Nopal (Prickly Pear)

Prickly Pear has a long history of use for diabetes. It is recorded as being used as early as the 15th and 16th centuries for this purpose.

It seems to work for many of the same things as Aloe, and it appears to have many of the same effects. The leaf pads are laxative in effect, and produce a gel and pulp similar to Aloe.

It is used by skinning the leaves or fruits, and then prepared for consumption as a fruit or vegetable. The fruits are used for jellies and other treats, the pads are used as a vegetable, and have a texture similar to okra (often described as slimy) when cooked.

Most of the available information suggests that it should be consumed as a vegetable in large quantities - that is, similar to the way fennel is used. Because of this, it has not been a practical supplement. Recent studies are investigating the practicality and effectiveness of smaller amounts of juice or dried pulp to be used as an extract. Because there is no available compact extract at this point, it is not a widely recommended treatment for anything.

It has been harder to find information on this topic specifically, because there is no financial motive yet in providing information about this possible treatment, so it does not show up on generic searches very well - you have to know what you are looking for to find it!

Sources suggest its use as a burn salve, and some studies do show compelling evidence that it does lower blood sugar levels when consumed with a meal. I was unable to discover whether it has a residual effect, or whether it only works for the meal in which it is eaten. It is theorized though that the effects may be similar to those of psyllium, and may have to do with the type of fiber that prickly pear has in the pads.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.