Opuntia oil: properties and uses

Useful substances are found in a wide variety of plants that can be used for the benefit of humans: used for the treatment and prevention of diseases, and also used for the preparation of cosmetics. Not everyone knows about some plants and their areas of application. For example, what is prickly pear oil, what are its properties and uses.

Opuntia is a cactus. It is found in different countries with warm climates, and in Russia it can be found in the Caucasus and Crimea. This cactus is grown specifically for its seeds. It is they who serve as raw materials for the manufacture of butter.

This plant was dubbed the prickly pear. The main countries where it is cultivated are South America, Mexico and Morocco. The fruits have long been used as healing agents, and the oil was called precious. It was made by squeezing seeds manually. And until now, oil is considered one of the most expensive products used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Since seeds contain very little fat, a huge amount of seeds is needed to prepare at least a few grams of this miraculous elixir. To produce one liter of oil, it takes about five hundred kilograms of cactus fruit. So one can imagine the scale of its value. Sometimes, in order to reduce the price of the finished product, other, less expensive ones, are added to the oil of the prickly pear cactus, which reduces its valuable properties.

This plant and the oil obtained from its seeds are considered unique due to the content of linoleic acid in the composition, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the body and is successfully used in cosmetology, supplying the skin with useful substances, thereby helping to prolong youth. In addition, they contain vitamins E, F, A, C and group BB.

The oil of this type of cactus is widely used in cosmetology. In addition to its rejuvenating effect, it helps protect the skin from sun damage and helps prevent the appearance of age spots.The general effect on the skin is that fine wrinkles disappear, the skin becomes more elastic and looks fresher.

Opuntia oil is also successfully used in hair care. If you rub it regularly into the scalp, you can achieve improved hair growth, they will become stronger, less will fall out. It is also used to revitalize dull, brittle and dry hair. Thanks to its properties, the hair will stay hydrated for longer.

Using it as an addition to the usual cream or mask will bring tangible results. To do this, you can simply add a few drops of oil to your night or day cream and apply it on your face, neck, and décolleté. Plus, the oil has been used as a cleanser, showing good results in fighting acne. It can also be added to factory and home-made scrubs, or you can simply wipe your face with a cotton pad moistened with oil.

You can add it to shampoos, balms, hair masks, which will only enhance their effect. If you suffer from dandruff, it is enough to rub the oil into the scalp, and you do not need to distribute it along the entire length of the hair. If the ends of your hair are severely split, you can also treat them with pure oil. The result will be visible immediately.

Reviews of consumers who used prickly pear as hair masks, as well as face creams confirm the fact that the effect is obvious: the skin looks noticeably better, it becomes more hydrated, rested, irritation and redness disappear; hair gains shine and falls out much less, it is possible to get rid of dandruff. But at the same time, many note that this should not be a one-time action - a regular basis is required. Only then will it be possible to improve the condition of the skin and hair.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then the main one is that the tool is not cheap. It is expensive to use in its pure form, but it is quite possible to add it as a component to other means. Another point that must be taken into account is the individual characteristics of the organism. Therefore, you first need to check if there is any allergy to the product. To do this, just apply a drop of the composition to your hand. If no reaction occurs within an hour, then everything is in order.

In terms of medicinal uses, prickly pear oil has found its application in the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to normalize the functioning of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder.

Formulations containing this oil are also good for those who suffer from diabetes. They help maintain optimal blood sugar levels and normalize carbohydrate metabolism in the body, which makes the pancreas work in the right way.

Some nutritionists recommend to their patients preparations that include prickly pear oil, in order to reduce fat entering the body, and normalize metabolism. In addition to the fact that the tool has a good effect on the metabolism, it also does not allow fat to be absorbed. Thus, you can put your body in order and lose extra pounds while following the correct diet and regular use of oil.

If in life there are regular and active sports or hard physical labor, prickly pear will help to restore strength, supply the body with energy, and also influence mood in a positive way.

There is an opinion of experts that prickly pear oil has a great effect on the cardiovascular system, helps to maintain blood vessels in proper condition, improves the work of blood supply in the body, keeps the brain in good condition, stimulates memory, and relieves headaches.

You can prepare an anti-aging composition. To do this, add two tablespoons of sea salt, one tablespoon of honey and a few drops of cactus oil to a liter of milk. Pour all this into the bathroom and enjoy the tranquility and pleasant relaxing bath for half an hour.

This oil is also used for relaxation massage, having an excellent effect on the nervous system and at the same time caring for the skin. Aromatherapy sessions using prickly pear oil are also possible.

Patient reviews confirm that there is an effect, especially with regard to a relaxing and calming effect on the body. As for weight loss, as noted by those who used the composition, in addition to it, in any case, at least small physical activity and proper nutrition should go. If you have doubts about the choice for the purpose of recovery, it is better to consult with a specialist who will help you make the right decision.

You can learn about the use of prickly pear oil in the video below.