Natural healer - prickly pear. Beneficial properties of its extract, use for diseases and weight loss

Medicinal properties of the plant

Opuntia is the largest genus of the Cactus family. The microelements and vitamins that the plant is rich in have made it possible to widely use it in traditional and folk medicine.

The fruits and stems of prickly pear are rich in various microelements: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, as well as vitamins C, PP, B1, B9, A and beta-carotene.

Due to its high acidity and coarse dietary fiber content, prickly pear is widely used to restore digestion. Helps cure diarrhea, dysentery and has an astringent effect. Preparations based on this cactus stabilize metabolic processes in the body .

The medicinal properties of prickly pear can restore the functioning of the kidneys, liver and spleen, as well as help the body cope with bronchitis. For rheumatism, compresses made from the pulp of prickly pear stems crushed into a paste help relieve pain. The flowers of the plant are able to stop bleeding due to their astringent effect.

The plant is an excellent natural antibiotic, capable of increasing immunity and having a restorative effect on the entire body as a whole.

How to cook?

Prickly pear is harvested at any time of the year ; plants that are no more than two years old are suitable for this.
The very first stage in preparing prickly pear raw materials for processing is the removal of its strong, sharp thorns and hairs. The peel should be left. The leaves are fleshy, so they are not dried but used fresh. A tincture is prepared from the obtained raw materials. In addition to leaves, you can also use flowers to prepare a medicinal solution. The first option is better suited for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and dysbacteriosis, and the second - heart disease.

Leaf tincture

1. Steam the crushed leaves with boiling water.
2. Leave for a week.
3. Take the resulting solution by diluting 2 teaspoons in 50 ml. water.

When prepared correctly, the infusion will have a viscous, mucous consistency.

Tincture of flowers

1. Cactus flowers are poured with vodka in a ratio of 4:1.
2. The composition is kept for a week in a cool, dark place.
3. Take 15-20 drops twice a day, diluting a little with water.

If you plan to use the medicinal properties of prickly pear to treat the skin, the peeled leaves must be crushed and the juice squeezed out of them.

Healing properties

• Using prickly pear vinegar, you will be able to successfully get rid of acne, excessive oily facial skin, and any skin irritations. Directions for use: Dilute vinegar and water in equal proportions and use this solution to wipe the skin. Wipe your face with a cotton pad no more than twice a day. You can also take warm baths with 250 ml of pure prickly pear vinegar. The duration of this procedure should not exceed 20 minutes.
• You can use prickly pear vinegar to get rid of dandruff. To do this, mix it in equal proportions with warm water and rub into the scalp. Do this wet massage for several minutes, after which rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.
• Using prickly pear vinegar, you can quickly eliminate sore throats. To do this, dilute two teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of warm water. Gargle three times a day. In reviews, people write about the effectiveness of this treatment.

All of the above recipes apply only to live prickly pear vinegar. You must understand that this product contains a large amount of acids, and they can negatively affect calcium metabolism in the body, which leads to the destruction of bone tissue and teeth in particular.

Therefore, after using prickly pear vinegar solution inside, be sure to rinse your mouth with water. When wiping your face, avoid getting it into your eyes. If this happens, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water.

This is one of the products obtained from Indian prickly pear. Nature presents us with such miracles that we never cease to admire them. A prickly cactus, undemanding in care - and how many benefits it brings to people!

Olga Danilina

How long can the product be stored?

Prickly pear stems can be stored whole or cut into pieces for several weeks, but it is important to remember that the acidity of the raw material decreases over time. You can extend the shelf life by pickling or drying the stems .

Prickly pear is a useful plant, but if you decide to grow it at home, then articles on plant types, as well as propagation and care will be useful.

Care

Watering

Prickly pear is drought-resistant. Water it when the top layer of soil dries out. In warm weather - once every 10-12 days, during the rest period (from mid-October to February) - once a month. The water should be warm or room temperature. It is useful to sometimes acidify the water (a few granules or drops of citric acid per 1 liter of water).

Feeding

Fertilizers are applied from early spring until autumn. Once a month, use special complexes for cacti or fertilizers with a high content of calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen for prickly pears is used in minimal quantities. In winter, cacti are not fed.

Transfer

Plants are replanted every 2–3 years. During this time, they grow, the soil is depleted, and its structure deteriorates.

For spring or summer replanting, prepare a new pot, soil and drainage (expanded clay, pieces of crushed red brick).

Drainage is poured into the bottom of the pot in a layer of 3–4 cm, then part of the soil. The roots of a cactus removed from an old pot are examined. The rotten parts are removed and the prickly pear is planted in a new container. The remaining soil is scattered around the bush, lightly compacted and watered.

Prickly pear blossom

Without proper care, prickly pear rarely blooms at home. In addition, there are species that begin to bloom as soon as they grow to a certain size, but this cannot be achieved in an apartment.

But if the cactus grows in a well-lit place, in a wide pot, and in winter it is provided with a dry and cool dormant period, then there is a high chance of flower buds appearing in the spring. After the ovaries appear, the pot with the cactus is not turned or rearranged so that the flowers do not fall off.

Application

For weight loss

The components that make up prickly pear promote weight loss. Fiber creates a feeling of fullness in the stomach and inhibits the release of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which reduces the production of overeating and the feeling of hunger.

The plant contains vitamin B6, thiamine and riboflavin, which speed up metabolism, maximize fat burning and convert food into usable energy. It is recommended to eat at least 100 grams of crushed prickly pear leaves daily ; you can also make weight loss vinegar and extract.

In addition to the leaves, prickly pear fruits have a fat-burning effect. In women who regularly use them, the appearance of cellulite is reduced due to the fact that the blood supply to the subcutaneous tissue is normalized and the formation of a fat layer is prevented. Low-calorie dishes can be prepared from cactus.

Mexican salad

Ingredients:

• sweet yellow and red pepper – 30 grams each;
• tomato – 30 grams;
• canned corn – 20 grams;
• avocado pulp – 60 grams;
• several half rings of red onion;
• black olives – 6-7 pieces;
• prickly pear fruits – 70 grams;
• olive oil;
• lime;
• cilantro;
• salt, pepper to taste.

Preparation (ingredients are based on two servings):

1. Cut the peppers and tomatoes into equal pieces, mix with canned corn.
2. Add avocado pulp, onion and olives cut in half to the slices.
3. Mix with diced prickly pear fruits.
4. Season with olive oil, sprinkle with freshly squeezed lime juice, season to taste with salt, pepper and finely chopped cilantro.

Fried cactus

1. 500 grams of prickly pear are cut into thin slices and boiled for half an hour until tender.
2. Cool the cactus. Take four eggs and separate the whites from the yolks.
3. Beat the whites and yolks separately and then combine.
4. Dip the cactus in the egg mixture and bread it in flour.
5. Fry the pieces on both sides and add salt.
6. The finished dish can be served with onions, tomatoes and garlic.

Modern pharmaceuticals offer weight loss medications based on prickly pear extract . One capsule, taken on an empty stomach 20-30 minutes before breakfast, dulls feelings of hunger, and the body feels full when eating small portions of food.

For skin

A product with a healing effect

1. The prickly pear is removed from the needles and the skin is removed.
2. The bare sheet, ready for use, is applied to the damaged area.
3. The top is secured with a bandage.
4. The procedure is carried out no more than five times.

Mask for mature skin

1. Prickly pear oil is mixed with pomegranate seed extract.
2. Apply with light massage movements onto clean, damp skin.
3. After half an hour, the remnants of the mask are removed with a sponge or napkin.
4. The mask is suitable for women over 45 years old; a lasting effect is achieved when used 1-2 times a month.

For pneumonia

For treatment you need a decoction of this plant:

1. Grind 50 grams of leaves, add 100 grams of water, bring to a boil.
2. Cook for half an hour, you should end up with 100 grams of broth.
3. Strain the boiled liquid.
4. Take one teaspoon three times a day.

For immunity

To strengthen the immune system, as well as to prevent flu and colds, it is recommended to use the following tincture:

1. Mix several fresh prickly pear flowers with three internal walnut partitions.
2. Pour in 500 ml of vodka.
3. Leave in a dark place for a week.
4. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day before meals.
5. The course of treatment is 10 days.

For digestion

To restore the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, you can use the following recipe:

1. Finely chop half a glass of prickly pear stems and pass through a meat grinder.
2. Add one glass of sugar.
3. Place in a dark place for three days.
4. Pour one glass of red fortified wine into the mixture.
5. Place in a dark place for a day.
6. Strain the mixture.
7. Take one tablespoon twice a day half an hour before meals.
8. The course of treatment is one month.

You can also use a non-alcoholic recipe:

1. Place 2-3 tbsp in a thermos. chopped cactus and one tangerine peel.
2. Pour in two glasses of hot milk.
3. Leave for 12-14 hours.
4. The mixture is filtered.
5. Take half a glass three times a day before meals.

For teeth

For damaged and inflamed gums, prickly pear is used externally:

1. The spines are removed.
2. The cactus is peeled.
3. A piece is applied directly to the wound or sore.

You can also use freshly squeezed prickly pear juice for these purposes and rinse your mouth every three hours.

Where is it used?

• Prickly pear cactus vinegar is used for medicinal, cosmetic and culinary purposes. However, do not use it for canning food. Since this product is live, its presence in canned food causes fermentation.
• You can add it to any prepared dishes, this will give them a more appetizing taste. Prickly pear vinegar is an excellent ingredient for any sauces, jams, brines and marinades.
• In small quantities you can directly eat it to strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases. This leads to improved functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and promotes the rapid breakdown of fats. For such purposes, dilute one tablespoon of vinegar in a glass of water and add one teaspoon of honey.
• The daily dose of such a medicine should not exceed 20 ml. Take the medicine in the morning before or during breakfast. This remedy prevents your appetite from running wild and removes excess fluid from the body. In addition, queen cactus vinegar relieves excessive nervousness.

Side effects and contraindications

It is not recommended to take prickly pear and preparations based on it in case of individual intolerance to the components of the plant, aggravated hemorrhoids and chronic cystitis. Side effects when taken are manifested in the form of a headache, which suddenly appeared half an hour after eating prickly pear, nausea, vomiting, and red spots on the body. If such manifestations occur, treatment should be stopped immediately.

Prickly pear spines, masquerading as delicate fluff, are very dangerous and difficult to remove . If you swallow even one, erosion of the esophagus, stomach or intestines is inevitable. The first alarm signal is pain, after which an inflammatory process develops. The only way to remove an embedded needle is through surgery.

Due to its healing properties, prickly pear is recognized by both folk and traditional medicine. Preparations based on this cactus have been successfully used for many years in the fight against illnesses, and also allow for effective prevention.

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Dangerous, but useful: prickly pear has ripened in Crimea

The first specimens of prickly pear, the prickly pear loved by the Aztecs, were brought to the Crimean Peninsula in the 19th century. About 20 species are represented in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. You can also see prickly pear on private property; local residents use the plant as a hedge. Gourmets pay tribute to the fruits.

“This is the oldest specimen in our collection, it is about 30 years old, and every year it produces more than 50 fruits.

Even the dense foliage of agave and yucca cannot hide the bright beet fruits. Prickly pear in its juice! Time to harvest. The main thing is to wear leather gloves or arm yourself with tweezers.

Indian fig, prickly pear or porcupine of the plant world. As soon as they don’t call prickly pear for its dangerous needles. However, you need to be afraid not of those thorns that grow on the leaves, but of those that are invisible to the human eye on the fruits of this cactus. Small needles can dig into the skin and cause swelling.

The plant is waste-free. All parts are edible. The Aztecs were the first to understand this. In modern Mexico there are entire plantations of this plant. Tea is made from flowers. The berries are used to make jam, candy, ice cream or liqueur. But more often, of course, they eat it raw. Such exoticism is also available in Crimea.

— We remove the needles under running water. Cut with tweezers or a knife. Look how juicy it is, and now you can try it. And what does it remind you of? Everyone says things differently.

— Very sweet kiwi.

- Kiwi, yes. Some say currants, others say raspberries, others say blackberries. Now try the compote from it.

- And the compote is like syrup!

The seeds are also edible. They say it is a good scrub for the digestive system. The seeds are used to make flour and the elixir of youth - oil for cosmetics and medicine. But the leaves are already a vegetable. They are fried like steaks, added to salad or scrambled eggs. It tastes like cucumber.

“There is prickly pear, which is thornless, which is used in livestock feed, and those cows that ate such prickly pear doubled their milk,” said Olga Goncharova, an agronomist at the Nikitsky Botanical Garden.

Prickly pear appeared in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden at the beginning of the 19th century. The first copies were brought from Mexico and the Mediterranean regions. But its mass distribution on the peninsula is still a mystery. They say that this cactus was brought by soldiers of the Kingdom of Sardinia during the Crimean War. The overseas guest clearly liked the climatic conditions of the peninsula.

“The collection of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden includes about 20 species of prickly pear. However, only about 5 species have naturalized on the Southern Coast of Crimea. We can see prickly pear Leindheimeri, which has also naturalized in Crimea and it bears fruit abundantly, and there are also creeping species - species of prickly pear Camanchico, prickly pear Humefusa,” said Elena Chichkanova, researcher at the laboratory of dendrology, park science and landscape architecture of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden.

This cactus spreads easily. In the 18th century in Australia, it infested thousands of hectares of fertile soil. It took 150 years to get rid of the thorns. Perhaps this is why the plant is cultivated on an industrial scale only in America and some Mediterranean countries. And in Crimea, they still prefer to use prickly pear as a living fence, only occasionally enjoying the fruits.

Nikita Vasiliev, Arseny Kobyakov, Maxim Volodin, TV Center, Republic of Crimea.
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