Botanical Name: Opuntia streptacantha species
Uses of Prickly Pear: Prickly pear has been used to treat wounds, GI complaints, lipid disorders, and diabetes.
Prickly Pear Adverse Reactions: Dermatitis may be the most common side
effect from prickly pear. Side effects may include exacerbation of
hypoglycemia if combined with oral hypoglycemic agents.
History: Prickly pear has been used as a food source (conserves) and
for alcoholic drinks in Mexico for hundreds of years. Native Americans
have applied the pads to wounds and bruises.
Chemistry:
Prickly pear fruit is high in nutritional value. Analysis of pulp,
skin, and seeds reveals high amounts of calcium, potassium, and
carbohydrates. Other reported nutrients include vitamin C, iron, and
phosphorus. Mucilage, sugars, and other fruit acids are also found in
the fruit.
Prickly pear fruit is nutritious. The cactus pads
are used in a variety of cooking preparations, including soups and
salads. The taste has been compared with green beans or asparagus, with
the sticky mucilage similar to okra. Prickly pear fruit liquid has
been studied as a natural sweetener.
Dermatologic effects:
Prickly pear cactus flowers have been used as an astringent for wounds
and for their healing effects on the skin. The cactus pads have been
used for medicinal purposes mainly by Indian tribes in Mexico and the
southwestern US, as a poultice for rash, sunburn, burns, insect bites,
minor wounds, hemorrhoids, earaches, and asthmatic symptoms.
GI effects: The pectins and mucilage from the plant are beneficial to
the digestive system. The flowers are used for GI problems such as
diarrhea, colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
HERBS & SPICES
No comments:
Post a Comment