in the cold, without adding water. After the juice has been squeezed out of the plant, the remaining gruel can be used for cosmetic purposes - in recipes for face and body masks. nine0070 Sometimes squeezes are added to food.

    Important. Without heat treatment, aloe juice quickly loses its healing properties, so it is not recommended to store it for a long time.

    Learn more