When we think of Aloe Vera, our minds immediately conjure up an image of the famous succulent and its healing gel, specifically regarding soothing burn wounds.
However, did you know that it makes for a wonderfully refreshing cup of tea too?
That’s right, also known as the desert lily, this plant is a versatile herbal remedy that has been used for centuries in the herbal medicine field, dating all the way back to the ancient Pharaohs of Egypt.
The plant is short-stemmed and rarely exceeds 100cm in height.
There are more than 200 aloe varieties, but the only one used for its medicinal properties is Aloe Vera – with vera meaning truth in Latin. It is ideally suited for dry and warm regions such as Africa, Cape Verde, and the Canary Islands.
Processing Information For Tea of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Tea can be processed in one of two ways. The most popular method we will focus on is the tea made from the dried sap extracted from the leaves.
The sap is then sold as a gel or concentrate, which can be added to any tea or used on its own.
Alternatively, the bright yellow flower of the plant may also be dried and used as a tea; however, this does not have the same flavor or benefits as the first method.
How to Make Aloe Vera Tea
The process of making this vitamin-rich brew is a little different from traditional tea-making methods.
Instead of steeping, the tea is made using a concentrated gel, and while that may set tea purist teeth on edge, the end result is a super healthy drink with a versatile flavor profile based on personal preference.
What Will You Need
- One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel or concentrate
- Any tea to your liking
- Tea sweetener of your choice
- You can also add freshly squeezed lemon and anything else you may enjoy to your tea
- This makes a GREAT version of iced tea, too, so toss in some cubes on a hot day.
To make Aloe Vera tea, follow the instructions to brew your favorite cuppa such as a black, herbal, or green tea.
Once brewed, add a teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel and stir until it has been thoroughly incorporated into the drink.
After that add your honey, sugar, or sweetener to taste and sit back and enjoy.
The drink may have a bitter taste, depending on which tea you choose to mix it with, but there will also be a fresh undertone reminiscent of cucumbers.
Top tip: Although a bitterer in taste, squeezing Aloe gel straight from the leaf is possible and yields a fresher cup.
Aloe Blossom Tea
The alternative to making the tea and gel blend is making a cup of Aloe Vera Blossom Tea.
This drink can be bought in blended bags that often contain flavors such as citrus peel, cinnamon and ginger to give a tea warm and soothing flavor palate.
The tea has no caffeine and is low in calories, making it a wonderful brew to add to a healthy diet.
4 Great Benefits of Aloe Vera Tea
It is relatively common knowledge that cutting open an aloe leaf and applying the gel to a burn will provide instant relief, however this powerhouse plant is often overlooked for its internal benefits when consumed. Let’s take a look at a few below.
1. Bacteria Buster
Studies have shown that aloe vera contains high concentrations of polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds. This means that it can be used to combat potential bacterial infections and be a free radical fighter.
2. Digestive Friend
A surprising benefit of drinking Aloe Vera Tea is that it can help relieve constipation due to the latex in the plant. Prolonged use for this benefit is not encouraged, but when it comes to digestive health, Aloe Vera has been touted as a go-to remedy for centuries.
2. Oral Health Boost
Aloe vera can be used as an effective way to prevent the build-up of plaque in the mouth. While studies indicate that it can be used as a mouth rinse, a cup of Aloe Vera can certainly help keep gums healthy while also preventing an unfortunate case of bad breath.
3. The Antibacterial Properties
of Aloe Vera that can fight against Candida Albicans, as well as Streptococcus Mutans – both bacteria that produce plaque in the mouth.
Aloe has also been used to treat canker sores and mouth ulcers. Who doesn’t like a cuppa that cleans their mouth simultaneously after all.
4. Sugar Stabilizer
For those who need to keep their blood glucose levels down, Aloe Vera tea can help reduce these levels while also aiding in diabetes prevention for patients found to be pre-diabetic.
Therefore if you find yourself feeling a little low or high in the blood sugar department, a cup of tea with a squeeze of Aloe Vera gel may be just what the body needs to stabilize itself.
Note: While Aloe Vera tea is almost exclusively taken for its medicinal benefits, it is always encouraged to talk to a doctor before taking any supplement or medicinal tea.
Allergies, current medications, and existing conditions may not be compatible with this tea.
Tea is medicine for the soul and mind, meant to calm frazzled nerves and carve out a moment of bliss, and it should never replace professional medical help.
Besides Tea, Where Else is Aloe Vera used?
As we’ve mentioned, this tiny succulent is a powerhouse plant and one of the staple ingredients of ancient herbal medicine cabinets.
Aside from tea and soothing gels, it is also widely used as an anti-aging compound in popular skin creams and can be added to soap for an extra moisturizing boost.
The gel is also applied topically to treat rashes, inflammation, and sunburns, and as a bonus, it has a marvelously cooling effect on the skin.
The plant is also sold as a popular juice with various added flavors such as pomegranate or lime.
The pulp is kept intact, sometimes as a novelty and to boost the drink’s fiber.
So if a hot cuppa isn’t on the cards for you, look out for aloe juice at any health store – just be careful of those sneaky additives hiding in the food label.
