Cactus
Useful properties and uses of cactus
Description of the cactus
The cactus is an interesting plant that favors dry forests, grassy plains and deserts. The beautiful cacti of humid forests have a green bare stem with few ribs and small short spines. Its flowers can be white, pink or scarlet. They have an incredibly pleasant scent. Cacti of dry forests are covered with numerous thorns located on the stems with protrusions.
The undersized plants of the grassy plains are spherical and have many wart-like growths. There are very small thorns at each tip. Flowers of these species form interesting wreaths. Globular mountain cacti boast columnar elongated stems with powerful thorns. All desert species have deeply ribbed stems and long thorns or leaf-like flat stems.
America is considered the homeland of this popular family. Such wonderful plants are often found in the desert expanses of Mexico, Jamaica and Cuba. Today, various types of cactus are widely cultivated in many countries. For medicinal use, flowers and stems of the plant are harvested.
Useful properties of a cactus
The tissues of some cactus species contain various substances and alkaloids that have excellent antibacterial effects. These microelements are able to suppress the negative processes of development and growth of numerous pathogens, protozoa and fungi. Cacti show their unique healing properties in the effective treatment of many inflammatory processes in the human body. Various preparations based on cactus are indicated for solving problems in the reproductive system.
A number of ready-made preparations are indicated for the gentle treatment of a mild stage of cardiac arrhythmia and activation of blood circulation. Also, experts have proven a powerful positive effect on the body with angina pectoris. Previously, for fractures of the limbs, the Mexicans used pounded dry stems of this amazing plant in the form of compresses. Rheumatism is still successfully treated with cactus juice. For various cardiovascular diseases and hypotension, it is recommended to use alcohol and water extracts of the plant.
It should be noted that almost all species have a rather powerful diuretic effect. Only the Opuntia vulgaris cactus variety can boast of anchoring properties. The juice of the plant perfectly helps against hangover syndrome, relieves severe headaches and quickly restores the body's strength. Often, various cactus-based preparations are used for indigestion and the treatment of neurological diseases. In addition, they boast an excellent hemostatic effect, due to which even extensive wounds heal very quickly.
It has been proven that any types of cacti neutralize the harmful effects of ordinary electromagnetic radiation from TVs, computers and other household appliances. To improve overall well-being, it is enough to place two small plants on either side of the appliance.
Cactus application
Various medicines containing cactus juice are used to treat heart problems. Some of them are indicated for angina pectoris, as they activate blood circulation. A special homeopathic remedy is indicated for neuroses and weakness of the heart muscle. In addition, it is used for flatulence, spastic pain, painful menstruation, as well as various digestive disorders. Dilutions D2 and D3, or the original tincture, are considered the optimal form of homeopathic remedy.
Due to the content of alkaloids, cactus has an antibacterial and hemostatic effect in the treatment of wounds and fractures. Regular intake of cactus juice is shown as a tonic. Moreover, it perfectly relieves fatigue and restores the correct metabolism. Certain plant varieties have long been used to quench thirst.
To activate the immune system and prevent influenza, it is necessary to mix several fresh cactus flowers with three small partitions. This mixture should be poured with 500 ml of ordinary vodka. The remedy will be infused for about three or four days. For effective treatment of wounds, cactus juice is indicated, which must be combined with fresh horseradish root juice in a 2: 1 ratio. We saturate a regular gauze bandage with the resulting mixture and apply it to the wounds. This procedure is also indispensable for purulent conditions.
To solve problems with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, we take one glass of sugar for chopped 70 grams of prickly pear cactus stems. The mixture should be infused in a fairly dark place for about 72 hours. After that, add at least 1 glass of good red wine, and put it back in a dark place for a day. The resulting miracle cure is recommended to take 1 tbsp. l. twice a day before meals. A suitable treatment period should be 1 month. It is strictly forbidden to increase the dosage.
With a strong cough, with diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as with tuberculosis, you can use a special anti-inflammatory agent. To prepare it, you need 1 tsp. marshmallow juice, 1 tsp cactus juice and 1 tbsp. l. honey. This remedy is also indicated for chronic bronchitis. In addition, you can recommend a cactus tincture in milk. Two tablespoons of crushed cactus pieces are enough for one liter. We insist the mixture for at least 12 hours, and then take half a glass three times a day.
Types of cactus
The vast, popular Cactus family has over 3,000 species. They are mainly divided into three subfamilies, which differ in their structure. Pereskievye cacti have round stems and flat leaves, in the axils of which there are straight, hard spines. They usually bloom as single inflorescences on stalks. In this subfamily, the fruits are considered edible. They contain small seeds with a black fragile shell. In indoor conditions, such plants practically do not grow.
The opuntia subfamily is distinguished by juicy small leaves that quickly fall off. In addition to thorns, the areoles contain small bundles of serrated brittle bristles, which are special modified leaves. Plants have articulated succulent stems. Segments in different plants can be flat, cylindrical, thickened or potato-shaped. Single large flowers have the correct shape and various colors from white to carmine. The edible fruit contains hard white seeds.
The third largest subfamily is called Cereus. It is characterized by the absence of glochidia and leaves. This subfamily includes both dwarf and giant cactus species. The structure and shape of the stem can be snake-like, candle-shaped, tuberous, cylindrical, spherical or with small papillae. Many species have sharp thorns. In edible fruits, hard seeds develop with brittle seedlings.
How to care for cacti? The most unpretentious plants are succulents. Often they are the ones who live on the windowsills and feel quite comfortable. The amount of light directly depends on the temperature and dryness of the soil. The less sunlight, the drier the soil, and the cooler the air in the room. Watering cacti like moderate. In case of improper wintering, the plant can form small thorns and twisted stems. With good care, cacti always bloom. It is necessary to feed the plant once every two weeks, from March to early October.
Indoor species of cacti are recommended to be replanted no more than once every 3 years, and large specimens only every 5 years. Every spring you need to add some fresh earth to the pot.
Cactus flowers
Cacti usually bloom every year, after which they bear fruit with seeds. Abundant flowering is considered the main indicator of proper care. It should be mentioned that flower buds are laid during winter when the plant is resting. In winter, the plant needs to be watered very rarely, but you can spray it once a week so that the flowers appear large and bright. Small tubercles of flowers often appear between the papillae or on the lateral areoles. At this time, the pot must not be moved.
Abundant watering can also provoke a suspension of bud development. In order for the cactus to bloom quickly, you just need to regularly spray the plant with fairly warm water and occasionally moisten the ground. The flower will open fully only in the bright sun. The duration of flowering is always different for different types of cacti. It can be from two days to a week.
Cactus seeds
The main method of propagation of a plant is through seeds. Sowing seeds is directly dependent on humidity, temperature and light. They often emerge at temperatures between 25 and 35 ° C. High air humidity is also considered an important factor in seed germination. Correct growth and full development of seedlings are facilitated by light and heat exposure. Some species are unpretentious and lend themselves easily to artificial lighting. Experts recommend preparing in advance a suitable substrate for growing a cactus.
Cactus oil
The seed oil of this wonderful plant is considered the most valuable product. Usually it is made by the modern first cold pressing method without further processing and filtration. This product is widely used in the cosmetic field. The oil is included in skin care products for its unique moisturizing and nourishing properties. It perfectly restores the cells of the epidermis, and also protects the skin from the dangerous and aggressive effects of direct sunlight.
Regular use of hair products based on cactus oil eliminates brittle hair, increases its density, while simultaneously activating the work of all frozen hair follicles. Moreover, such a remedy will help to quickly get rid of dandruff and saturate the scalp with the necessary trace elements.
Due to its pleasant smell, this product is used in modern aromatherapy. It has a calming and toning effect.
Contraindications for cactus
There are no side effects and contraindications for use.
The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist
Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).
