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

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