Aloe Vera is a total superstar in the indoor plant world, mostly because it’s so incredibly low-maintenance. If you stick to organic growing methods, you can even harvest your own leaves right at home! The clear gel inside is a miracle worker for skin care and can even boost your health when eaten. However, you’ve got to be careful—this plant has a “toxic side” if you don’t prep it correctly.
Aloe Vera: The “Plant of Immortality”
This succulent has been around forever. Back in ancient times, people actually called it the “Plant of Immortality.” Fast forward to today, and it’s still a heavy hitter in natural medicine and the beauty industry. You can even find raw leaves at the grocery store these days! But here’s the catch: if you don’t know what you’re doing and accidentally ingest the toxic anthraquinones found in the leaf lining, you’re looking at some nasty symptoms of poisoning.
How to Use Aloe Vera Safely
Since it’s a desert native, Aloe stores its water in those thick leaves in the form of a clear gel. This gel is totally edible and packed with vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements. The “danger zone” is actually that bitter, yellow sap that oozes out the moment you cut a leaf. This sap comes from the latex layer between the green skin and the clear inner gel. It contains aloin, which can cause serious issues if you ingest too much. To harvest your Aloe safely, just follow these steps:
- Use a clean, sharp knife to cut a leaf off as close to the main trunk as possible.
- Place the leaf upright (cut-side down) in a sieve or glass so the yellow sap can drain out.
- Let it sit for about two to three hours.
- Once drained, peel away the green outer skin. Alternatively, slice the leaf lengthwise and scoop out the clear gel.
- Give the gel one last rinse under running water to be extra safe.
Aloe Vera and Your Pets
You’ll want to be just as cautious with your furry friends. Using the purified clear gel topically on minor scrapes or skin irritations is generally fine. However, if you’re thinking about adding it to their diet, you must ensure every drop of that toxic yellow sap is gone. Depending on the size of your pet, only use very tiny amounts. Too much can lead to some pretty unpleasant digestive issues for them.
