Opuntia is a perennial plant of the cactus family, which naturally grows in tropical and subtropical parts of America, as well as in the Galapagos Islands. However, the plant was partly naturalized in Australia, India, the Mediterranean and even in the southern regions of Russia.
It is difficult to answer unequivocally what the cactus prickly pear looks like, because there are a lot of varieties of this plant in the world. All of them are united by the fact that they have a tree-like structure and relatively flat rounded in shape stems.
Cactus of prickly pear - medicinal properties
The plant has significant healing properties, due to which it is used in both traditional and folk medicine. Cactus shoots of prickly pears are used to make preparations that perfectly help with diarrhea and abdominal pains of various etymologies. The same useful properties are attributed to the fruits of the cactus of the prickly pear - they act as a fixative for diarrhea.
From stems and flowers of prickly pears are prepared drugs for the treatment of liver diseases, arthritis, obesity, hypertension, stomach ulcers. Due to its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, the prickly pear leaves are used as an assistant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus - they contribute to the production of natural insulin by the body.
Among other useful properties of the prickly pear is the reduction of edema, elimination of heaviness in the legs, cellulite. For men, decoction of roots is useful - it helps to overcome problems with the prostate gland, to avoid prostate adenoma, urethritis and other unpleasant diseases.
The only contraindications to taking medications based on prickly pears are cystitis and chronic hemorrhoids.
The prickly pear cactus oil obtained from seeds is also endowed with useful properties and is actively used in cosmetology to prevent aging of the skin. Opuntia oil perfectly moisturizes, nourishes and restores skin, protects them from free radicals. It is also used to restore fragile, weak hair and get rid of dandruff.
Cactus prickly pear - cultivation and care
Cactus prickly pear grows well at home. Of course, for normal growth and development it is necessary to provide them with a large amount of light and a warm climate, although in winter they require maintenance in cool conditions - at 5-7 ° C.
Watering the plant should be moderate, and in the cool wintering period, watering is stopped altogether. Water for irrigation should be soft, with a little addition of citric acid (for 1 liter of water a few grains). When watering it is extremely undesirable to get on the stem, it is preferable to use lower watering. Fertilize the plant you need special compounds for cacti.
With these simple conditions, the prickly pear cactus will please you with an evergreen prickly appearance and even flowering, although this happens rarely at home.