Description

Common English Name: Prickly pear (seed); barbary fig.

Botanical Name: Opuntia ficus-indica.

Plant Family: Cactaceae.

Method of Extraction: Cold pressing of the seeds.

Origin: Possibly Mexico, although the plant has been domesticated in many countries of the world.

Plant Description: A cacti with flat, rounded cladodes (in place of leaves), long, sharp spikes, flowers in the spring, and small, round fruits. The flowers are white, yellow or red and the red-purple fruits contain the seeds.

Main Chemical Components: Linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, vitamin E.

Blends Well With: Essential oils, other carrier oils.

Uses: Dry skin, undernourished skin, damaged skin, mature skin, dry and damaged hair.

Fun Fact: The seeds are separated from the pulp by hand and then dried before they are cold pressed to produce the oil.

Cautions for Use: None noted for use of the oil.