The ancient peoples of the Andes Mountains used cactus as a therapy for a variety of ailments and diseases. The Incas, native to South America, were known to use the cactus to treat everything from broken bones and wounds to fevers and diarrhea. The Incan physicians knew how to make use of the cactus and the plants had a high value in the Incan culture. The Aztecs of Central America used a cactus as a treatment for fevers, digestive disorders and as a cleanser. The Mayans also used cactus in their medicine and believed that it would keep them healthy and strong.
As history advanced, the Incas became the world’s first great civilization, but they did not invent the cactus. It was probably discovered by Europeans who were looking for a plant to cure severe fevers and the plant was used as an herbal remedy. It was only in the 14th century that cactus was used for battle wounds, although its uses in other fields had been known since the earliest times. It was only after the discovery of the Incan civilization that cactus began to be used medicinally throughout the Western World. In the early 19th century, cactus was again discovered and the herb quickly spread throughout North America.
Modern medicine owes a debt to the Incans for discovering the uses of the cactus. Today, cactus is used extensively in the fields of acupuncture, Ayurveda and homeopathy. In recent years, the humble cactus has become fashionable with homeowners for landscaping and flower beds. The aroma from this succulent is now often used in fragrances and potpourri and has even become a trendy part of cuisine
