Aloe Vera Gel: How To Store It To Reduce Waste

After using aloe vera gel extracted from a plant we have at home, sometimes a little bit remains and we don’t know what to do with it. Did you know that it can be preserved without losing its properties? Take notes!

The aloe vera plant has been at the center of attention in the field of alternative medicine and beauty for some years. The gel obtained from its leaves contains essential nutrients  and benefits for both internal and external use.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries often use aloe vera gel and its active ingredients for their products. Despite this, many still prefer to use it in its natural state, because they believe it is the best way to make the most of its properties.

One of the drawbacks in this case is that not always use all the extracted gel  and often end up wasting large quantities.

Fortunately,  there are some very interesting preservation methods through which we can extend the useful life of this ingredient a little.

Today we want to share some of them – consider them the next time you have some gel left. Take note!

How to store aloe vera gel

Method of preservation with honey

Thanks to its high content of natural sugars, honey is a product that never expires. Its high preservation power is due to the low concentration of water, which also allows you to preserve sweets or fruit in syrup.

In this case, we can use it without problems, because it is compatible with the composition of the aloe vera gel and with its subsequent uses.

What needs to be done?

• After extracting the gel from the aloe vera leaf, pass it under water. It will serve to remove the yellow substance present between the leaf and the gel.

• Next,  mix the gel with an equal amount of pure honey.
• Use this product to make smoothies, teas, masks and more.

Method of storage in the freezer

Freezing aloe vera gel is a good method if you want to keep it much longer.

Most of its properties remain unaltered  and, moreover, you can count on a natural remedy ready in case of need.

What needs to be done?

• First, cut an aloe leaf to the size of your choice.
• Then, with the help of a sharp knife, remove the outer skin.

• Remove the gel with a teaspoon and place it in an ice cube mold. 
• Put the product in the freezer: it will always be ready in case of need.

Tricks

• To enhance the effects of the gel and the preservation method, add the juice of half a lemon to the mold, letting a little fall into each space.
• You can also  add a capsule of vitamin E to the pulp, especially if you intend to apply aloe to your skin, hair or nails.

Preservation method with vitamin C

By adding a good amount of vitamin C to aloe vera gel, it can be stored for up to a month in the refrigerator.

The best thing about this storage method is that it also helps boost its antioxidant and regenerating effects.

What needs to be done?

• Cut the aloe vera leaf on both sides.
• Afterwards,  put it to soak for about 24 hours; change the water twice in this period of time.
• During this process, you will remove a resin called aloin which can be toxic and irritating to the skin.
• Once all the aloin has been removed, extract the gel with the help of a spoon.
• Put it in the blender, add a vitamin C pill and a teaspoon of wheat germ oil.
  
• Blend everything for a few seconds and pour it into a glass container.
• Foam may form on the surface at first, but it will disappear after a few days.
• Close the container and store in the refrigerator.
• Use a small amount to make your own DIY beauty products.

As you have seen, it is very easy to keep what remains of the aloe vera gel we use. Put these tips into practice right away: it would be a shame to waste the resources offered by this wonderful plant.