How to Make Salve From an Aloe Vera Plant

If you want to make use of the aloe vera plant growing in your kitchen window, you can make a salve from its leaves. Aloe vera leaves contain a gel-like substance that is traditionally used externally for treating burns and healing wounds. A salve captures the healing qualities of aloe. Keep it in your purse or car for use when you are vacationing, hiking or at a picnic.

Things You'll Need

• Aloe Vera
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Olive oil
• Beeswax
• Double Boiler
• Vitamin E capsules
• Jars or tins

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Instructions

• 1

  Harvest three large aloe vera leaves that are growing close to the soil on the outside of the plant.

• 2

  Split the leaves down the middle lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scrape the inside aloe gel with the knife into an 8-ounce measuring cup.

• 3

  Fill the rest of the cup with olive oil and mix.

• 4

  Grate or cut into small pieces a quarter cup of beeswax.

• 5

  Fill the bottom of a double boiler with enough water so that it will not spill over when the top pan is in place. Heat on medium and bring water to a simmer.

• 6

  Put the olive oil and aloe gel into the top pan and add the beeswax. Stir until the beeswax is melted and incorporated into the oil and aloe.

• 7

  Open two vitamin E capsules and squeeze the contents into the mixture and stir.

• 8

  Test for texture by placing a small amount of salve on the back of a jar lid and set in the refrigerator for a few minutes to cool. If the salve is too runny, add a little more beeswax. If too stiff, add a little olive oil.

• 9

  Pour the hot aloe vera salve into small sterile jars or tins. Let cool and cap tightly.