What are the uses of the cactus ball? The latest roundup
The cactus ball is commonly known as the grass ball and also called Changsheng ball. It is a perennial succulent herbaceous plant of the Cactaceae family, with a spherical or oval green stem. The flowers grow among the clusters of spines on the vertical ribs. The cactus ball usually blooms in the early morning or evening, lasting from a few hours to one day. The cactus ball is an artistic treasure among hydroponic flowers, with high ornamental value in its stem, leaves and flowers. The cactus ball absorbs electromagnetic radiation, is a natural air freshener, and also has the function of absorbing dust and purifying the air.
The ornamental value of the cactus ball
In the horticultural world, the spherical varieties of cactus plants are customarily called cactus balls. The cactus ball is an artistic treasure among hydroponic flowers, with high ornamental value in its stem, leaves and flowers. Traditional cactus balls are planted in deserts, while hydroponic cactus balls cultivated through plant aquatic mutation technology allow you to admire both its tender white roots and the lovely little fish swimming among the roots, which is truly delightful.
The health benefits of the cactus ball
The cactus is cold in nature and bitter in taste. It contains triterpenes, malic acid, succinic acid, potassium carbonate and other components, and has the effects of promoting qi and blood circulation, nourishing and strengthening the stomach, and clearing heat and detoxifying. It can treat the following diseases:
1. Chilblains: Remove the spines from the cactus, mash it into a paste, apply it to the affected area, wrap it with gauze externally, and remove the dressing after 5 consecutive days of application. This method is suitable for grade I to II chilblains (this method should not be used if the chilblains have already ulcerated).
2. Tenosynovitis: Choose a piece of cactus slightly larger than the affected area of the tendon sheath, remove the spines, scrape off the epidermal layer on one side, apply it to the affected area, and fix it with medical tape. Replace it with a fresh cactus every other day. Generally, after a few replacements, the lump disappears on its own.
3. Mumps: Take an appropriate amount of fresh young cactus stems, remove the surface spines and fuzz, wash and mash them, evenly spread the paste on the swollen area below the ear, and fix it with gauze. Change the dressing twice a day.
4. Burns and insect bites: Scrape off the outer skin of the cactus with a knife, mash it and apply it to the wound, then disinfect and bandage to treat burns. Mash the whole plant to extract juice and apply it to the affected area to treat snake and insect bites.
5. Stomach disease and acute bacillary dysentery: Take 1 to 2 liang of cactus root, stew it with pig tripe and take it to treat stomach disease. Take 1 to 2 liang of fresh cactus, decoct it in water and take it to treat acute bacillary dysentery.
6. Acute mastitis: Remove the spines from the cactus and mash it, add 50 milliliters of 95% alcohol and mix well, then apply it externally to the local area twice a day.
7. Diabetic foot: First clean the ulcer surface with hydrogen peroxide and normal saline, and remove necrotic tissue and purulent secretions. Then take 30 grams of fresh cactus, remove the skin and spines, mash it into a paste, evenly apply it externally to the affected area, and bandage it with gauze. Change the dressing 2 to 3 times a day for 5 to 7 consecutive days.
A natural oxygen bar
Most plants carry out photosynthesis during the day, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen; at night they carry out respiration, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Some plants are the opposite. For example, the cactus releases carbon dioxide during the day and absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night. In this way, placing a cactus in the bedroom at night can supplement oxygen and help with sleep. Do not underestimate the cactus ball; it is also an expert at absorbing dust! Placing a cactus ball indoors, especially a hydroponic cactus ball (because hydroponic cactus balls are cleaner and more environmentally friendly), can help purify the air.
Edible value
The edible cactus ball is a succulent plant of the Cactaceae family, growing in subtropical regions. It originated in France in Europe, once spread to Vietnam at the end of the 18th century, and was later introduced via Mong Cai to the coastal area of the Beibu Gulf in China, in the Jing ethnic group's three islands and the Shiwan Dashan region. After more than a hundred years of evolution, it has now formed a green health food with unique local characteristics——the edible cactus ball.