Aloe Vera Plant Helping to Treat Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms

Video transcribed below.

One of my readers told me about using the actual aloe leaf from the plant instead of using aloe supplements. She said the following:

What works better than aloe vera pills 💊 is

Buying an actual large leaf of the plant
Slice off a 1/2″ to 1” piece–remove the tough skin and use the jelly like interior
Slice off a 1/2″ to 1” piece–remove the tough skin and use the jelly like interior
It can be blended into any drink 🥤 or shake.”

Another way to use aloe vera is to blend fresh aloe vera for smoothies.

Adding fresh aloe vera gel to your smoothie is a great way to boost its nutritional value with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Here’s how to prepare and blend it:

1. Prepare the aloe leaf.

Wash the aloe leaf thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Carefully cut off the thorny edges along both sides of the leaf.
Trim the base of the leaf and stand it upright in a cup or bowl 🥣 for 10-15 minutes to allow the yellow-tinted latex to drain out. This is important as the latex can cause digestive upset and has a bitter taste.
After the latex has drained, wash 🧽 off any residue from the leaf.

2. Extract the gel

Carefully peel away the green outer skin of the aloe leaf using a sharp knife 🔪 or vegetable peeler to expose the clear, gel-like interior.
Use a small spoon 🥄 to scoop out the clear gel into a bowl, avoiding any remaining yellow residue or green skin.

3. Blend the gel

Place the extracted aloe vera gel into a blender.
Blend until it reaches a smooth and liquid consistency, according to Healthline. It may become slightly frothy, which is normal.

4. Add to your smoothie

Add the blended aloe vera gel to your favorite smoothie recipe along with your chosen fruits, vegetables 🥕, liquids, and other ingredients.
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and enjoy your nutritious aloe vera smoothie.

Tips

Taste: Fresh aloe vera gel has a mild, slightly bitter taste, which is why blending it with other ingredients in a smoothie can be a great way to consume it.
Storage: Store any leftover fresh aloe vera gel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Frozen aloe: For convenience, you can also freeze the prepared aloe vera gel into ice cubes 🧊 and use them as needed in your smoothies, according to Cooking With Books.
Safety: While generally safe for most people, it’s always best to start with small amounts of aloe vera gel to see how your body reacts. Avoid consuming the yellow latex layer, as it can cause digestive problems. Consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating aloe vera into your diet if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Always check with your medical professional 👨‍⚕️ before starting a supplement.