Prickly Pear Cactus vs Cosmos sulphureus

Eastern North American prickly pear with medicinal pads and fruits; used by numerous Native American tribes for wound healing, burns, and anti-inflammatory purposes.

A Mexican wildflower with traditional uses in local herbal medicine for digestive and anti-inflammatory conditions.

betalains, mucilage, pectin, quercetin, isorhamnetin

flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol

Wound healing, Burns, Anti-inflammatory use, Nutritive food

Digestive aid, Anti-inflammatory use, Wound healing

Anti-inflammatory effects, Wound healing support, Antioxidant activity, Diuretic properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory research, Wound care

Pads as food; poultice topically; powder 1-2g daily

2g dried flowers as tea

Anticoagulants high amounts

Asteraceae allergy

Rare allergic reaction, Glochid irritation if improperly prepared

Mild allergic reactions