Tanacetum annuum vs Prickly Pear Cactus

Moroccan Asteraceae producing the famous blue essential oil used for anti-inflammatory and skin conditions.

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

chamazulene, camphor, sabinene, alpha-pinene

betalains, mucilage, pectin, quercetin, isorhamnetin

Skin conditions in Moroccan folk medicine, Anti-inflammatory use

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

Anti-inflammatory effects (chamazulene), Antiallergic, Wound healing

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

1-2 drops diluted essential oil topically

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

Pregnancy, Epilepsy - camphor, Skin allergy

Anticoagulants high amounts

Skin sensitization, Seizures in excess camphor

Rare allergic reaction, Glochid irritation if improperly prepared