The fresh leaves of prickly pear can be steamed and consumed just like any other edible herbs.
It is used as an herbal remedy and is referred to as tuna herb
Prickly pear (Opuntia littoralis) cactus is native to the United States, Mexico, and South America. It grows well in many areas of the world, including Africa and Australia. It is actually available and accessible as a house plant at most plant shops.
Tuna or tuna plant as it is called in Jamaica is all over the Island and it is well utilized by our people. I have it in my backyard, it is easily grown and it is very hard to die. When it is too top heavy because of the numerous branches, then it breaks off and fall to the ground and begins to grow all over again. I have so many growing in my hard, it is hard to control. It is a part of the cactus plants and it strives well in arid conditions.
The tuna tea drink made from a bit of this plant can be consumed to treat chest problems, very high fever, digestive tract troubles, rabies as well as every skin disorders. The fresh sap from the leaves is utilized as a natural shampoo to completely clean as well as strengthen the scalp and also the hair, removing dandruff, itching besides other scalp troubles.
Prickly pear is an alternative medicine for back pains
This herb is widely used in Jamaica to alleviate back pains and the men just love to use it for this ailment. This is done by slicing the leaves completely open and apart, preferably in halves or quarters depending on the container that you are going to store it in. Soak it overnight in the refrigerator with coconut water and drink as you would with regular water.
This remedy is also good for constipation, to clean out the intestines, alleviate a fever and to remove mucus from the body system. This concoction has no taste, you only have to deal with the slime that is produced by the sap. However, when you think of the benefits, then the slime is not even important.
The juice is beneficial in lowering blood glucose, decrease cholesterol levels and kill viruses present inside of the body.
In Curacao, the leaf is often warmed by the fire and then it is sliced in two. The sliced pieces are then placed upon the head and various other areas of the body to alleviate aches and pains, reduce swellings as well as drain boils. In Cuba it is applied to burns due to radiation.
Tuna herbal tea
The prickly pear tea, made from the leaves is good to relieve excessive menstruation and when mixed with cerasee, it is also excellent for back pains. Tuna tea made from the root is used to fight off dysentery and gonorrhea.