Opuntia – Nopal cactus flower

Native to Central America, the Nopal is an edible cactus traditionally used for both its spikes and its flowers. The latter, vibrant when fresh, are harvested when ripe and then slowly dried. They are among the plants associated with functional nutrition.

Description

Dried whole flowers, yellow or red depending on the variety. Light and brittle texture. Sweet, slightly vegetal and tangy scent.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Nopal, prickly pear, edible cactus
• Latin name: Opuntia spp.
• Family: Cactaceae
• Part used: Flowers
• Form: Whole, dried
• Origin: South and Central America, arid zones
• English name: Nopal cactus flower
• Name in German: Nopalblüte
• Name in Spanish: Flor de nopal
• Name in Italian: Fiore di fico d'India
• Name in Arabic: زهرة الصبار (Zahra al-Sabbār)

Main virtues

Nopal flowers are prized for their richness in flavonoids and mucilages, traditionally linked to digestive comfort and natural vitality. Their use is also reported in skin care to soften the skin or as a herbal hair rinse.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, mucilages, natural pigments (betalains), amino acids, minerals (calcium, magnesium).

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 to 2 whole flowers for 250 ml of boiling water, infuse for 10 minutes, filter.
• Cosmetic: decoction for tonic lotion or soothing bath.
• Cuisine: rehydrated flowers to flavor traditional dishes.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• May have a mild laxative effect if consumed in large quantities.
• Avoid in pregnant or breastfeeding women without professional advice.
• Store in a dry place away from light to preserve its properties.

History and origin

A plant symbol of Native American cultures, the Nopal has been present in Mexican and Andean pharmacopoeias for centuries. Its flowers were often used to balance the diet during periods of heat or after heavy meals. Today, they find their place in wellness ranges and modern infusions with gentle, digestive purposes.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an opaque jar or an airtight kraft bag.
• Packaging: bulk, biodegradable bag or metal box.
• Appearance: whole dried flowers, yellow or red in color depending on the batch.
• Smell: vegetal, floral, sweet.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Ethnobotanical references from Mexico and Peru
• Botanical literature of arid flora
• Corpus of Latin American herbalism

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.