Opuntia ficus-indica is the scientific name given to the prickly pear, a plant also known as cactus, devil’s fig tree, etc. Rich in minerals and vitamins that are important for the body, the fig, which belongs to the Cactaceae family, also has other chemical substances capable of providing several health benefits, especially with regard to the treatment of diseases.

medicinal properties

  • Astringent;
  • Antiasthmatic;
  • Antidiarrheal;
  • Antiscorbutic;
  • Anti-rheumatic;
  • Cardiotonic;
  • Digestive;
  • Diuretics;
  • Emollient;
  • Spinal stimulant;
  • Moisturizer;
  • Hypoglycemic;
  • Sedative;
  • Vermifuge.

Beneficial effects of this plant

With so many properties, the prickly pear is a plant that can be used to treat respiratory diseases, such as asthma, whooping cough and cough. It is also indicated to treat circulation problems, rheumatism, liver pain, bilious gastric fever, diarrhea and even diabetes. In some cases, it can be a great natural remedy to shrink benign prostate tumors.

In addition to these benefits, the plant can also be used to cleanse the skin and serve as a product that tones the epidermis, making it stronger. The dryness processes that can occur in the skin are reversed with the use of this herb.

How to prepare Indian fig tea?

Get two tablespoons of flowers from the plant and add them to 1/4 liter of boiling water. Set the mixture aside and stoppered for 10 minutes. After the specified time, strain the substance and serve the drink with honey. The ideal is to consume this drink twice a day, while still warm. Another tip is to use this same recipe to treat external problems that affect the skin, for example.

Contraindications and recommendations

This plant, as well as other natural remedies and also those manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry, has two sides, that is, one with benefits and the other with harm. However, the latter only appears when the prickly pear is used in the wrong way. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the contraindications of this plant, so as not to put your health at risk.

Therefore, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 12 years old should not drink the tea from this plant, as their bodies are not yet prepared to receive the active ingredients of this herb. In addition, other patients who are interested in using this tea should, first of all, consult a doctor and find out what the real problem is and whether this drink can positively influence the clinical picture.