Aloe vera is a plant that has many benefits for your health and beauty. You can use the gel inside the aloe vera leaf to soothe your skin, heal your wounds, or make your hair shiny. But you have to be careful not to eat the yellow liquid that comes out of the leaf when you cut it. This liquid is called aloin, and it can make you sick if you swallow it. Aloin is a natural laxative that can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, dehydration, and even cancer. So how can you remove aloin from aloe vera and enjoy its benefits safely? Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Choose a fresh and healthy aloe vera leaf. Look for a leaf that is thick, green, and smooth, without any spots or damage. You can buy aloe vera leaves from some grocery stores, health food stores, or online shops. Or you can grow your own aloe vera plant at home.
- Wash the aloe vera leaf with water. Rinse off any dirt or dust that may be on the surface of the leaf. You can also use a mild soap or a vegetable brush to clean the leaf, but make sure to rinse it well afterwards.
- Cut off the base and the tip of the leaf. Use a sharp knife to slice off about an inch from the bottom and the top of the leaf. These parts contain the most aloin, so you want to get rid of them. You will see some yellow liquid dripping from the cut ends. This is the aloin that you want to avoid, wait for 30 minute-1 hours until all the aloin dripping out. Discard the cut pieces and the aloin in a trash can or a sink.
- Cut the leaf into sections. Depending on the size of the leaf, you can cut it into two, three, or four pieces. This will make it easier to peel off the skin and remove the gel.
- Peel off the skin from each section. Use the knife to make a slit along the edge of each section, and then peel off the skin with your fingers. Be careful not to cut into the gel, as this will waste some of the good stuff. You will see some more aloin on the skin and the gel. Try to remove as much of it as you can with the knife or a spoon. Throw away the skin and the aloin.
- Rinse the gel with water. Put the gel pieces in a bowl or a colander, and wash them with cold water. This will help to remove any remaining aloin or dirt from the gel. You can also squeeze some lemon juice over the gel to add some flavor and prevent it from turning brown.
- Use the gel immediately or store it in the fridge. You can use the aloe vera gel for various purposes, such as applying it to your skin, hair, or wounds, or adding it to your smoothies, juices, or salads. You can also blend the gel with some water to make aloe vera juice. If you are not going to use the gel right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months.
By following these steps, you can remove aloin from aloe vera and enjoy its benefits without any risks. Aloe vera is a wonderful plant that can help you with many health and beauty issues, as long as you use it correctly. Remember to always wash and peel the aloe vera leaf before using it, and never eat the aloin that comes out of it. Aloin is not good for you, and it can ruin your experience with aloe vera. Aloin is a part of the aloe vera plant, but not a part of its benefits.