Advisor: JM Teixé, phytotherapy expert from «El Manantial de Salud»

In the temperate environments of the Iberian Peninsula, especially on the Mediterranean coast and Andalusia, as well as in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, a species of cactus Because it is so common and widespread, it seems that it has always been there and therefore is a native plant, when it is not: Its origin is Central American.

It is the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)a species of opuntia that we know here above all as prickly pear and which also receives other names such as figuera de pala (in Catalonia figuera de moro). Its fruits, prickly pears, are still consumed in many regions and in many areas of South and Central America they are known as «prickly pears.»

What is the nopal or the prickly pear

The nopal is a robust species, which can reach two or three meters high. Some reach up to four meters or more.

Has succulent branches, in the shape of elliptical blades, protected by numerous thorns (which are modified leaves), some beautiful solitary yellow flowerswith numerous petals, and fleshy fruits, covered in turn with thorns and with abundant seeds inside. These fruits are what we know as «prickly pears», which in many areas of South America are called «prickly pears».

The nopal or prickly pear blooms from late spring and bears fruit in summer. It has been used to form barriers in fields and strengthen stony slopes, especially in areas close to the coast. However, Its resistance and great expansion capacity have made it in some places in serious trouble.

Why is it called «Mexican nopal»

The nopal is native to Mexico and Central America, and belongs to a genus of which nearly two hundred species are known, all of them American. They abound in desert and semi-desert environmentsfrom the south of the United States to northern Chile and Argentina. The prickly pear was brought to Europe already in the 16th century.

Many species of opuntias have great importance in popular traditions and they are used as fodder, to obtain dyes and to make remedies. With its fruits, known in Mexico and other areas as prickly pears, it is also prepared juices, liqueurs and jams.

The nopal is in fact one of the symbols of Mexico. He appears on the national coat of arms holding the golden eagle that devours the serpent rooted on a small stone island above the water.

In Aztec mythology, the nopal is considered the plant of life.because even after drying it can give rise to a new plant.

Nopal: properties of prickly pears

In the nopal, traditional uses are combined with culinary and medicinal ones.which take advantage not only of its fruits, but also of its flowers, blades and fiber.

They improve digestion

Prickly pears are rich in vitamin C, pectins, sugars, carotenoids and beta-xanthins. They are considered digestive, astringent and antidiarrheal.

They turn out very suitable as intestinal regulators after a strong, spicy or copious meal, and to help stop episodes of summer diarrhea, caused by a water change, colitis or mild food poisoning.

Help control glucose

The published findings suggest that cactus could reduce glucose peaks in postprandial blood and increase antioxidant activity in healthy people and patients with type 2 diabetes.

have been used four different species of Opuntia and in some, such as the prickly pear, a notable reduction in blood glucose has been observed in patients with diabetes. In others, like the Opuntia robustathis same action was only seen in non-diabetic patients, but on the other hand the four species showed a certain activity as lipid-lowering and hypocholesterolemic agents.

According to these studies, preparations with Opuntia, taken on an empty stomach and under strict medical supervision, would be useful for diabetic people with blood glucose levels equal to or greater than 126 mg/dl but less than 200 mg/dl.

The most appropriate doses and their possible advantages over conventional drugs are still being studied, But it has been shown that cactus prevents elevated blood glucose and that in certain situations it reduces blood glucose levels.

Therefore, take A glass of juice a day or the chopped and seeded fruit, mixed in yogurt, provides significant support for diabetics.which should be taken into account.

Nopal: properties of the flowers

Prickly pear flowers contain mucilage and flavonoids. They are considered expectorants, mucolytics, antispasmodics, astringents and diuretics.

They are indicated in digestive disorders which can occur with gastrointestinal spasms and abdominal pain, but also to stimulate urine in case of fluid retention and oliguria, as they reduce inflammation of the urinary ducts and to relieve inflammation of rheumatic origin like the drop

They also highlight how balsamicbeing very useful to clear the airways of mucus.

Nopal: properties of its blades

A dietary supplement is obtained from the dehydrated nopal blades that prevent or reduce the absorption of fat from food.. It should be taken with a diet rich in vegetable fiber and grains or seeds.

Reduces fat absorption

Its effectiveness, with an average reduction of 28 to 32% in fat absorption, exceeds that of chitosana popular compound obtained from crustaceans. It is suitable for people who find it difficult to follow a strict regimen.

Natural anti-inflammatory

The phylloclades or shovels have numerous applications as a natural anti-inflammatory. They are especially rich in mucilage and that explains their importance as protectors and repairers of the mucous membranes gastric, respiratory and dermal.

The remedies from these shovels have been intended to relieve gastritis, gastroenteritis episodes, gastroduodenal ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

They also favor the respiratory tract inflammation and calm irritative coughs in flu states, acute colds, laryngitis and bronchitis. They had been traditionally used to combat whooping cough.

Against rheumatism and gout

In topical use are applied on rheumatic and gouty painto reduce the inflammatory process, on dry eczema, burns sunburns, household mishaps such as scalds, tears or bruises, boils and abscesses, muscle contracturesmyalgias, irritated skin, hives, pimples and acne.

How to use the nopal shovels and flowers

Before taking any plant, supplement or nutritional supplement, we recommend that you consult with a specialist. One way of preparation is from decoction of the blades, previously peeled and chopped, boiled for 7-8 minutes and sweetened with rosemary or eucalyptus honey.

To obtain its syrup, the scoop is split in half, filled with cane sugar, and hung or remains inclined and let it release a sugary liquid (opuntia syrup)which can be taken 3 or 4 teaspoons a day.

Peeled and divided into platesthe shovels are applied like poultices on skin impurities.

For lung congestion, a very effective infusion is recommended that combines cactus flowers with mallow flowers and marshmallow and licorice roots. Boil one tablespoon of the mixture for just two minutes per cup of water, let it rest for another five and strain. Up to three hot cups a day are taken, sweetened if desired with eucalyptus or lavender honey.