The medicinal value of cactus is reflected in several aspects.

Cactus is a familiar succulent plant, drought-tolerant and easy to grow, and is often kept as a potted ornamental. In fact, besides its ornamental and edible uses, it is also a traditional medicinal material that has been passed down among the people for a long time; its thick, juicy stem pads have been used since ancient times to deal with some everyday minor ailments.

From the perspective of traditional medicine, cactus is cold in nature and bitter in taste, and is generally considered to have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain. Its stem pads and juice contain polysaccharides, flavonoids, and various minerals and vitamins, and these components are usually regarded as the main source of the medicinal value of cactus.

Among the people, the most common use of cactus is external application. People often mash the de-spined stem pads into a paste and apply it to insect bites or minor scald areas to relieve redness, swelling, and discomfort; in some places, the tender stems are peeled and served as a cold dish or used in soup, as it is believed that eating them in moderation helps clear heat and reduce internal fire. However, these are mostly folk experiences, and if symptoms are obvious or persistent, medical attention should be sought promptly.

There are also some points to note when using cactus as medicine. Before use, the sharp spines and the outer hard skin must be thoroughly removed to avoid scratching the skin; it tends to be cold in nature, so people with weak spleen and stomach and pregnant women should not use it much, and people with sensitive constitutions had better test it on a small area before external application. Overall, the medicinal value of cactus is worth attention, but only through scientific and moderate use can its benefits truly be brought into play.