Western Herbalism
Prickly Pear
Opuntia ficus-indica
Also known as Nopal.
Long history as food and traditional remedy in Mexican folk medicine Used topically for wounds/burns Primarily researched for metabolic support No official /ESCOP/WHO monograph found
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Indications what the tradition reached for it in
- Hangover symptoms
- Nosebleeds
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Urinary dysfunction
- Infection
- Joint pain
- Constipation
- Metabolic syndrome
- Rheumatism
- Boils
- Inflammation
- Burns
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Swelling
- Hypertension
- Hyperglycemia
- Gut dysbiosis
- Wounds
- Diarrhea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Dry cough
- Edema
- Fluid retention
- Mucosal irritation
- Pain
- Sore throat
- Urinary disorders
- Cough
Safety
Pregnancy: Pregnancy Caution
Breastfeeding: Lactation (source flag notSafeInLactation)
The record lists 2 contraindications; open the plate in the library to read them in full.
Dosing as the sources wrote it
| Preparation | As written | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Broiled cladodes | Broiled cladodes 100-500 g/day divided doses | 100000-500000 mg |
| Dried flower powder | Dried flower powder 500 mg 3x/day | 500-500 mg |
| Fresh pads | Fresh pads 50-100 g/day | 50000-100000 mg |
| Powder | Powder 200-500 mg 2-3x/day | 200-500 mg |
| Tincture | Tincture (fruit) 1:5, 0.5-1 mL 3x/day | 0.5-1 mL |
Doses are reproduced from the sources for practitioners and are not a recommendation for any person.
From the sources
Clinical Notes. Long history as food and traditional remedy in Mexican folk medicine Used topically for wounds/burns Primarily researched for metabolic support No official /ESCOP/WHO monograph found
primary-actions. Prickly Pear acts primarily as: Demulcent, Hypoglycemic, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Hypolipidemic. Secondary actions include Gastroprotective, Nutritive, Diuretic, Vulnerary, Laxative.
indications. Prickly Pear is traditionally indicated for: Hangover symptoms, Nosebleeds, Irritable bowel syndrome, Urinary dysfunction, Infection, Joint pain, Constipation, Metabolic syndrome, Rheumatism, Boils, Inflammation, Burns, High cholesterol, Obesity, Swelling, and 22 further conditions.
constituents. Notable constituents of Prickly Pear include: Polysaccharides (mucilage, pectin), Flavonoids (isorhamnetin glycosides, quercetin glycosides, kaempferol glycosides, rutin), Phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, protocatechuic), Betalains (betanin, indicaxanthin), Vitamin C, Carotenoids, Minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium.
Nearby on the shelf
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