Prickly Pear Cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica

of Plantain Seed Infusion (see recipe below) at bedtime. Be sure to consume the liquid and seeds for its full laxative effect. Recipes. Plantain Seed Infusion: Take 1 teaspoon plantain seeds and 1 cup boiling water. Pour the boiling water over the seeds and allow it to steep while it cools. Drink the mucilage tea and the seeds. Plantain Tincture: You’ll need plantain leaves, 80 proof vodka or other drinking alcohol and a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Fill the jar with fresh plantain leaves that have been chopped into small pieces or half a jar of dried plantain. Pour vodka over the leaves and fill the jar, making sure all the leaves are covered. Cap the jar tightly. Let the tincture marinate for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally. Pour the alcohol through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a coffee filter to remove all of the herbs. Store the tincture in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 5 years. Dosage: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. To infuse Plantain Oil substitute organic olive oil for the vodka and follow the same instructions. Plantain Tea: Place 1 teaspoon dried plantain leaves or 1 tablespoon of fresh plantain leaves into a cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Strain out the leaves and drink.

The prickly pear cactus is in the Cactaceae (Cactus) Family. It is also known as Indian Fig, Barbary Fig, Cactus Pear, and Mission Cactus. It grows in the Southern United States and Mexico. Identification: Prickly pear cactus grows up to 16 feet (4.8meters) tall with flat, rounded leaf pads that branch off. The flower and, later, the fruit, grow directly on the leaf pad. The entire cactus, including the fruit, is covered with two different kinds of spines. There are large, fixed spines that are easily seen and

small, hair-like spines that are more difficult to see and easily detached. It is these smaller spines that can embed in your skin if you are not careful. The solitary flowers are large, bisexual, and yellow to orange in color. The fruit, called a tuna, is a berry covering numerous hard seeds. Prickly pear cacti are found in semi-arid and desert-like conditions and are easily cultivated in containers. They grow in bushy clusters. Edible Use: Both the leaf pads and the fruit are edible. Peel them carefully before use (see Harvesting). Drink the juice of the tunas and use the pads in salads, tacos, stirfries, and soups. The fruit is highly nutritious. Medicinal Use: The anti-inflammatory effects of the prickly pear fruit are exceptional. Keep a supply of the dried fruit for travel, but the fresh juice is best. For maximum benefits, drink at least 2 ounces (60ml) of juice every day. There are no known health risks with long term use. Arthritis and Joint Pain: Arthritic joint pain caused by inflammation is greatly helped by the regular consumption of prickly pear juice every day. Relief takes time (one to two months) and increases with use. Snake Bite and as a Drawing Poultice: The prickly pear leaf is excellent as a drawing plant for toxins. Cut off the outer pad of the prickly pear leaf and mash the inner part and put on a snake bite as soon as possible. Use it along with Plantago and Echinacea, if they are available.