Prickly Pear Cactus Extract (Nopal opuntia) 8 fl oz: HH

Nopal, often referred to by its common name of Prickly Pear, is a large cactus native to the desert southwest. It grows up to four meters in height, and produces numerous reddish fruits. The entire plant can be used as a food source that is nutritionally impressive. Nopal contains large amounts of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. But Nopal is currently gaining a reputation for its action regarding blood sugar and hangovers. Nopal is believed to lower blood glucose levels, partly due to its coating of the gastrointestinal tract. This same coating effect may be responsible for its effectiveness in tests in which people who ingested Nopal before drinking alcohol suffered significantly less from hangovers than those who did not. Prickly pear cactus has been used successfully for centuries. The Aztecs were busy cultivating the plant in Mexico when the Spaniards arrived early in the sixteenth century. Parts of the prickly pear cactus have been used in various ways throughout the world. The Aztecs extracted the milky juice from the plant and mixed it with honey and egg yolk to provide an ointment to treat burns. The Chinese dressed abscesses with the fleshy pad of the plant. The Indians used the fruit for food and also made syrup from it to treat whooping cough and asthma. In Italy, the flowers have served as a diuretic. A tea made from the blossoms has treated colitis. In Israel, researchers found that the dried flowers may be used to battle an enlarged prostate. More recently, the Mexicans have used the plant to treat diabetes and obesity, as well as elevated blood cholesterol levels. They prepare the medicine by slicing cactus pads into strips and boiling them like string green beans. Prickly Pear is a great source of vitamin C and provides 17 essential amino acids. As a fibrous plant, Cactus Optunia contains pectin, mucilage and gums that are helpful to the digestive system. The body systems most affected are the glandular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory and intestinal tract. Studies show Cactus Optunia actually improves the functioning of the immune system and is a natural source for ascorbic acid and bioflavonoids. Prickly pear extract contains powerful antioxidants, may be helpful in gastic ulcer prevention, has blood lipid and cholesterol lowering potential, and may even ease hangover symptoms.