How to Consume Aloe Directly From the Plant

Aloe vera plants are not only a beautiful addition to everyday decor in the house, but they actually have the aloe vera gel inside of every leaf. The gel is used to treat cuts, scrapes, burns, bug bites and sunburns. The gel can be extracted from the leaf very simply and applied directly to the wound. It is mostly used as a pain reliever on a wound; however, the gel can actually be consumed to treat and relieve irritable bowel syndrome and heartburn.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Aluminum foil

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut off a leaf from the plant. Choose the thickest and biggest leaf, the bigger the more aloe.

• 2

  Place the leaf on a cutting board. Slice the leaf's edges, then "fillet" the length of the leaf.

• 3

  Pull the filleted pieces apart. You will be able to see the gel immediately.

• 4

  Carefully, fillet the leaf again between the inner leaf skin and the gel. Slice it well. Although it won't hurt you, the skin isn't meant to be eaten.

• 5

  Pull the gel off of the leaf and place it on the cutting board. Simply, cut the required amount away from the gel and eat it. For heartburn or IBS, cut off an inch of the gel and consume. It does have a slightly bitter taste; to reduce the bitterness, put the gel into a blender with 8 onces of cranberry jucie and blend together. The juice will help take away some of the bitterness.

• 6

  Wrap the remaining aloe gel in a piece of foil and store in the refrigerator; it can be used for several days.