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

Medicinal and beneficial properties

The popularity of the plant in folk medicine is associated with the healing effect that prickly pear has on the human body.

• Improves metabolism and promotes fat burning.
• Increases immunity.
• Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Tones and strengthens blood vessels.
• Reduces intoxication during a hangover.
• Removes excess fluid from the body.
• Reduces sugar levels.
• Promotes regeneration of damaged tissues.

Use in cosmetology

• Rejuvenates and slows down skin aging.
• Eliminates pigmentation.
• Nourishes dry skin, improves blood circulation.
• Restores water balance.
• Reduces cellulite.
• Strengthens and nourishes hair, reduces fragility.
• Eliminates dandruff.

Cactus diet or cactus for weight loss

Fashion for eating styles or methods of losing weight changes like a kaleidoscope. Stopping gluten, lactose or vinegar drinks are just a few of the "diet hits". Now it's time to go on the cactus diet. What is it and what results does it give?

Cactus for weight loss?

Despite the name, the cactus diet does not consist of eating only cacti. It is based on including Opuntia powder and water in your daily menu. This technique is gaining increasing popularity due to the positive properties that regular consumption of these products gives us.

Properties of cactus powder

The powder is made from young cacti, edible stems and fruits of Opuntia, which are devoid of thorns. This cactus is native to Mexico, but is also grown in southern Europe and many other warm climates. Fresh fruits and young stems can be eaten raw, boiled, juiced or dried.

Nowadays, the properties of Opuntia are appreciated not only by Mexicans, but also by people around the world. Extracts from observations showed the drug to be useful; it reduces blood glucose levels. This effect is explained by the high content of pectin, that is, intestinal fiber, which inhibits the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestines.

The fiber present in the stems of the cactus family can also reduce appetite, thereby speeding up weight loss. It also stimulates proper bowel function and relieves digestive discomfort. The presence of beta-sitosterol leads to the fact that regular consumption of cactus powder has a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

It is also a source of approximately 20 amino acids key to the normal functioning of the body, making it ideal as a supplement for people on a vegetarian diet.

Is cactus water a substitute for coconut water?

Cactus water is made from prickly pear and contains high amounts of antioxidants, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C. The drink differs from coconut water in that it contains less sugar and fewer calories.

Recommended for physically active people.

What is better cactus powder or water?

Thorn - also known as Nopal - is used in the treatment of diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. It is also touted as having antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Preliminary evidence suggests it may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Some research also suggests that cactus extract may reduce the unpleasant effects of a hangover, likely due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

says Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietitian at the Mayo Clinic and a member of the American Dietetic Association.

Prickly pear can be part of a healthy diet. It is rich in fiber, antioxidants and carotenoids. However, side effects after eating are also possible. Some people have mild diarrhea, nausea, a feeling of heaviness or bloating

Both cactus powder and water are natural, health-promoting foods that can be included in your diet. It should be kept in mind, however, that they should only be a complement to a healthy and balanced diet, and not a mainstay.

Before using any supplement, you should consult your doctor or nutritionist to ensure there are no contraindications.

Not recommended for use by children, women during pregnancy and lactation.

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Indications for use

Prickly pear is recommended for use as part of complex therapy for the following diseases:

• obesity;
• diabetes;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• diarrhea;
• liver diseases;
• tendency to edema;
• hypertension;
• hangover syndrome;
• burns;
• age-related pigmentation;
• inflammation and skin damage.

Before using the extract for medicinal purposes, be sure to consult your doctor.

Prickly pear flowers

As you know, the fruits, stems and delicate flowers of prickly pear, a plant belonging to the cactus family, are used in the complex treatment of obesity, hypertension and diabetes, gastric ulcers and gastritis, liver disease and constipation.
The flowers are beautiful, large, solitary, bisexual. They bloom from early April to September in bright red, orange or yellow.

Of course, everyone decides for themselves whether to use this plant or not to treat a disease.

But thanks to the consumption of prickly pear cactus components in food, effects such as normalization of blood sugar and cholesterol levels are achieved.

And the leaves of the plant, rich in calcium and potassium, can stimulate the production of insulin in the body.

For medicinal purposes, experts advise using the plant at the age of three years and older.

The flowers of this cactus already have medicinal properties. They are able to have an astringent and hemostatic effect. They are also recommended for the treatment of prostate hypertrophy (adenoma). Prickly pear is an effective treatment for such functional disorders. For prevention, it is recommended for men aged 50 years and older.

In particular, flowers are the basis of medicines used for prostate adenoma, as well as for frequent or involuntary urination, and non-specific inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis).

How to cook?

To prepare the extract, plants that have reached 3-4 years old are used . All parts of the prickly pear are suitable for the production of medicines and cosmetics:

• flowers;
• fruit;
• stems.

For use in folk medicine, you can prepare prickly pear extract or tincture at home .

Step-by-step instruction

1. Clean the leaves of the plant from thorns.
2. Rinse well.
3. Grind using a meat grinder or grater.
4. Fill with cold water and heat in a water bath for 30 minutes. If using flowers, reduce heating time to 20 minutes. After this, leave for several days.
5. It is also possible to make a tincture by pouring boiling water over the plant. In this case, keep the mixture for about a week in a dark place. The finished mixture should be thick and viscous.
6. You can add olive oil, honey, and milk to the prepared product.

To prepare homemade cosmetics, you can use freshly squeezed plant juice.

The extract can be stored for several weeks in a dark and cool place in a sealed container.

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!

Prickly pear is one of the most common and famous cacti. The stems and flowers of prickly pear are used to treat many diseases. Prickly pear fruits have a sweet flavor and are called "Indian figs." If you correctly observe the proportions and technology of preparing a cactus, you can get a truly magical potion from it in terms of its beneficial properties.

From this article you can find out what prickly pear treats, how to properly prepare it and use it for various cases, as well as what contraindications it has.

How and in what cases should it be used?

Prickly pear extract can be used for the prevention and treatment of diseases , as well as as part of skincare cosmetics. Depending on the scope of application, there are various methods and recipes.

• For oral administration, mix the extract with water in a ratio of 1/10. Use for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and gastrointestinal disorders in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.
• To combat a hangover, dissolve a tablespoon of extract in a glass of water.
• To treat skin damage, make a compress by moistening a bandage with a squeeze of the plant mixed with water or oil.
• For rheumatism, compresses with prickly pear juice are applied to sore spots.
• Prickly pear extract is included in products for the care of problematic, mature and aging skin. Gives a good effect in the treatment of acne.
• It is effective to use juice diluted with water or oil to whiten the skin.
• Used for the production of sunscreen creams.
• Squeeze-based shampoos prevent dandruff.

Cactus vinegar

Prickly pear vinegar is made from its fruit and is essentially a living organism. Depending on the type of prickly pear, vinegar has its own color; it is always very rich. In addition, this product smells very nice.

It should not be called a product of mass consumption; rather, it is exotic. Prickly pear vinegar is primarily produced by small companies in the Americas.

In addition, it is produced in small quantities in Turkmenistan, Transcaucasia and Southern Crimea. So you and I can also buy this useful product.

Side effects and contraindications

The use of prickly pear has a number of contraindications. The main contraindications include:

• Pregnancy.
• Age of children up to 5 years.
• Kidney disease and cystitis.
• Gastritis and peptic ulcer.
• Individual intolerance to prickly pear.
• Use with caution if you are allergic to any herbal preparation.
• Skin hypersensitivity, atopic dermatitis.

Before using a cosmetic product for the first time, test for possible individual intolerance by applying a small amount to the elbow.

Proper and careful use of prickly pear extract will improve your health, help prolong youth and improve the condition of your skin and hair.

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People can eat the shoots too

Milk cladodes of some varieties of Opuntia with a diameter of up to 10 cm, up to a month old, can also be eaten by people. If you plan to eat the Opuntia stems in the first month after collection, then cut them in the morning are suitable, if for storage - in the evening. They are eaten and stored in different forms: raw, dried, dried, and they are also pickled, canned, and juiced.

Cladodia is a modified stem of some plants, the leaves of which turned into spines during evolution.

Use of cactus in cooking, recipes

Dried and boiled cactus shoots were used by the Aztecs; the plant’s delicious fruits are a delicacy in many countries even today.

Jams, syrups, and marmalade made from fruit juice are rich in taste.

The pulp of the cactus is excellent for marshmallows, and the juice is used as a raw material for wine.

Cactus fruits are especially popular; they are used even unripe as a seasoning for meat dishes.

In Mexico, the cake-shaped stems of prickly pear are fried and baked in the ashes, making an excellent substitute for zucchini.

In cooking, cactus is used differently in different countries; cactus is eaten fried, baked and raw.

1. Baked fruits
   . Large cactus “berries” are peeled from thorns and baked in the oven until browned. The dish is consumed after cooling.
2. Cactus soup
   . Add chopped prickly pear to the prepared broth with vegetables and legumes.
3. Cactus in lemon juice
   . Peeled fruits are poured with lime juice. It makes an excellent dessert.

How to eat cactus berries?

Before eating the fruit, you need to remove the thorns from it and peel it. Recommendations for removing thorns from the fruit:

1. Be sure to use rubber gloves.
2. Hold the fruit with tongs.
3. To remove small spines, rinse the fruit with cold water.
4. To remove larger thorns, wipe the fruit with a napkin folded several times.

Or, put the fruit in the refrigerator, and after a couple of hours the thorns will fall off on their own.

To remove the peel from the fruit you need:

1. Cut off the ends of the fruit.
2. Make a longitudinal cut on the fruit itself.
3. Gently pull back and remove the skin.

As it is? Peeled and ready-to-eat prickly pear fruits are eaten whole. Or cut the berry in half and eat the juicy pulp with a spoon. There are small seeds inside the fruit that can also be eaten.

The taste of prickly pear fruits is sweet and slightly sour.

For some, the taste resembles the taste of strawberries, for others - pear, for others - kiwi. However, you should not eat the fruit too often. Excessive consumption may cause constipation, headaches, and vomiting. There is also a risk of individual intolerance.

Important!

Pregnant women and children under 3 years of age should refrain from consuming this fruit to avoid possible negative consequences.

From the video you will learn how to eat prickly pear fruit:

Chemical composition and calorie content

The caloric content of prickly pear fruits is 41 kcal per 100 g, of which:

• proteins – 0.73 g;
• fats – 0.51 g;
• carbohydrates – 5.97 g;
• dietary fiber – 3.6 g;
• ash – 1.64 g;
• water – 87.55 g.

• provitamin A – 25 mcg;
• vitamin A (VE) – 2 mcg;
• vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 14 mcg;
• vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 60 mcg;
• vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – 60 mcg;
• vitamin B9 (folic acid) – 6 mcg;
• vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 14 mg;
• vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) – 0.46 mg.

Reference.

Also, prickly pear fruits contain dyes, hormones, essential oils and macro- and microelements such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium.

Recipes

Mexican salad (2 servings)

Ingredients:

• yellow bell pepper – 30 g;
• red bell pepper – 30 g;
• cherry tomatoes – 30 g;
• canned corn – 20 g;
• avocado pulp – 60 g;
• red onion – ½ piece;
• olives – 6-7 pcs;
• prickly pear fruits – 70 g;
• olive oil, black pepper, salt, cilantro - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Cut cherry tomatoes and bell peppers into equal parts.
2. Stir in olives and sliced ​​prickly pear fruits.
3. Add corn, avocado pulp and red onion.
4. Season the salad with olive oil and, if desired, salt, pepper and finely chopped cilantro.
5. Add lime juice.

Jam

Ingredients:

• prickly pear fruits – 6 pcs;
• lemon juice – 2 tbsp. l.;
• granulated sugar – 2 cups;
• cinnamon – 0.5 tsp.

Preparation:

1. Place the prickly pear fruits in cold water and leave for 15-20 minutes.
2. Clean the fruits.
3. Mix it with cinnamon, lemon juice, sugar.
4. Place on low heat.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

This jam can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 months.

Sorbet (6 servings)

Ingredients:

• prickly pear fruits – 6 pcs;
• sugar – 50 g;
• egg white – 1 piece;
• water – 50 g.

Preparation:

1. Soak prickly pear fruits in cold water for 20 minutes.
2. Remove thorns from the fruit.
3. Cut the fruit pulp into slices.
4. Grind the pulp with an immersion blender until pureed.
5. Pour sugar into water, put on fire and stir until syrup is obtained.
6. Mix the resulting syrup with the pulp puree.
7. Beat the egg white with a drop of lemon juice in a blender until foamy.
8. Carefully pour the pulp puree into the protein and stir until it reaches a liquid consistency.
9. Pour the resulting mixture into molds and freeze.

Non-alcoholic cocktail “Pink Panther”

Ingredients:

• prickly pear fruits – 3 pcs;
• blackberries – 200 g;
• cherry – 200 g;
• lemon juice – ¼ tsp.

Preparation:

1. Peel the prickly pear fruits.
2. Prepare the berries for the cocktail - remove the pits from the cherries and separate the stems from the blackberries.
3. Grind prickly pear fruits and berries in a blender.
4. Strain through cheesecloth.
5. Add lemon juice and crushed ice in a blender.
6. Pour the resulting cocktail into glasses.

It is better to start getting acquainted with prickly pear fruits by eating them fresh. These fruits can then be used as ingredients in various dishes. The main thing is to follow all recommendations for preparing fruits for use and not to abuse this fruit. Then it will bring not only pleasure, but also real benefits to the body.

Prickly pear is a perennial plant that belongs to the genus of arthropod cacti. In nature, it is either a rather dense shrub creeping along the ground, or a tree, the height of which sometimes reaches 6 meters in height. In any case, the stem of the plant is round and succulent, and the bush or tree crown is quite dense and branched. The stem is a collection of rounded flat segments, which are also entangled with some kind of spines and hairs, so that one gets the impression that a lot of foreign things are hung on the bush, but this is nothing more than a visual, optical illusion.

Opuntia has very specific spines, the so-called glochidia, which, if you look closely, are a collection of thin needles collected in a bunch. This plant blooms very beautifully. The flowers themselves are large, smooth, glossy, and can be of various colors, including yellow, red and even white. The flowers have a large number of stamens and pistils; they are located on the bush not in groups, but singly. The fruits of this plant look like swollen, fleshy leaves, inside of which, under the ossified outer shell, there are seeds. This is a truly unique plant, because it is capable of developing new shoots from such fruits. The geographical homeland of Opuntia is the steppe zone of temperate climate, which is represented by such regions as the southern part of Argentina, Canada, and the central regions of America. They are specially grown in Crimea and Turkmenistan, as well as in the Caucasus.

Harvesting and storing prickly pear

The plant is harvested at any time of the year; relatively young plants, no more than 2 years old, are suitable for this. To do this, fresh leaves are cleaned of thorns and hairs, but the peel is left on them. Since the leaves are fleshy, they are not dried, but used as fresh raw materials.

Use in everyday life

In hot, southern countries, hedges are made from Prickly Pear, and they are also planted in flower beds for decorative purposes. It is great for many flower arrangements. In addition, it can often be found in any corner of the world in the collection of those who are interested in cacti or just house plants; it is beautiful, but relatively unpretentious, as long as there is bright sunlight.

Those who are interested in magic know that amulets are made from the seeds of this plant. They are also used to make food coloring. For industrial purposes they are used in the manufacture of soap, deodorants, alcohol and other substances. Also, in order to protect the soil from erosion, which open areas are susceptible to, Opuntia is planted in many environmental zones.

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Wednesday, March 02, 2011 15:57 + in quote book Medicine: Prickly pear has many healing properties. It is actively used in both traditional and folk medicine. Scientists have proven that alcohol, soap, deodorants and vitamins can be obtained from cacti... Prickly pear shoots can be used to treat diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is an excellent remedy for dysentery, and in Italy and other Mediterranean countries its fruits are often used as a fortifying agent. Prickly pear flowers and stems are used in the complex treatment of obesity, hypertension and diabetes, gastric ulcers and gastritis, liver disease and constipation. Thanks to it, regulation of blood sugar and cholesterol levels is achieved. And prickly pear leaves, rich in calcium and potassium, stimulate the production of insulin in the body. Prickly pear is widely known for its ability to aid weight loss while providing the body with all the nutrients it needs. Eating prickly pear prevents the formation of fats, increasing their breakdown and excretion from the body. This is due to one of the most valuable properties of prickly pear - the ability to bind up to 28% fat - cactus fibers adsorb fat molecules, as a result of which it becomes inaccessible to digestive enzymes. This process is accompanied by swelling of the cactus fibers, increasing their volume in the stomach, which gives a feeling of fullness for a long time - improves mood and decreases appetite. The result of all this is a decrease in weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. In modern pharmacology, the weight loss drug “Proactol” is even produced from prickly pear. Prickly pear plant proteins help eliminate cellulite, swelling, and fluid retention by helping the body return fluids from tissues to the lymphatics and blood vessels (especially from the connective tissue of the skin). The slimy juice of prickly pear helps with liver diseases, and a decoction of the roots has diuretic properties. This decoction is recommended for dysfunction of the genitourinary tract and bladder. Prickly pear is an effective remedy for prostate dysfunction and is recommended for men aged 50 years and older. Prickly pear flowers have astringent and hemostatic effects; they are also recommended for the treatment of prostate hypertrophy (adenoma). These flowers are the basis of medicines used for prostate adenoma, frequent or involuntary urination, and nonspecific inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract (cystitis, urethritis). They help strengthen the bladder muscles, which weaken in old age, with recurrent inflammatory processes, as well as with diabetes. Enterprising Americans have found that prickly pear reduces intoxication during a hangover. Dr. Jeff Weese and his colleagues from New Orleans' Tulane University noticed that the juice of this plant helps relieve inflammation after injury. And they had the idea to use their discovery for the greatest benefit for humanity: to combat the grave consequences of heavy libations. Repeated experiments with feasts (which the subjects really liked ) showed that prickly pear extract has a significant effect on three well-known signs of a hangover - nausea, dry mouth and loss of appetite. The drug from the humble cactus negates the discomfort associated with short-term inflammation of the liver, which was generously fertilized with alcohol. Employees of the Malta Institute of Cellular Pharmacology studied the effects of an extract from the peel of the prickly pear cactus. It turned out that the substances contained in the tissues of this plant help relieve people from stress and have a general strengthening effect. The extract is also useful for athletes - it helps them restore strength after intense competitions. The new product has already gone on sale in pharmacies in France, England, Spain, the USA and some other countries. What came as a surprise was that this soothing extract was in demand in the fishing industry. Fish in cages and ponds at fish farms around the world often suffer from nervous disorders - a new potion added to the food significantly improves their state of mind. Thus, prickly pear has become a panacea for people and animals suffering from stress and overwork... Prickly pear has a general strengthening effect on the body, increases its protective functions, and strengthens the immune system. It helps a person fight the effects of negative environmental factors: heat, dehydration, radiation. The extract of this cactus is now included in some cosmetic lines. Based on its juice, lotions are made that are used for dermatitis, sunburn and skin rashes. Recently, evidence has emerged that ethyl acetate, an extract from prickly pear, can be used to prevent and treat diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases, in particular myocardial infarction. Recently in America it was experimentally discovered that twenty species of cacti (including prickly pear) are excellent antibiotics! And in Bolivia and Peru, doctors are trying to treat cancerous tumors with them!.. Scientists continue to conduct research on prickly pear and, perhaps, the world will soon learn about other beneficial properties of this plant. Traditional Medicine: Mexican Indians have long used prickly pear flowers, fruits, stems and roots as medicine. For example, a prickly pear shoot boiled and cut lengthwise is used as a poultice. Indians use the sticky juice of prickly pears with the addition of feathers to make “plaster casts” for broken limbs. This simple device performs its fixing function well and “... falls off by itself after fifteen days - when the bone has fused.” Cacti are used to treat scurvy. This disease occurs from a lack of vitamin C, and this vitamin can be obtained in excess from prickly pear fruits. What was well known to the Indians, and they generously shared this knowledge with European sailors and missionaries. Prickly pear has excellent bactericidal antiseptic properties and is widely used for diseases of the throat, inflammation of the intestines and genitourinary system. This plant also activates the work of the kidneys, liver, and activates the work of the spleen. Its roots have a diuretic property, and the mucous juice helps with liver diseases. Eating this cactus stimulates the production of insulin in the body. Since prickly pear improves cerebral circulation, improves memory, relieves headaches, sharpens the mind and memory, this plant is recommended for consumption by people engaged in mental work. Cactus improves metabolic processes, therefore, this remedy can promote weight loss. According to established opinion, prickly pear tincture significantly increases male potency. Surprisingly, this same tincture has no effect on women. “Eyewitnesses” claim that compresses made from crushed prickly pear stems help well with radiculitis. But besides pleasant surprises, prickly pear can cause a lot of unpleasant moments if you are not careful when handling it. The fact is that glochidia easily penetrate the skin, and it can be very difficult to remove them. The spines that infect the skin can cause a feeling of itching and discomfort, and sometimes swelling and inflammation. The method of getting rid of them is well known to the American Indians. They successfully get rid of glochidia trapped in the skin using molten wax, which, when hardened, separates along with the insidious spines. Active substances: Prickly pear contains many useful substances. For example, pear-shaped fruits contain albumin, sugar and plant mucilage. The stems of this cactus contain mainly water (88-95%). It accumulates in the fleshy “cakes” due to the water-retaining properties of mucous substances, which are contained in the cellulose juice along with organic acids and sugars. Large specimens of cacti accumulate up to 2000 liters of water! The dry matter of prickly pear cladodes contains little protein (4-8%, of which 1-2% is digestible), fat (1-4%) and fiber (about 1%, although this is 2 times more than lettuce). But it is a good source of two important vitamins: carotene (18-38 mg per 100 grams of wet weight) and ascorbic acid - vitamin C (10-18 mg). Prickly pear stems also contain beneficial minerals (19%, mainly potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium) and dietary fiber (18% on average). Cladodes are rich in flavonoids (isorametin), glycosides, kaemferol, pendumetin, quercetin, rutin, lutein and piscedic acid diethyl ester. The digestibility of cladodes is high (72%), and carbohydrates (including sugar and starch) can make up up to 71% of their dry weight. The content of nitrogen and other mineral salts in prickly pear can be increased by fertilizers. The oil of the prickly pear cactus fruit is very valuable and very rare. It is rich in vitamin E (approximately 1000 mg/kg) and sterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, delta-7-stigmasterol, stigmasterol – approximately 10 grams/kg). The oil also contains a large amount of essential fatty acids (linoleic acid - omega 6). Polyunsaturated fatty acids or vitamin F (linoleic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid) in prickly pear oil have a pronounced cosmetic effect. The oil also contains alcohols (aliphatic, 24-methylcycloarphenol, cycloarphenol, beta-amyrin, etc.) and acids (stearic, myristic, linolenic, palmitoleic, arachidic). Magic: The magical properties of cactus in general and prickly pear in particular have been known to magicians since ancient times. For Indian priests and shamans they had symbolic and ritual meaning. For example, crushing prickly pear meant destroying food sources and was tantamount to declaring hostility and even war. The cactus is a warrior flower and a protector flower. It protects from all negative energy loads and negative energies brought into the house, and therefore from the evil eye, damage and other attacks on a subtle level. These days, these protective properties of the thorny plant are most often used - it is believed that it protects against evil forces. Its thorns are needed to create amulets: they are collected into a vessel, rusty nails, old buttons, needles and pins are added, rue and rosemary leaves are added, and closed tightly. Such a talisman is buried under the threshold of your house - it will give such a strong rebuff to the sorcerers who cast spells on you that they will no longer have the desire to do it further. The main thing is that the “jar” with cactus spines should be located outside the house - if you place it inside the home, you yourself can receive sharp energy shocks. The energy of the thorns lures evil spirits to the cactus, but at the same time deprives them of the ability to harm humans. You could say that the cactus is a fighter against evil spirits. Therefore, it can be placed next to the front door and windows - this will save the house from contact with it. Cacti are interesting plants and require careful and careful treatment. It is believed that they accumulate and store negative information for a long time. On the one hand, they relieve us of negative energy, and on the other, “like attracts like” - and if a person has anger, irritation, resentment, despondency, and even more so hatred, cacti use this to throw off all their negativity. To shake off negative energy from a cactus, you should rinse it in running water or change the soil (by the way, a cactus should generally be replanted every year - proper replanting dramatically stimulates the growth of roots and stems). Cacti such as prickly pears are especially good at absorbing flashes of negative energy. So for touchy and hot-tempered people, this cactus is “just what the doctor ordered.” However, the opinion about the energy accumulated by the cactus is not clear. Many magicians believe that a cactus can concentrate ANY energy, including positive energy, and then direct it to a diseased organ, accelerating recovery. So it’s more likely not a matter of the plant, but of the magician’s skill. The mutually destructive elements water and fire live in cacti without causing damage to each other, and this gives green hedgehogs another property - tolerance. Cacti develop in us tolerance for what we do not like, what does not correspond to our principles. If there is a cactus in the house, it will be easier for household members to accept each other’s weaknesses and even shortcomings, they will make fewer comments to each other. It is especially interesting for magicians that the cactus helps develop unusual abilities: clairvoyance, clairaudience, the ability to see the otherworldly, invisible world. True, prickly impatiens share their properties only with those they like. In general, this is a plant with an uneven character - it often changes anger to mercy, introducing energetic imbalance into its environment. If you make friends with a cactus, it will protect you from all sorts of troubles. But for some reason, if he dislikes the owner, he will begin to actively drive him out of his own home, using his strong energy. And if cacti are starving, they “get” food at the expense of those around them, who in this case feel unreasonably weak and drowsy. We should not forget about “our little brothers.” Almost all dog breeds do not like cacti. This nuance was well known and used by the first settlers of the Wild West - they surrounded their settlements with thickets of cacti, thus protecting themselves from attacks by coyotes. To protect against burglary and uninvited guests, cacti were still grown in the garden. And in the bedroom, the “prickly guard” protected the woman’s chastity. Therefore, those girls who dreamed of a wedding tried to get rid of cacti at least for a while. And the Crimean villagers decided to use the love magic of cacti. The role of the magical “Viagra” is played by a tincture of prickly pear fruits that grows near their homes. They say that regular use of this tincture helps a lot. Cactus-eating men enjoy great authority among ladies. Interestingly, the magic tincture only affects men))). Chinese magicians have been using the cactus since the Qing Dynasty. In their secret scrolls they write: “It is bitter in taste, its nature is cold, it affects the energy channels of the heart, lungs and stomach.” The Chinese believe that cactus stimulates the circulation of blood and Qi energy. In the East, a drink made from a cactus is used for fever and pain; it is believed that it can remove toxins and reduce swelling, strengthen the spleen and calm the nerves. It is used to treat dysentery, asthma and stomach pain. Cactus ashes help with mumps and snake bites. But Feng Shui does not welcome cacti in the house. It is believed that they cut off energy with their needles. Although they can be used to isolate yourself from negative energy and the environment: outside the window, toilet or garbage chute in an important sector, etc. Then the cactus can do a good job and cut off the flow of negative energy or the loss of positive energy. In astrology, the cactus is a Scorpio plant. This plant is as faithful a friend and as contradictory as the representatives of this sign. Capricorns can also live in harmony with cacti. Cacti help them concentrate energy and help fight disease. The cactus will also help frequently ill Aries as a preventive and strengthening agent. Cacti go well with representatives of Libra, Pisces, Virgo and Gemini. But it is not advisable for Sagittarius and Leo to keep cacti at home. Modern shamans conjure the spirits of a computer monitor by shaking cacti near them. Others are generally afraid to leave their computer unattended, even for a short time, and install a prickly guard nearby. Of course, cacti near the monitor do not protect you from radiation (which does not exist), but they are capable of capturing electromagnetic radiation. As it turned out, cacti are able to “repel” an electromagnetic signal exactly in the direction from which it came. True, they lack the accuracy of mechanical reflectors, but the quality can be corrected by quantity: if several “cactus reflectors” are combined into a system, then the accuracy requirements for each specific “reflector” will sharply decrease. The best choice for such a “reflector system” would be a pentagram familiar to any magician. If a radiation source is placed at its center, and “thorny friends” are placed at the ends of the rays, no waves will be able to go beyond its boundaries. A pentagram of cacti could become an almost perfect electromagnetic shield. Use in cooking: Strange as it may seem, the prickly beauty is quite widely consumed. And since prickly pear is a non-poisonous plant, almost any of its parts (stems, fruits, juice) can be eaten. The fruits and stems of prickly pear are a favorite delicacy of Latin Americans. The first mention of prickly pear fruits, as a fruit popular among the Aztecs, dates back to the 13th century. They not only quench the thirst of tired travelers. Even the ancient Indians began to eat prickly pear fruits: they made salads from them, dried and boiled them, and made drinks. After eating the pulp, the Indians roasted the seeds, ground them and used them for stews. Legislators of modern barbed cooking are Mexicans. For them, Optionia is one of the most important plants used in traditional cuisine. In Mexico, Optionia is the most important “vegetable”, and the shoots of a cactus, already cleaned and ready to use, can be bought both in small markets and in modern supermarkets. In the Mexican city of Milpa alt, an annual fair is even held, during which you can try all kinds of dishes from the option. In Spain, the time of ripening of the fruits of the option is celebrated by a folk holiday. And although this cactus among Italians is less popular, but many sweet tooth enjoy it with pleasure. The fruits of option are very fond of in Sicilian cuisine. To bring the thorny fruit into an edible look, you need to spend certain efforts to remove the needles with which its skin is covered. The flesh of the fetus of the option is sweet and refreshing. It resembles a juicy pear or strawberries to taste, but much watery. Only small seeds inside the fetus spoil the impression - just have time to spit ... For the sake of these delicious fruits of the option, even specially planted by whole plantations, the crop with which becomes the running product in the markets of many countries. These juicy fruits are consumed mainly in fresh form, and also used for the preparation of confectionery. Sauses, jam, jams, compotes, marmalade and jelly are boiled from their pulp. Juice and pulp are added to the composition of sweets, ice cream, sherbetes, yogurts and other dairy products. The fruits are used for the preparation of fruit salads and creams, they are stewed with meat and baked. Option fruits are actively used in the production of various alcoholic beverages. So it is added to wine for aroma and color. And among tourists, the liquor from the oscillation "Bajtra" is very popular. In Spain, prolapse juice is mixed with lemon and lime for the preparation of soft "summer drinks". An alcoholic drink is made from the transferred juice-“Co-Link”. Shoots are also an edible part of the option. The main requirement for cactus stems intended for cooking - they should be fresh and soft. Therefore, young shoots of oscines should be used - it is they who have a certain taste and are widely used in cooking: for the preparation of hot dishes and various salads. The “cakes” of the option are cleaned with a sharp knife from needles - such purified stems are sold in all markets of Latin America. They can be prepared in a variety of ways ... Local housewives fry the option in crackers and served on the table, like our pancakes. And in the morning, the Mexicans prepare a traditional scrambled eggs with pieces of finely chopped cacti. One of the most popular dishes is the fried stems of the option with a beiftex. Another "cakes" are piercing. They say that they taste pickled cucumbers, mushrooms or bell pepper. They are often used for the preparation of vegetable salads, cold snacks, as well as as a side dish for meat and fish dishes. The stems of the option are sugared, turning into centers: they are cleaned of thorns and peels, cut into slices and boiled in syrup from reed sugar. This is a favorite treat of Mexican children and adults for the New Year. Another delicacy is a cactus cake, which tastes like apple (possibly due to the high content of apple acid in the option). Since the oscillation seeds contain 20% fat, similar to taste and properties with pork fat, they are used to give the taste of vegetable oils. And the stalks of the option in Mexico are used to increase the milking of crusts and chopped into pieces to increase their yields. Warning. Since homemade cacti can contain residual doses of fertilizers and chemicals, think whether it is worth turning them from favorites into a dish. Well, if you still decide, then rinse the stems thoroughly before the tasting. Application in cosmetology: Optional oil obtained from cactus seeds is actively used in cosmetology. As it turned out, this yellow-green oil with a pleasant grassy smell can protect the skin from the effects of free radicals, age-related changes. It excellently softens, nourishes and restores the skin, smoothes wrinkles, strengthens fabrics, gives them tone. Oil has an equally beneficial effect on the hair: it strengthens weak and brittle, prevents the appearance of dandruff in problem hair. Therefore, the olocation oil is used in aging and aging skin care products (creams, cream, milk, oil mixture, masks), products for dry skin of the face, arms, legs, for drying hair. Oil can be used in pure form or in various relationships with other components. So, for example, it is used in combination with ... avocado pulp (to fight wrinkles and to stimulate regeneration), margarita infusion (for busting), rosehip oil (for caring after tanning), lavender essential oil (for a softening and healing effect ). You can name the Option oil with a real "elixir of youth." Recipes, infusions, decoctions: compress: for the treatment of rheumatism it is better to take three-, five-year option. Cut the two upper leaves and put in a pot with the ground, and use the lower ones as a medicine. Gently remove all spines with a sharp knife - large and small. Cut the strip from the sheet about 1 cm wide, and put the rest in the refrigerator. Grind the cut out a piece to the gruel and rub it into sore spots for 1 - 2 minutes, and then, moving the “ointment”, cover with parchment paper on top of the paper, put more cotton wool on top of the paper, and still a plastic bag and tie a woolen scarf. Make a compress at night. If the “young” radiculitis, then 1 - 3 procedures will be enough, but if the chore is old, then, probably, 10 times you need to make a compress. In the morning, when you remove it, do not wash off the remains of the “ointments”, but scrap them with nails. At the same time, there are no burns, unpleasant sensations, no relapses. Tincture: from a ache in the legs. Take a sheet of option, cut it with pieces, pour vodka in a dark bowl, insist 15 days. Take 15-18 drops inward. And spread sore legs. Healing: remove thorns, peel the cactus from the skin, apply a piece directly onto the wound or sore, and bandage. Repeat the Chinese drug 5-6 times: the Chinese prepared a therapeutic drink from the cactus as follows: in 100 grams of cactus without needles and skin added honey and egg protein. Culinary recipes baked fruits: the fruits of the option are slightly browned in the oven, cool and serve. Option with lemon juice: peel the fruits from the skin, pour lemon or lime juice, serve as a dessert. Garnish: cut the peeled "cakes" with a noodles and boil. Serve separately or with meat. Soup: Mix the chopped slices of a cactus with other vegetables and beans for the preparation of thick soup are hot: not long fry the tortiles of the option entirely on both sides. At the end, put on every piece of cactus on a slice of Adyghe cheese and melt it. Drink: make a soft drink by adding pieces of pineapple to orange juice, pulp of the stems of option and celery. Pickled prompting: Popania marching, like ordinary cucumbers. 1 tbsp is placed for the marinade. vinegar, 1 tbsp. sugar and 1 tbsp. Salt per liter of water. Plane sliced ​​in this solution is laid in small cubes (of course without thorns). The pieces are kept in the marinade for 3-5 days. Salad: Cut the pickled cactus with cubes (you can take boiled), add tomatoes, red onion, finely chopped cilantro chop and mix everything with 1 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. vinegar (or lemon juice) and salt. Garnish with salad leaves and lemon slices. This salad is not only tasty, but also contributes to weight loss. Cosmetic recipes Mask for mature and stressful skin: moisturizes, softens, refreshes and remineralizes the skin. Mix oscillation oil and grenade seeds oil extract. The mask is abundantly applied with light massage movements to wet and previously cleansed skin for 20-25 minutes. Remove the unnecessary remnants and particles with a napkin. Repeat 1-2 times a month. Regenerating and anti -aging oil: mix in one container the oil fruits (5 ml), the extract of the option fruits (29 ml), primrose oil (15 ml), esters (neroli - 5 drops, carrots - 1 drop, sandal - 5 capapel). Apply oil with light massage movements during the day or at night on the skin slightly moistened with spring water. Finish the massage with energetic patting with your fingertips for tinting the skin.

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