NOPAL
NOPAL
Opuntia ficus - indica Miller Linnaeus Fam. Cactaceae.
Cacti
family
.
Shrub description of some 5m. tall, branched stems with green, its trunk is made up of ribs flattened. The flowers vary from
yellow
to
red
fruits are green,
red
or
purple
, commonly called tunas. Lives in dry climates, dry and mild. It is grown in arid and semiarid, is associated with Xeric scrublands and forests of
oak
and
pine
. with the basal lignified by transforming the spoonbills forming the branch, with the narrowest heart - shaped and rounded the top. The area is populated by protrusions called areoles, carrying
a
bundle of
yellow
spines. Branches are called cladodes. The leaves are very small, and very little time remaining in the areoles. The flowers are inserted into the upper edge of the cladodes, and carry many fatty sepals and petals oval, pointed, intense
yellow
. The fruits have the same characteristics as areoles, with plenty of flesh and many seeds. This species comes from South
America
,
but
growing in all the warm places. The flowers are harvested in
spring
and the cladodes, throughout the year. The use of this
cactus
plant dates back to pre - Hispanic times. It is cultivated in several states of
Mexico
and Morelos, Tlaxcala, and the Federal District of
Mexico
. Today the
Nopal
is one of the most popular
remedies
for
diabetes
. The ribs are prepared with water for its liquefied or be swallowed or eaten raw in salads. It is said that this plant, is also
a
good remedy for
gastritis
and
intestinal
cramping, although the most recommended for these evils, the root is boiled and mixed with guava. Other applications,
but
less frequent, are for the affections of the lungs and as an aid in childbirth.
Used parts:
Flowers and cladodes.
Chemical compounds mucilage, sugar, glutamic acid, citric acid, malic acid, oxalic acid,
vitamin C
.
Properties:
Nutritious, diuretic, antispasmodic, emollient.
How to use:
Infusion, poultice.
Of interest:
The fruit is
a
good
nutrient
that can be dried and stored. With him are preparing excellent jams. The cladodes are used in some areas to feed pigs. From the fruits can be obtained by fermentation,
a
distilled spirits.
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