Cochineal, Nopalea cochenillifera

Cochineal is a cactus with oval shaped, fleshy leaves that are not as aggressive looking as Prickly Pear, but it does have small needles that can cause minor irritation if they stick in your skin. It is easy to grow in a pot and I have grown my plant from simply throwing part of a leaf into a pot. When I went back a month later to use the pot for another plant, the cochineal had started to grow. I only water my potted cochineal if Bermuda is experiencing extreme drought conditions. Cochineal does not require extensive care and will thrive if you forget about it.

Cochineal water is a well-known folk remedy in Bermuda. If you break off a leaf, cut it into strips, and put the plant into a large jug with water, the mucilage will be released. The thick water is then consumed as a drink. Cochineal water is refreshing during the hot summer months, however if you have never had it before, be aware. Cochineal will have a cleansing effect on your colon which normally eases off after a week. Replace the cochineal leaf in the water jug after 5-7 days and top up the water to keep the leaf submerged in the jug.

Cochineal soothes and cools with its mucilaginous properties. I've come to know it as a superb first aid plant because the gel produced by the plant appears almost immediately when put into water. Applying the gel to a burn or wound provides immediate relief and supports a rapid healing process.

Try It Out

Pick a piece of cochineal leaf and put it in a large jug. Add water to fill the container. Drink cochineal water daily.

Apply cochineal gel to a burn or cut.

General Benefits

• Source of food
• Soothes burns
• Heals cuts and wounds
• Eases inflammatory conditions
• Cleanses colon
• Natural yard fence

Properties

#VitaminC, #fiber, #iron, #Potassium, #anti-fungal, #antibacterial, #anti-inflammatory,

Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus

Identifiable by the bright blossoms and round leaves, nasturtiums are part of the landscape in Bermuda. The plant is commonly found in the garden, yard, or uncultivated areas. If unchecked, nasturtiums can become invasive in the garden, but the plant is still food. The flowers, leaf, and seeds are edible.

The taste of the leaves and flowers is peppery and there are some recipes online for drying the seeds for use as a pepper alternative. The peppery bite of nasturtium isn't overwhelming though, and it is a great introductory herb to wild food for children and adults.

Nasturtium flowers bloom bright yellow, orange, or flame red in the Spring and Summer months. The leaves can be found in various circular sizes and resembles lily pads. Creeping on the ground is where you can find the vine, but it will climb if given an opportunity.

Plant nasturtiums in your garden for an ally in minimizing bug infestations or plant diseases. If you are a container gardener, either plant nasturtiums in a pot or allow it to grow around your containers. If you garden in the earth, collect a few seeds from a plant and put them in your garden. Train the vine to grow around the plants susceptible to infestation or disease as a form of prevention, but check it regularly to make sure the nasturtiums are not choking the garden plants.

Try It Out

Steep a small handful of the leaf and flowers in hot water. Allow to cool and use as a hair rinse for irritated scalp conditions.

Use the leaf instead of lettuce in a sandwich.

General Benefits

• Accessible food source
• Appetite stimulant
• Tonic for the entire body
• Relieves constipation
• Clears mucus
• Supportive companion plant in the garden

Properties

#Antibiotic, #Antiseptic, #Vitamin C, #Iron,