Prickly Pear Cactus Extract

Species Name: Opuntia ficus indica

Also Known As: Indian fig, tuna blanca, nopal, opuntia, prickly pear, nochtli, smooth prickly pear

This large cactus grows a woody trunk and has a large top to it with various yellow flowers and spines with sharp barbs on it.

The prickly pear cactus extract is derived from various parts of the body of the plant. The flesh of it is sweet and white in color.

The cactus is primarily grown in Mexico though it has been cultivated in similar climates around the world.

Perhaps what it is best known for is its wet flesh which, in times of drought particularly in ancient times, people could use the fluid to fight off dehydration.

The plant first began being used for its medicinal qualities in 5000 B.C. by prehistoric people.

Home Remedies Using Prickly Pear Cactus Extract:

Benefits of Prickly Pear Cactus Extract:

Often used as a treatment of overindulgence in alcohol (or hangovers) this cactus extract is also good for nausea treatments and for dry mouth conditions.

It can also reduce blood sugar levels in people which allows it to work as a control for those who have diabetes. In addition to this, it is also believed to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.

Prickly pear cactus extracts are also helpful in other ways. It is able to treat inflammations of the eye. It can topically be added to the skin to treat acne and also to reduce inflammation of the skin.

It can be used as a salve to treat sun and windburn, to cover wounds and to reduce the pain from insect bites and burns. It is also useful to treat hemorrhoids in this manner.

This extract has also been used in shampoo products to improve the scalp’s condition and can treat dysentery, reduce infections from rabies and improve diarrhea in chronic circumstances.

In addition to this, it is a helpful digestive aid because as it dissolves in water it becomes a thick liquid, which coats the stomach and the gastrointestinal tract to prevent acid from burning these tissues.

Side Effects of Prickly Pear Cactus Extract:

Some people will have adverse reactions to this condition especially if they have kidney or liver disease.

Those who are pregnant or nursing should not use it.

It also has the potential of causing problems with diabetes medications and should only be used by those who have diabetes with doctor approval.

In some cases, it can cause blood sugar levels to fall to dangerous lows.