Only 15 minutes to make this homemade aloe vera juice recipe and get tips how to cut an aloe plant properly! Consuming an aloe juice drink is great for detoxification, hydration, weight loss, digestion, acne and more!
Why this aloe vera juice is so great
- Only 2 ingredients and a blender needed! This aloe vera drink recipe is made with only 2 ingredients plus options to add extra flavors. You control the ingredients and amount of sugar content.
- Extremely healthy drink and better than store-bought. Homemade aloe vera juice contains higher nutrients then juice that has sat on a shelf in a store, which maximizes the benefits of drinking aloe. Since aloe vera oxidizes once it is cut it, the plant will start to lose nutrients and so it is best to consume it right away when aloe leaf is freshly cut.
What is an aloe vera plant
The aloe vera plant is a succulent with amazing medicinal properties which you can learn about aloe genus plants here. When the clear gel is ingested internally like in an aloe vera drink, it provides incredible healing benefits as it has antibacterial properties, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, helps settle an upset stomach, reduce IBS and acid reflux [source]. Aloe also acts as a laxative as it contains aloin, known as barbaloin, which is the yellowish-brown found in between the leaf and the gel used to stimulate bowel movements and treating constipation. Although, too much can be have toxic or severe side effects and is no longer allowed to be sold over-the-counter [source].
As a topical healer, pharmacologically aloe provides active ingredients for soothing sunburn, curing acne and acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal [source]. The aloe plant is great to use the gel for topical use and to turn into a refreshing aloe vera juice recipe. Below I share exactly what you need to know about using the leaf for natural aloe in beverages (some parts of the aloe plant are toxic) and how to make organic at home aloe vera juice.
Ways to use aloe gel
- Add the gel with water and drink this aloe vera juice recipe as is or with flavorful additions such as lemon, lime, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, Stevia sweetener, or juice
- Use the aloe vera gel to moisturize skin and relieve sunburn
- Rub on the face to treat and prevent acne
- Treat cuts, burns, and bee stings
- Freeze any extra aloe vera gel into small cubes and add it to smoothies such as blueberry banana smoothie, matcha smoothie bowls, anti-inflammatory smoothie, and this green smoothie recipe
- Add any extra aloe gel to other juice recipes such as detox beet juice, green machine juice, and this green detox juice juice for weight loss
Aloe juice ingredients
Only two ingredients are needed and a spoon or knife to scoop out the aloe gel from the inside of the leaves. What you need:
- one large aloe vera leaf (organic optional)
- fresh water
- optional to add 2 tablespoons of honey, agave or maple syrup and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for flavor
How to make aloe vera juice
Making an aloe vera juice is super simple and a refreshing DIY beverage! First, wash the aloe leaf and using scissors or a knife, cut off the top and bottom ends off of the aloe leaf. Then slice the sides off, removing the stings or thorns. From there you can peel open the leaf into two halves, or use a knife to slice off one side. The green skin and any yellow or green colored gel is toxic so make sure to remove that and wash it again after opening and completely discard the skin.
Using a sharp knife or spoon, scoop or scrape across the bottom of the plant to remove the clear slimy gel. Hold the gel with your hands under water to rinse it off or rinse it in a bowl with filtered water.
Add 2 tablespoons of the aloe vera gel to a blender with 1 cup of water, lime juice, and maple syrup or agave sweetener. Blend for 1 minute to combine and enjoy right away. Alternately, you can use more aloe, and fill the blender with more water for aloe water or a favorite juice. See this measurement conversion chart for making cups into liters and gallons.
Juice variations
This recipe has a slight taste similar to an aloe water drink. To make aloe vera juice "juicier" you can add your favorite juice, coconut water, or more fresh lime or lemon juice and sweetener with the aloe gel. Or in place of water, all together, use coconut water for potassium and extra hydration.
How to freeze leftover aloe vera gel
Freezing leftover gel is wonderful to add to smoothies for a later time. It preserves the nutrients from oxidizing. Add it to a one-inch ice cube tray to freeze and cover until ready to use.
Aloe vera benefits
Internally: Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory and supports lipid and carbohydrate metabolism which helps to maintain and balance sugar, cholesterol levels in blood, and body weight. It also contains extremely high antioxidant compositions, which remove and prevent free-radicals from entering the body [source]. Aloe plants act as an antibacterial, antitumor, and can help treat rheumatoid arthritis, detox the body, promote digestion, treat gastrointestinal disorders, IBS, upset stomachs and immune system issues [source].
Externally: When aloe is applied externally it regenerates damaged skin, and acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-fugal healer. Use it to heal wounds and sooth sunburn. It can also promote hair growth (yes add it to gel and conditioners!).
Drinking aloe vera is a wonderful way to get all these benefits. My favorite being that it is a detox drink that supports weight loss, treats digestion, inflammation, arthritis, immune deficiencies, and heals!
Frequently Asked Questions
A little goes a long way so I suggest drinking one glass per day of this aloe vera drink recipe for its health benefits.
It is safe to drink 8 ounces of aloe juice everyday.
Drinking aloe vera in water or juice everyday is good for digestion, stomach issues, clean skin, hydration, detoxification, reducing inflammation, increasing antioxidant intake, weight loss support and treating arthritis.
The skin of an aloe leaf contains toxins that can cause kidney failure. This is in an extreme version, or if there is an allergy to aloe. Make sure to discard and not consume any of the green or yellow from the aloe plant before using it in an aloe vera drink.
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Aloe Vera Juice Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 aloe vera leaf (use 2 tablespoons for this juice recipe)
- 1 cup filtered drinking water
- optional to add 2 tablespoons of honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for flavor
Instructions
- Wash the aloe plant and slice the top and bottom ends off of the aloe leaf using a knife. Then slice the sides off, removing the stings. From there you can peel open the leaf into two halves, or use a knife to slice off one side. The green skin and any yellow or green colored gel is toxic so make sure to remove that and wash it again after opening and completely discard the skin.
- Using a sharp knife or spoon, scoop or scrape across the bottom of the plant to remove the clear gel. Hold the gel with your hands under water, or dip it into a bowl of water to rinse it off.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the aloe vera gel to a blender with 1 cup of water (and any sweetener and citrus juice if desired - see notes below). Blend for 1 minute to combine and enjoy right away.
Elena says
After read your blog every one can easily know all the benefits of aloe vera Juice. thank you so much for sharing this useful information with us
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
You're welcome!
Farha Khan says
Thanks for an amazing support that how to use aloe vera how to make aloe vera drink and important tips n suggestions.. thank you
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
You are welcome! So glad you find this article helpful!
Hannab says
I was wondering how long this stays for in the fridge?
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
This will last for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator. It is more potent in nutrients for the first 24-48 hours.
Fatima Chavez says
I did not know about the toxins in the skin and yellow juice. Excellent information. Thank you.
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
You are welcome and glad it is helpful!
Kim Carlson says
THANKS for posting a simple recipe for using aloe vera gel!
Danielle Fahrenkrug says
You are welcome Kim! 🙂