What is the best way to drink aloe vera?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, and according to a meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, it may benefit blood sugar control among those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. When considering what is the best way to drink aloe vera, proper preparation to remove the laxative-containing latex is crucial for safely reaping its internal health benefits.

Quick Summary

Properly preparing and consuming aloe vera juice can support digestive health, boost hydration, and provide antioxidants. Key steps include carefully removing the toxic yellow latex and blending the inner gel with water or juice. Using fresh, pure, and decolorized products is essential for a safe and effective drink.

Key Points

Start Small: Begin with a small dose of aloe vera juice to assess your body's tolerance and avoid potential laxative side effects.
Extract Gel Safely: If using fresh aloe, carefully drain the toxic yellow latex before filleting the clear inner gel to prevent digestive issues like cramps and diarrhea.
Choose Decolorized Products: When buying commercial juice, opt for decolorized or 'inner fillet' products certified by the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) to ensure safety and minimal aloin content.
Blend with Flavor: Enhance the drinkability of bitter aloe gel by blending it with sweeter fruits like pineapple or mango, or mixing it with water, lemon, and honey.
Consult a Doctor: Speak with a healthcare provider before consuming aloe vera, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, to avoid interactions and adverse effects.
Use Fresh for Best Results: Freshly prepared aloe gel provides the highest nutritional value, but properly stored refrigerated or frozen gel can also be used effectively.
Prioritize Quality: Select organic, cold-pressed juices with high aloe vera content (at least 99.5%) and without added colors, flavors, or excess preservatives.

For centuries, aloe vera has been revered for its health-promoting properties, most notably for topical skin care. However, drinking aloe vera juice is a popular practice for supporting internal health, offering benefits such as digestive aid, hydration, and a boost of essential vitamins. To safely consume this beneficial plant, understanding the proper preparation and consumption methods is paramount.

Safely Preparing Fresh Aloe Vera Gel

Extracting gel directly from an aloe plant requires careful steps to avoid ingesting the yellow latex layer, which can cause digestive issues.

Steps for preparation:

Select a mature leaf: Choose a large, fleshy leaf from a healthy aloe vera plant.
Drain the latex: After cutting, stand the leaf upright in a container for 10-15 minutes to allow the bitter, yellowish latex (containing aloin) to drain out. This is a critical step to prevent stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Rinse thoroughly: Wash the leaf and gel under running water to remove any lingering latex residue.
Fillet the leaf: Using a sharp knife, trim off the thorny edges, then peel away the green outer skin to expose the clear inner gel.
Scoop and rinse: Use a spoon to scoop out the translucent gel. Rinse the gel cubes again to ensure they are completely free of any yellow or green specks.

Simple Ways to Drink Prepared Aloe Vera

Once you have the clean gel, you can consume it in several enjoyable ways to mask its naturally bitter taste.

Aloe Vera Juice: Blend the cleaned gel with water or fruit juice until smooth. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime for a citrus kick.
Nutrient-Packed Smoothies: Incorporate aloe gel into your favorite smoothie recipe. It pairs well with fruits like pineapple, mango, and berries, along with a handful of spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
Tropical Hydration: Mix the aloe gel with coconut water and pineapple chunks for a refreshing, hydrating drink.

Choosing Commercial Aloe Vera Products

If preparing your own aloe vera gel is not an option, selecting a high-quality, commercial product is key. Look for reputable brands with specific certifications and check the labels carefully.


Comparison of Product Types	Feature	Inner Fillet Juice (Decolorized)	Whole-Leaf Juice (Non-Decolorized)
Latex (Aloin) Content	Contains minimal to no aloin, as it's filtered out.	Contains varying levels of aloin, which can have strong laxative effects.
Safety for Daily Use	Considered safer for regular, long-term consumption.	Not recommended for daily or prolonged use due to laxative effects and potential health concerns.
Taste Profile	Milder, less bitter flavor. Easily blended with other ingredients.	Can have a more pronounced bitter taste.
Digestive Impact	Supports overall digestion without a harsh laxative effect.	Strong laxative effect, better for occasional constipation relief.
Recommendation	Best for routine wellness and general digestive support.	Use cautiously and only for short-term, specific issues after consulting a doctor.

Tips for Incorporating Aloe Vera into Your Routine

Start small: If you are new to drinking aloe vera, begin with a small amount to see how your body reacts. Gradually increase the amount over time if you experience no negative side effects.
Drink on an empty stomach: Some proponents suggest drinking aloe vera juice in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize detoxifying effects, though others report stomach upset with this timing due to its laxative properties. For digestive aid, consuming it before a meal is also an option.
Dilute for tolerance: The natural bitterness of aloe can be an acquired taste. Always dilute the juice with water, juice, or a smoothie to make it more palatable.
Store properly: Fresh aloe gel can be refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container, but is best used immediately to retain maximum potency. Freezing the gel into cubes can preserve it for longer.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While generally safe when properly prepared, there are important precautions to consider before consuming aloe vera internally.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Oral consumption of aloe latex is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
Digestive disorders: Individuals with digestive conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or bowel obstruction should avoid oral aloe vera.
Interactions with medication: Aloe vera may interfere with the absorption of certain oral medications, including diabetes drugs and blood thinners. Always consult a healthcare provider before adding it to your diet if you are on medication.
Cancer risk (animal studies): Animal studies have shown a potential link between non-decolorized whole-leaf aloe extract (containing aloin) and cancer risk. Always choose a decolorized or inner fillet product to minimize this risk.

Conclusion: Finding the Optimal Method

Ultimately, the best way to drink aloe vera is the one that fits your personal preferences and health needs, as long as it's prepared safely. For those seeking the freshest, most unadulterated experience, extracting the gel from a home-grown plant is the ideal method, provided you completely remove the latex. For convenience, a high-quality, organic, and decolorized inner fillet juice from a reputable brand offers a safe alternative. Blending it with juices or smoothies not only improves the taste but also integrates its benefits seamlessly into your daily routine. By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits that aloe vera has to offer.

For more in-depth information on the scientific evaluation of aloe vera's effects, consult the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can eat the gel from inside the leaf, but you must first properly drain and remove the toxic yellow latex layer located just under the green outer skin. This latex can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea if ingested.

Some people prefer drinking it on an empty stomach to aid detoxification, but this can cause stomach upset due to its laxative effects. For digestive relief, drinking it before a meal can also be effective.

To improve the taste, blend the clear inner gel with fruit juices like orange, pineapple, or watermelon. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime, or a spoonful of honey, can also mask the naturally bitter flavor.

The appropriate daily amount of aloe vera juice can vary based on the specific product, individual needs, and tolerance. It's recommended to start with a small quantity to assess how your body responds.

Look for products labeled 'decolorized whole leaf' or 'inner fillet' and certified by the International Aloe Science Council (IASC) to ensure low aloin content. Check the ingredients for a high percentage of aloe vera and minimal added sugars or preservatives.

Potential benefits include aiding digestion and relieving constipation, boosting hydration, providing antioxidants, reducing gum inflammation, and potentially helping to control blood sugar levels.

Yes, consuming the latex can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea. High oral doses of unfiltered products have been associated with more serious side effects and potential health risks. It can also interfere with certain medications.