Ethnobotany in Cactus and Succulents ... 1/2

Uses of C&S through history

SUCCULENTS

Agaves- Native Americans wove the leaves into baskets and mats.
Agaves- juice from young flower stalks is used to make an intoxicating drink known as pulque (eg. tequila).
Agave angustifolia- used for making mescal, an alcoholic beverage also.
Aloe- all though history Aloes have been used for their anaesthetic (pain-relief), antibacterial and tissue healing properties. Taken internally for stomach disorders, constipation, insomnia, haemorrhoids, headaches, mouth and gum disease and externally for relief of x-ray burns, and sunburn from the sun.
Aloes - native Africans cook and eat the flowers like a vegetable.
Aloe vera - is well known for use in burn creams and cosmetics.
Euphorbia antisyphilitica - Candelilla - The stem wax is used for making candles, soaps and ointments.
Euphorbia hirta - The caustic latex is used to remove warts.
Euphorbias - the toxic latex is used to stun fish and therefore make them easier to catch.
Fouquieria splendens- (ocotillo) Apache Indians ground the roots into a powder and mixed it with warm water to make a soothing bath to relieve fatigue, or applied to wounds to stop bleeding, or swollen joints and grazes to reduce swelling. Branches made excellent firewood. They also used to make a "living" fence to keep out/in animals.
Sedums - Native Americans, ancient Romans, Russian peoples and the Japanese believed sedums had special powers or qualities. They grew the plants for their malic acid or planted them above the doorways of their dwelling to keep away lightning or evil. Also used to treat gout.
Sempervivum - house leek-put on roof tops in Europe to protect against lightening and evil spirits.
Yucca- Root used by the Southwest desert natives for arthritic and rheumatic pains. Fibres used for weaving. Flower stalks, blossoms and seeds of all yucca species were all eaten.
Yucca elata - Soap tree. Rich in chemicals (sapogenins) that produce lather in water.
Hoodia gordonii has had a lot of publicity lately as it's use as an appetite suppressant in African tribe ceremonies, and therefore a modern use as a potential drug for weight control or for diabetes control.