| Western Herbal Medicine Studies - Services - Clinical Approaches |
|
Studies
Publications
Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest New Title - Soon to be Released Medicinal Plant Profiles Photographic Index |
Prickly Pear Opuntia engelmannii (Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia discata) Nopal, Nopalitos, Tunas Description By nature, this cactus is succulent and at maturity stands 4-6 feet tall by 8-10 feet wide. The bulk of the plant is composed of connected pad-like stems that arise from a thickened base. The green, pancake-like, elliptical pads have clumps of thorns spread throughout their surfaces. Smaller thorns, called glochids are intermingled with larger thorns; they are particularly abundant on the circumference of the pad. New flower bud and pad growth commences in mid-spring. The bright yellow flowers bloom in late spring to early summer. Each flower only lasts one day; they open early in the morning and close at midday when it is the hottest. Early to mid-summer the burgundy, pear-shaped fruits develop.
Distribution From south-central California Prickly pear is found eastward to central Texas, as far north as South Dakota, south through Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The plant thrives in numerous ecosystems including dry deserts, grasslands, and Juniper-Oak Woodlands. Look for Prickly pear on hillsides, canyon bottoms, and lower desert basins. From coast to coast, there are dozens of species of Prickly pear of similar morphology, but primarily this species is a plant of the arid west.
Chemistry Carbohydrate-containing polymers, consisting of a mixture of mucilage and pectin; betalains: betaxanthin, betanin, vulgaxanthin, miraxanthin, and portulaxanthin; rhamnose, galactose, galacturonic acid; calcium oxalate
Medicinal Uses Many other varieties of Prickly pear (collectively called Platyopuntia) can be used as well. Taken before meals, Prickly pear reduces blood sugar concentrations by 20-30% in individuals with NIDDM (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). This effect is achieved through the plant’s soluble fiber, which slows down the uptake of dietary sugars, and through its ability to increase cellular sensitivity to insulin. Prickly pear also lowers plasma LDL (low density lipoprotein) levels. The plant’s soluble fiber has a propensity to bind with cholesterol-containing bile acids, limiting their re-uptake by the portal circulation. This effect limits the liver from overproduction of these “bad” cholesterols. Several ounces of pulp mixed with a small amount of water have a cooling effect on esophageal and stomach irritation, be it from acid reflux or gastritis. Its antiinflammatory effect soothes irritated gastric membranes nicely. Not only does Prickly pear mucilage serve as a protectant to damaged stomach lining it also has the ability of augmenting the quality of gastric mucus making it useful in most ulcer healing approaches.
Externally slices of Prickly pear pad applied to acute injuries, such as contusions and sprains, reduce inflammation and keep unorganized cellular fluids from building up in damaged tissues. On separate occasions, I have broken several toes in the desert clambering around on rocks with inadequate footwear. Each time Prickly pear was abundant and I applied pad slices on the toes until they healed fully. The swelling and discoloration was reduced, as was the pain. It is a simple remedy that works. Applied externally to burns and inflammations, the pulp makes an excellent healing poultice. Consider it a good equivalent to Aloe Vera.
The flower’s of Prickly pear, and most other Opuntias for that matter, are high in flavonoids. The flower infusion, taken internally and applied topically is good for fortifying tissues that are slow to heal and that have difficultly maintaining connectivity. In addition, flower preparations strengthen fragile capillaries and minimize varicosity development. The flower tea tends to be diuretic and stimulates the kidneys excretion of uric acid. Use as a preventive therapy to lessen uric acid kidney stones and gouty conditions.
Indications:
NIDDM Elevated LDL levels Acid reflux/gastritis/gastric ulcers Burns (external) Swellings/contusions (external)
Flowers: Poorly healing tissues (internal and external) Fragile capillaries/varicosities (internal and external) Water retention Uric acid kidney stones/gout
Collection and Preparations When harvesting, stay mindful of the very small thorns or glochids; they may not be seen but they can certainly be felt. Find a sizable Prickly pear, one that looks healthy and has no signs of environmental stress or insect damage. Locate one pad in the bunch that is sticking slightly out from the others. Take two good-sized rocks that fit well into your hands and scrape the larger thorns off the pad. When this is complete, cut along the outer circumference of the pad, removing the thorns that were missed. Hold the pad with a gloved hand and cut it from the plant. Now cut it down the middle as if you are cutting open a bagel. Scrape the pulp from the pad’s center into a bowl. This will keep in the refrigerator for at least one week. Repeat this process as needed when stores get low.
For internal use, start by mixing several ounces of Prickly pear pulp with several ounces of water. Drink as needed. Blending the mixture can help in liquefying the combination so it is easier to drink. Store-bought prickly pear slices are not as effective as our freshly made, native preparations. Indian-fig or Mission prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), which has soluble fiber content but is also high in glucose, is not as helpful to those who tend toward hyperglycemia. In addition, Prickly pear fruit juice, which can be bought at many health food stores, is lower in soluble fiber and is high in simple-sugar content.
Dosage Pulp slurry/cooked pad: 1-2 ounces before meals External pulp/flower infusion/salve: apply as needed Internal flower infusion: 4-8 ounces 2-3 times daily
Cautions Do not use in IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus). Eating excessive amounts of the raw pad or fruit has been known to cause Prickly pear syndrome, a feverish state with accompanying chills. It is self-resolving but has been known to give people a scare who are attempting to exist solely from the plant.
Other Uses The young pads can be eaten raw or cooked after the thorns are removed by boiling, brushing, or roasting. The tart taste is from calcium oxalate acumination. For a tasty treat, the ripe fruit is split down the middle and the inner pulp is eaten, with or without the seeds. They are not as refined as Saguaro fruits but are sweet and usually abundant. Prickly pear fruits are a popular base for making juices, jellies, and wine.
Prickly pear is a host plant for Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus), a small, cottony-web forming insect. Although not popular today because of displacement by synthetic dyes, years ago the British used the pigment derived from the insect to dye their army’s coats red, hence “Red coats”. Crushed and applied to cuts and scrapes Cochineal is significantly antimicrobial. |