Cactus - quite an interesting plant, which gives preference to grassy plains, dry forests and even deserts. Each species is unique in its own way and can be used not only as an ornamental plant, but also to bring practical benefits. Today, cacti are actively used in everyday life and medicine, both in traditional and folk. Let's find out what this amazing creation of nature can offer us.
The use of cactus in everyday life
Many flower growers have long been engaged in the cultivation and breeding of cacti, using them as one of the decorative indoor plants. Nowadays there are more than 1200 species of cacti, but the most useful among them are recognized as plants with long needles.
They are not only characterized by strong bactericidal properties, but are also able to protect a person from strong electromagnetic radiation and even reduce the intensity of air ionization throughout the room. For this reason, experts advise to place cacti near computer monitors and television screens.
Did you know? If in search of an answer to the question "How is a cactus useful for a person?" turn to history, then you will learn that in ancient times it was he who served as one of the most common building materials, and was also often used as cattle feed or even as a ritual object.
It should be noted that even in our time, this plant is used as supports and beams in the construction of dwellings and the manufacture of souvenirs, and you can write a whole manual on the healing properties of cactus.
Medicinal properties of cactus
Tincture from a cactus or even cactus juice itself contains a large amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, so this plant is an excellent raw material for various medical preparations. For example, the alkaloids contained in it have a strong antibacterial effect and are able to effectively resist the development of pathogenic microbes, fungi and viruses.
In addition, due to their hemostatic properties, cactus can be a good tool in the treatment of wounds or fractures. But this is not the whole list of possible diseases with which this plant will help.
Eating cactus stimulates insulin production (useful property for diabetes), helps to cope with diseases of the respiratory system, problems in the oral cavity (plants are used to treat scurvy - a disease provoked by a lack of vitamin C in the body), and even used to strengthen hair and fight cellulite. Therefore, it is not surprising that today there are many recipes, the main component of which is the "magic" cactus.
Cactus oil
In cosmetology, cactus oil is widely distributed, although oil from its fruit seeds, opuntia, is often used. Both products effectively protect the skin from free radicals and prevent its aging, perfectly nourishing and restoring the skin. The secret of the miraculous effects of prickly pear oil on the human body is explained by the presence of a unique complex of active ingredients. In particular, the product contains a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids (mainly linoleic omega 6, which is the main component of the lipid layer of the epidermis, which is responsible for its adequate hydration).
Simply put, cactus fruit seed oil compensates for the lack of natural fat and active components of ceramides, and also supports the regeneration of the lipid barrier. In addition, this oil is rich in phytosterols, equivalent to the natural sterols of the skin. They have anti-inflammatory, soothing, wound healing and antiallergic action, which also strengthens the skin.
Virtually any cosmetic product made from cactus oil is an excellent source of vitamin E, presented in the form of tocopherol complexes. This allows the cream to have a powerful antioxidant effect, protecting the epidermis from the negative effects of free radicals, which slows down the aging process of the skin. Such products are also excellent for delicate skin around the eyes, since the prickly pear oil helps to improve the microcirculation of blood and lymph.
In cosmetology, cactus powder extracted from opuntia is often used. Like oil, it helps to solve many skin problems, so you should pay attention to it.
Cactus folk recipes
If you are still wondering “Why is a cactus in the house?”, We advise you to turn your attention to a huge number of popular recipes that will help you cope with a variety of ailments. For example, useful properties of cacti are well manifested in the treatment of colds, coughs and even tuberculosis, you only need to prepare the appropriate infusion. To do this, 1 teaspoon of Althea and the same amount of cactus juice is mixed with a tablespoon of honey, and then taken in dessert spoon three times a day.
In the fight against bronchitis you will be helped by an infusion of the pulp of the described plant cooked in milk: 2 tablespoons of crushed cactus is added to one liter of milk and infused for 12 hours. The finished product is taken half a glass three times a day. When coughing and bronchitis can be prepared and tincture for gargling.
To do this, 3-5 spoons of cactus pour two cups of boiling water and insist in a thermos for 12 hours. Adding to the infusion of other medicinal herbs will help to enhance the effect: coltsfoot, herbs of medicinal Althea, plantain, peppermint, succession, sage, calendula, linden or chamomile.
For effective treatment of purulent wounds, and the cactus has healing properties. and in this case, the plant juice is mixed with horseradish juice in a ratio of 2: 1, after which the resulting composition is impregnated with gauze and applied to the wound. These dressings should be changed every three hours.
If you suffer from stomach pains, the following remedy will help: 3 tablespoons of crushed cactus are mixed with crushed tangerine sandpaper and add 0.5 liters of hot milk, which will only increase its beneficial properties. The resulting mixture is poured into a thermos and insist for a day, after which it will be possible to strain and drink it (half a cup three times a day, half an hour before meals).
The combination of cactus and milk can also treat diseases of the respiratory system organs, including the lungs. To make a decoction, first chop the prickly stalks, place them in an enameled bowl, cover with cold milk (1 part of the plant and 10 parts of milk) and soak in a water bath for 20-30 minutes, stirring slightly. After this, the broth is filtered, and it is ready for use. You can cook a hot brew for a day. Two tablespoons of the crushed pulp of a cactus is poured with two cups of hot milk and left overnight in a thermos. The next day, the infusion is drunk in three doses of ¼ cup.
Relieve painful problems with joints and radiculitis will help you cooked from cactus gruel, which is rubbed into sore spots, and after its application wrapped them with compress paper or a warm scarf. 
Of course, these are far from all possible recipes, and on the subject forums you will surely find additional ideas for the beneficial use of cactus at home, but in any case it is worth remembering that in clinical practice the effect of all these infusions, decoctions and other variants of "folk art" did not apply.
Important! Having made a decision on the use of non-traditional methods of treatment, you fully assume all responsibility for the possible consequences.
Contraindications cactus
So, what can be useful for cacti at home, we have already figured out, however, in addition to the positive aspects of using this plant, there are some contraindications to its use. Although it must be said that there are not so many of them, and the main side effects (pain in the head, the appearance of red spots all over the body, nausea) are associated with the individual intolerance of the components of the plant. However Cactus-based preparations should not be used for acute cystitis and hemorrhoids.
Important! Side effects from the use of drugs on the basis of the specified plants can occur as with intolerance of its components, and overdose. Therefore, the reception of any infusion is better to start with small doses, after consulting with your doctor.
Folk omens
Undoubtedly, the cactus is a very multifaceted plant, which, as it turned out, has a positive effect on the human body. However, some people consider it not only from a medical point of view, but also from a magic point of view, ascribing these or other possibilities.
Did you know? In different nations, cacti for a long time served as a symbol of health and longevity, and sometimes they were even endowed with reason. In addition, cactus spines are still used in magical rituals using human figures.
All plants that received thorns from nature are usually attributed to the property of protecting the house from the intrusion of dishonest guests, which is why the cactus is still considered the keeper of the peace and tranquility of the household (in this case it is better to place it near the door or on the windowsill).
Choosing a cactus for home or office, it is worth remembering about another belief, which says about protection from evil forces (it’s obviously not necessary to think for a long time whether it is good or bad). That is, with the advent of plants in the house you will be protected from negative energy loads, especially from the evil eye and damage. According to beliefs, the energy of the thorns lures all evil spirits to the cactus, thereby depriving it of its ability to harm people.
The American Indians advise placing cacti on all sides of the house (to the south, east, north and west window), after which negative energy will not get into your house, and detractors will bypass your dwelling.
There are also peculiar tips that are based on the most common signs relating to this plant. For example, if a girl wants to preserve her innocence before marriage, she should put a pot of cactus in her bedroom, and in order to quickly marry her daughter, the father must take the cacti out of the apartment (temporarily).
You may not believe in these signs, but placing a cactus in a house doesn’t hurt, because, having figured out what it is useful for, you can use the plant effectively.
