Evidence supporting the use of: Cactus
For the health condition: Hemorrhoids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Cacti, particularly species such as Opuntia (prickly pear) and Nopalea, have been used in traditional medicine systems in various cultures, especially in Mexico and parts of the Americas. In folk medicine, cactus pads (also known as "nopal") are sometimes applied topically or ingested to alleviate symptoms of hemorrhoids, primarily for their purported anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Some traditional uses include making poultices from cactus pads to reduce swelling and discomfort, or consuming cactus preparations to aid digestion and reduce constipation, a common underlying cause of hemorrhoids. However, scientific validation for these uses is minimal. While there is some evidence that certain cactus species possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, there are no robust clinical trials or substantial pharmacological studies directly supporting the efficacy of cactus for hemorrhoid treatment. Most available data are anecdotal or derived from traditional knowledge rather than scientific assessment. Thus, while cactus is traditionally used for hemorrhoids in some regions, the evidence base is weak, and its use is best considered as complementary rather than as a primary or evidence-based therapy.
Other ingredients used for Hemorrhoids
AbrusAcacia
Achyranthes
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Aescin
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Alchemilla
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
Angelica
anthocyanidins
anthraquinone
Antirrhinum majus
antler
apple
apple cider vinegar
apricot
Ardisia
aster root
avens
bael
Baliospermum
banyan
Barleria
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
Bergenia
betel
bilberry
bioflavonoids
birch
Black Hellebore
black nightshade
black root
blackberry
blackboard tree
Blepharis
Borassus aethiopum
borassus palm
bran
Brassica
butcher's broom
cabbage
cactus
Caesalpinia crista
capsicum
Carthamus
castor oil
Celosia
chamomile
chard
chestnut
Chinese silkvine
Chondrus
cinquefoil
citrus bioflavonoids
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut oil
colocynth
commiphora
Cucurbita
Cyathula
Cynodon dactylon
dandelion
Dianthus
Diosmin
elephant\'s head
Embelia
escin
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
Ficus simplicissima
geranium
gotu kola
green chiretta
hazelnut
horse chestnut
Indian coraltree
Kokilaksha
labrador tea
lemon
lichen
licorice root
little ironweed
Lycopodium
Methylcellulose
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Morinda
Morning glory
Morus
Mountain Pepper
Mucilage
Myrrh
Nettle
Nimbidin
Nymphaea nouchali
Oak
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
Onosma bracteatum
oregon grape
Oroxylum indicum
pagoda tree
Papayotin
parsley
paw paw
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
peony
Persimmon
phellodendron amurense
Pluchea
plum fruit
Polygonum
Portulaca
proanthocyanidins
prune
Prunus
psyllium
punarnava
rhubarb
Rosa laevigata
Rosabin
Rubia cordifolia
Ruscogenins
Ruscus
rutin
Rutosides
Sanguisorba
Sarivan
sea salt
seaweed
Shark Liver Oil
shepherd's purse
slippery elm bark
Sumac
Sword Bean
Szechuan lovage
Tamarind
Tannins
Taraxacin
Terminalia
Triphala
Troxerutin
turmeric
Varuna
vitamin C
Wax Gourd
Winter Begonia
Witch Hazel
Yellow Dock
Zinc
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by cactus
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Alcoholism
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cholesterol (high)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Gout
Hangover
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Infection
Inflammation
Insomnia
Kidney Stones
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
