Known as the plant of immortality, the aloe vera cactus plant can be found in desert regions of Africa and India—and even in my backyard here in Southern California. How did it get its fancy moniker? It's all thanks to the high levels of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins contained in the aloe vera gel [source].
Aloe vera is packed with vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that benefit skin, hair, health, and body [source]. While it's often used topically to soothe skin ailments, you can also drink aloe vera and reap the same healing benefits from the inside out.
So the next time you pass by an aloe plant or a bottle of this juice at the market, why not incorporate the plant of immortality into your daily wellness routine with the help of these three aloe water recipes.
Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera
Aloe doesn’t stop skin deep with its blessings. Taken internally or incorporated into a smoothie, juice, or food, aloe can ease a whole host of undesirable ailments [source].
Reducing cholesterol, promoting digestive health with its anti-inflammatory properties, and even fighting bad breath are reasons to give this plant a try [source].
When taken internally, aloe vera helps:
-promote digestive health and reduces constipation
-fight bad breath
-reduce cholesterol
-support a healthy digestive system
-maintain oral health
-reduce toxins in the body
-moisturize and hydrate the skin
Hydrating Aloe Water Recipe
Health experts recommend drinking 1 to 3 ounces of aloe vera juice daily. Because too much aloe can have a laxative effect, start with 1 ounce and work your way up once you know how it affects you.
If you plan on buying store-bought aloe juice or gel, make sure to look for aloe products that are specifically meant to be consumed and that come from organically grown plants. The skincare gel you buy from the drugstore definitely isn't the same thing!
How to use fresh aloe gel
Growing your own aloe vera plants is a great way to have fresh aloe gel on tap all year long. Aloe plants are perfect for beginners or those who don't consider themselves "plant people."
I have a few plants that I keep on a covered patio year round. Even if its cold out or I forget to water them for months on end, they're still thriving. So, don't worry that you might kill them — it's practically impossible.
No matter whether you grow or buy, you'll want to mix your aloe gel with juice, seltzer or some or natural flavorings to hide the bitter taste of aloe. Read on to learn how to make three simple, refreshing and tasty aloe water elixirs.
3 Hydrating Aloe Water Recipes
Equipment
- Blender
- Mesh strainer or cheese cloth
Ingredients
Coconut Cucumber Aloe Water
- 2 aloe vera leaves (or 2 tablespoons store-bought aloe vera gel)
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut water
- ½ small cucumber, roughly chopped
- Honey or agave to taste (optional)
Spicy Aloe Water Paloma
- 1 grapefruit, peeled and chopped
- 1 lime, peeled and halved
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled
- ½ cup sparkling water
- 2 aloe vera leaves (or 2 tablespoons store-bought aloe vera gel)
Iced Aloe + Peach Green Tea
- 1 green tea bag
- 8 ounces cool water
- 1 ripe peach (or ½ cup peach juice)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
- 2 aloe vera leaves (or 2 tablespoons store-bought aloe vera gel)
Instructions
- Choose a large, plump leaf at the base of the aloe plant.
- Cut the aloe vera leaves into halves lengthwise and use a paring knife to remove the skin from the top as best you can.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the translucent gel.
- Combine the aloe gel with all of the other ingredients (except for the sparkling water, if called for) in the base of a blender. Puree on low until smooth.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to eliminate the pulp. Pour into a glass, top off with sparkling water (if called for), and drink the liquid straight away.
Video
Notes
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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