The first complete guide to natural healing properties and uses of the prickly pear cactus • Examines the scientific research promoting the cactus as a natural diabetes and cholesterol medication as well as its use in the treatment of obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, skin ailments, and viral infections • Explores the healing uses of prickly pears from the perspective of doctor, chemist, ethnobotanist, cook, and layman • Includes 24 cactus recipes!