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Benefits Of The Jamaican Tuna Plant
Traditional Uses And More

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jamaica_beach_house_little_bay_cabins_tuna_cactusBenefits Of The Jamaican Tuna Plant | Traditional Uses And More

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

This plant is a traditional staple here in Jamaica. We use it for a variety of reasons, from health to skin and hair care. I’m talking about the Jamaican Tuna plant, and since I use it on a regular basis, I am excited to share this one with you. 

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The tuna plant is also known as the prickly pear cactus or scientifically Opuntia Dillenii. It belongs to the nopal cactus family and is native to regions like the Southeastern United States, Mexico, and South America, but it has made itself quite at home in Jamaica and we have been making use of its benefits for generations.

This versatile cactus, with its thick, green pads and vibrant, oval-shaped fruit, thrives in arid conditions and has become a staple in traditional Jamaican herbal medicine. The cactus typically flowers in early May, with its fruit, commonly called "tunas," ripening by late summer. Even though I must make it clear that here in Jamaica we call the flat green prickly cactus pads Tuna.

A Wealth of Health Benefits

Don’t be intimidated by its prickly appearance, the tuna plant is actually packed with nutrients and medicinal properties that can significantly boost your health. Both the leaves and fruit of the plant are used in various treatments, and their benefits are nothing short of amazing.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

The tuna plant has some very impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities are particularly beneficial in soothing pain, boosting immune function, and protecting vital organs like the liver. While more research is needed to solidify these claims, its traditional use as a remedy in many cultures speaks volumes about its potential.

Managing Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels

In Mexico, where the nopal cactus has a long history of medicinal use, a small study involving 14 participants with Type 2 diabetes revealed that consuming nopal cactus during a high-carbohydrate meal led to significantly lower blood sugar and insulin levels. While this study was small, it suggests that the tuna plant might offer similar benefits, making it a natural aid for managing diabetes.

Digestive Health and More

The tuna plant is also beneficial for digestive health. Consuming the peeled and de-prickled leaves can help with constipation and bloating, making it a natural remedy for maintaining a healthy gut. Additionally, its fruit is a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, and other antioxidants that promote overall health.

Beauty Benefits

Beyond its internal health benefits, the tuna plant is a star in the world of natural beauty. The sap from its leaves has long been used as a natural shampoo in Jamaica, helping to eliminate dandruff and add sheen to hair. Herbalists also recommend it as a treatment for hair loss, and scalp conditions like alopecia, and even to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars. The plant is rich in vitamins E and K, which are crucial for skin health and rejuvenation.

Culinary Uses

Don’t be put off by the tuna plant’s prickly exterior—once the leaves are peeled and the thorns removed, they can be incorporated into your diet in various delicious ways. The leaves can be used in salads, grilled, pickled, or sautéed, adding a nutritious boost to your meals. The fruit, which tastes like a cross between a strawberry and a watermelon, can be eaten raw or used in jams, jellies, and even beverages.

Traditional Uses

Now that you know how the tuna plant is used around the world, here are a couple of ways we use it traditionally, here in Jamaica:

  1. Tuna Water: This is a simple combination of cleaned and diced tuna and water. We normally use coconut water and have the tuna pieces soak in the water overnight. Drink the next morning on an empty stomach for a variety of reasons such as digestive issues. Okra can also be added to this as our traditional remedy for healing back pain in men and pregnant women.

  2. For Hair: Many of us use tuna in different ways for steaming our hair. Some use it by simply splitting the cactus down the middle and rubbing it directly in their hair while others like myself chop it up and blend it with egg and other healthy proteins and fats.

The Jamaican tuna plant may not be as well-known as its cousin, the aloe vera, but its range of benefits makes it a plant worth exploring. Whether you’re looking to detox, manage blood sugar, improve digestive health, or enhance your beauty regimen, this humble cactus offers a natural, effective solution.

Check out even more medicinal herbs in this article and grab a copy of our ebook, 101 Amazing Wellness Secrets From Jamaica.

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References & Sources For Benefits Of The Jamaican Tuna Plant

  1. Richardson, J. (2020, March 25). Botanical Roots: Why you should eat tuna plant. Loop News. https://jamaica.loopnews.com/content/botanical-roots-why-you-should-eat-tuna-plant
  2. Dubois, S. (2012, June 16). Health Benefits of the Jamaican Tuna Plant. Livestrong.com. https://www.livestrong.com/article/557601-health-benefits-of-the-jamaican-tuna-plant/
  3. The tuna plant — for healthy hair, skin, digestion. (2022, January 17). Jamaica Observer. https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/allwoman/2022/01/17/the-tuna-plant-for-healthy-hair-skin-digestion-20231018-2034-398739/

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