Prickly Pear Cactus

Species Name: Opuntia.

Also known as: Indian fig, Nopal, Chumbera.

The prickly pear cactus is most commonly found in Mexico and the southwestern deserts of the United States.

Amazingly you can use this cactus as a source of food and it has been added to Mexican meals for many years.

The Native Americans have been using the prickly pear cactus as food for centuries. It can be very nutritional when used as a food product because it provides Vitamin B1, B6, pantothenic acid, niacin, and riboflavin.

What is Prickly Pear Cactus: This herb is a large cactus that can grow up to four meters tall. It has sharp spines with reddish and pink fruits that grow in large numbers.

Its flowers are red in the center with yellow colored petals. The stem, flowers and leaves of this plant are used for remedies to cure an assortment of conditions.

This plant has two carbohydrate fibers called mucilage and pectin which react to water differently. When mixed with water or other fluids the mucilage swells up by absorbing the fluid and the pectin dissolves into a thick liquid resulting in a substance that coats. This coating substance is believed to be what makes this herb so useful for relieving many conditions.

Home remedies using Prickly Pear Cactus:

Benefits of Prickly Pear Cactus:

It is believed that prickly pear cactus coats the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this it is said to be very beneficial for reducing hangovers if taken before drinking.

It is also believed that it can help to lower blood sugar levels. Many people use the prickly pear cactus to help reduce cholesterol and fight infections. It is also said to be beneficial for improving the digestive tract.

he leaves and flowers of this plant can be made into a cream. The cream can be rubbed onto the skin to help heal minor burns and scrapes.

It can also be used for sunburn, rashes and insect bites. You can even cut open the leaves and apply the inside of the plant to cuts and other minor abrasions to help in the healing process.

Uses of Prickly Pear Cactus:

  • Diabetes
  • Lowering cholesterol
  • Hangovers
  • Minor abrasions
  • Infections
  • Eat it raw
  • Broiled
  • Taken with water
  • Added to food
  • Cream solutions

Side Effects of Prickly Pear Cactus:

The side effects from using this herb may include a loose bowel movement or in some cases it has been know to lower blood sugar levels below normal. However, as of now there have not been any other side effects reported from using this herb.