How to Trim an Aloe Vera Plant

The healing effects of aloe vera has been known for centuries. "The first known document to mention Aloe Vera as a healing plant was found near the Mesopotamian city of Nippu. A Sumerian clay tablet dating to the year 2200 BC describes it as a plant of great healing power," cites www.aloe-vera-health-benefits.com (See References 1). Aloe has many great uses for healing not only burns, cuts, and scrapes, but also stomach sores, mouth sores, and cold sores. The best way to use the aloe is fresh, directly from the plant. Once the plant is potted, it can be used for a variety of healing components; all you have to do is know how to trim the leaf.

Things You'll Need

• 1 sharp knife
• 1 container
• 1 teaspoon
• 1 sheet of aluminum foil

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut a leaf on the outer part of the plant closest to the soil. Using a sharp knife, cut the base of the leaf at an angle.

• 2

  Place the leaf on the edge of the container, with the opening facing into the container. This will allow the sap to drip out, so that all is left in the leaf is the aloe gel.

• 3

  Cut the tip of the leaf off and place it on a cutting board. Using the knife "fillet" the leaf, cutting along the edges of it. Pull the leaf in half once it is cut.

• 4

  Using a teaspoon, scoop up the gel inside of the leaf.

• 5

  Apply the gel to any sore, burn, cut, infection, etc., on the body where needed.

• 6

  If all the aloe is not used, the leaf can be wrapped in a sheet of aluminum foil and placed in the refrigerator. The aloe can be used for several days after the leaf has been cut.