Prickly Pear

Prickly pear is the symbol used in Rio Grande valley. Prickly pear comes from the genus Opuntia which features thorny pads, colorful large flowers and succulent fruits and with the unique image stamped on proudly on the Mexican flag. For a hundreds of years, native peoples who lived in the deserts of Mexico depend on this desert plant for food and healing purposes. These traditional ways were continued by European settlers who transported the plant’s seeds to Europe and all over the world. Consequently, prickly pear cactus is now widely distributed in deserts from South Africa and Australia to Africa and the Mediterranean region.

The parts of prickly pear that are commonly used are pads and fruits. The pads refer to the flattened stem which grows quickly and stick out from the plant. Found clinging in each pad are tiny clusters of stickers. When you trim the stickers and spines, the pad can be peeled and prepared for cooking just like any ordinary vegetable. The usual techniques used in cooking the pad include broiling or sautéing, chopping it raw and adding it to soups or salads. If heated, the pectin-clad pads become gooey just like okra. Spiny red fruits in prickly pear are known as ‘tunas’ which assumes cylindrical shape and as big as the size of a child’s hand. The crimson fruit were once used as red dye. They are often used to make jelly, juice and pickles. The fruits are used as jelly in Mexico, also sweet syrup that is used similar to honey or hardened into taffy. A cactus pear cheese is made by cooking and cooling the fruits. This native species are also used as landscaping plant. The sap from pads is also used to repel mosquitoes in certain parts of Africa.

There are a number of uses for prickly pear that traditional healers implement. These include the following:

§ The sap or gooey gel from its pads can be used to spread on minor cuts, sunburns or skin irritations for healing purposes and to soothe the inflammation.

§ The pads are also warmed up to be used as ‘heating pads’ and apply them to aching backs and chests.

§ Young pads turned into puree are effective laxatives.

§ Special extracts of the prickly pear are used for hangovers and to recover for vigorous exercise by speeding up synthesis of natural restorative compounds called Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs). Extracts are usually made from Opuntia ficus indica.

§ It treats adult-onset (type 2) diabetes. This kind of treatment was used since 15th centuries. The cooked pads of prickly pear according to research can indeed decrease blood sugar levels.

The recommended dosages for prickly pear cactus are not determined when used to heal. For those with adult-onset diabetes, take 100 to 500 g of broiled prickly pear pad before meal once a day. Or, you can drink 2 to 4 ounces of fresh or frozen prickly pear juice. Food preparations of prickly pear are the safest and most effective way to get the medicinal value of the plant.

For extract, take it with a glass of water on an empty stomach before bedtime. Prickly pear extracts may not work effectively with high-fiber foods because fiber prevents absorption of extract by the body. If you develop allergies, stop using prickly pear immediately and see your doctor.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds have long been used for consumption. Their seeds are for healing purposes. Examples of the Cucurbita species include autumn squash, summer squash and the pumpkin commonly called the Halloween squash. All Cucurbita plants are large and have vinelike stems with yellow flowers and flattened oval seeds. A number of varieties are cultivated all over the world.

Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds are often found is health food stores. Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds are oftentimes filled with nutrients with substances and minerals such as protein, fiber, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, amino acids arginine and glutamic acid. The seeds are also rich in calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, folate and niacin. Certain Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds varieties has linolenic acid that aids in preventing hardening of arteries. Germany’s Commission E has approved pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds for bedwetting and other bladder problems.

There are a number of benefits one can reap in using Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds. These include:

- It eliminates intestinal parasites including tapeworms and roundworms due to the amino acid called cucurbitin in the seeds. This ingredient could paralyze the worms, force them to loosen their grip and get excreted from the body.

- It prevents and relieves symptoms of prostate enlargement due to the fatty oil in the seeds that encourages urine flow. The fatty oil blocks the action of dihydrotestosterone on the prostate gland. Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds also reduce hormonal damage to prostrate cells thereby reducing risks of developing prostate cancer.

To get the most out of the Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds medicinal value do the following suggestions:

- Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds come in two formulations: oil and dried herb or tea. Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds are often sold in shell and shelled, roasted and raw. Oil in cucurbita seeds can easily go rancid so store them in refrigerator or freezer.

- To combat worm actions, make emulsion by grinding the seeds, mix them with sugar or honey and some milk or water. Then sip this mixture three times a day. Make sure that you have taken a total of about 2 ounces of the emulsion. Make a tea with the ground seeds by adding hot water. Cool the brew, strain then sip. Take no more than 16 ounces at one setting.

- To treat or prevent prostate enlargement, chew a handful of cucurbita seeds every day.

To make the pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds, get your own Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds, roast the seeds on an oiled baking sheet in a slow oven until crisp. There are no known drugs or nutrient interaction linked with pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds. There are no known side effects associated with Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds also.

If you noticed distracting symptoms of prostrate enlargement such as weak urine flow, frequency, post-void dribbling and backwash then consult your doctor. Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds may reduce symptoms of enlarged prostrate but they are not proven to actually reduce the size of the gland. If you believed you have intestinal parasites, consult your doctor and discussed the Pumpkin (cucurbita) seeds treatment with him.

Psyllium

Psyllium has long been used to ease up constipation and digestive system upset due to its richness in soluble fiber. The Middles Ages saw a number of Arab physicians recommending a medication that include psyllium as a vital ingredient. Currently, studies show that this herbal medicine is also effective in decreasing cholesterol levels and encouraging weight loss and treating other conditions.

Psyllium seeds come from Plantago psyllium and P. ovata. Psyllium’s reddish brown to black seeds are so small that people referred to them as ‘flea seeds’. These are odorless and tasteless and often added to laxatives and other herbal cures. Psyllium should not be taken with other supplements since it can delay absorption into the bloodstream. Allow two hours to pass before taking supplements. It can make the tetracycline antibiotics less effective. Consult the doctor before taking drugs.

Psyllium is also prescribed to treat diarrhea. Psyllium can absorb liquid in the intestines and swells to form a soft, bulky stool. The increased volume of the stool will stimulate the bowel activity and gives one the urge to defecate. Psyllium in studies showed improve ratio of HDk (ogoodo) cholesterol to LDL (obado) cholesterol in the blood. It is sometimes used to reduce high cholesterol levels before giving drug therapy.

Different formulations of psyllium come in caramels, granules and powder. For adults, psyllium intake should be 1 to 2 rounded teaspoons or 1 packet dissolved in water once, twice or three times a day then followed by a second glass of liquid. For children over 6, use 1 teaspoon level with half a glass of water. Effects of psyllium usually manifest 12 to 24 hours and sometimes could up to 3 days. The duration of action is not always the same. Take psyllium with full glass of cold liquid such was water or fruit juice and then take another glass. Store the formulation in tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture and direct light.

Psyllium can temporary cause bloating or flatulence. Start with small does and gradually increasing the dosage. Psyllium absorbs water so drink large amounts when taking it. An intestinal blockage could occur if you won’t take a large amount of fluid. Do not exceed recommended dosages. Psyllium can cause allergic reactions, seek medical attention if you develop allergies. If pregnant, with diabetes or sufer from obstructed bowel ailment, consult your doctor also. Do not take psyllium for more than 1 week unless specifically ordered by the doctor. If you are over 60 and want to take psyllium, then try it since it could not harm you. Avoid alcohol intake since it can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and interfere with proper digestion. It is not recommended for use by children below six years old. Make sure that you have enough foods rich in fiber in your diet such as cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Consult your doctor if you have any of the following before taking psyllium: heart disease, a colostomy or ileostomy, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, kidney disease, rectal bleeding of unkown cause, difficulty in swallowing or signs of appendicitis.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha piperata) is an herb which has a number of medicinal benefits. It is a hybrid of spearmint (M. spicata) and water mint (M. aquatica). Peppermint oil contains the powerful therapeutic ingredient menthol including menthonse, menthyl acetate and 40 other compounds. The oil is made by distilling peppermint’s leaves and stems which are harvested before the light-purple flowers appear in the summer.

Peppermint has various health benefits:

- It is a muscle relaxant especially in the digestive tract and it reduces inflammation of nasal passages and treats muscle pains.

- Peppermint can be fund in antacid preparations. It is also an ingredient in toothpastes and breath fresheners due to its minty taste.

- Treats headache by mixing peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and ethanol on the forehead and temples.

- It treats irritable bowel syndrome due to its antispasmodic effect that provides relief for abdominal pain, bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea and general abdominal discomfort.

- It treats nausea and vomiting by moderately anesthetizing the stomach’s mucus lining.

- It controls flatulence and diverticular disorders because it relaxes digestive spasms.

- Improve digestion and lowers heartburn though its menthol which can increase the flow of all digestive juices, bile included.

- It dissolves gallstones by reducing the size of gallstones and help those inflicted avoid surgery.

- It lowers viral levels of herpes simplex 1 and 2.

- It fights bad breath by killing bacteria and keeping the mouth moist.

- It controls muscle aches and pain. When rub on the skin, it produce cool and soothing sensation and prevents the nerve to pick up pain messages.

- It clears congestion and cough due to colds and allergies by decreasing inflammation on the nasal passages.

- It controls mild asthma by lessening bronchial constriction.

- It fights stress when the aroma of peppermint oil is added to bath water.

- It is substitute to usual medication used to calm digestive system during medical procedures.

Peppermint comes in different formulations such as: tincture, softgel, ointment, oil, dried herb/tea, cream and capsule. Keep in mind the following tips in order to get the most out of the peppermint medicine:

- in irritable bowel syndrome, nausea or gallstones, take one or two enteric-coated peppermint capsules two or three times a day between meals. Each capsule should have .2 ml of oil.

- Stomach upset relief, flatulence, diverticular disorders, digestive complaints, take three to four cups of peppermint tea daily between meals. In diverticular disorders, combine once part peppermint and one part valerian to two parts wild yam. Pour 8 oz. of hot water over the mixture, steep for 10 minutes then strain and sweeten to taste. Take this mixture three to four times daily.

- For heartburn and bad breath, drink three or four cups of peppermint tea spread through the day or place one or two drops of peppermint oil on tongue as needed.

- Muscle aches and pain can be treated by adding several drops of undiluted peppermint oil to 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as almond oil. Apply up to four times in a day.

- For congestion, drink up to four cups a day.

- Mild asthma, take two to three peppermint oil capsules a day.

- To relieve stress, place six to eight drops of essential oil into warm bath.

Never take in pure mentol as this can be fatal. Refrain from using peppermint oil if you have hiatal hernia. Avoid large does of peppermint oil when pregnant or you could undergo earlier labor.