Benefits of the Jamaican Tuna Plant

The Jamaican tuna plant are used as herbal remedies in Jamaica and many other countries.  The flesh of the cactus leaves are sometimes applied directly to minor cuts, burns and musculoskeletal injuries to stimulate healing and reduce pain, which is similar to how the aloe vera plant is used. Furthermore, the fresh sap from the cactus leaves is used as a natural cleaning shampoo and to eliminate dandruff and other scalp problems.

How does the Tuna Plant Benefit Hair

 Tuna Leaves aka. Prickly Pears – Not to be confused with aloe vera, tuna is one of those cacti that you can find in any tropical or sub-tropical country. It is a rugged plant that contains something called a penka gel. This gel is an emollient (moisturizer) and is especially beneficial for hair and skin. It is one of the premium additions to hair recipes for hair growth.

In Jamaica this plant is oftne used as a teatment to your hair by simple cutting the leaves and rubbing the internal portion onto the scalp and covering with a plastic cap for 30 mintues then rinsing out.

The Tuna plant much like the aloe vera leaves the scalp feeling clean, soothes itching and strengthens the root of the hair (leaving it thicker).  The plant can be used by all hair types whether your hair is relaxed or in its natural state.

Here is a simple shampoo recipe for you DIY persons out there.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Tuna Shampoo Recipe

This shampoo will give you suds if you are a sud-happy person.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp warm water
• 3 tuna leaves cut in halves (6 pieces)
• 1 tbsp lavender oil in 3 cups of hot water. Let it cool.

Method:
Wet hair thoroughly. To make the apple cider shampoo combine the apple cider vinegar and water; use more water if you need to. Finger part your hair into six sections. Slice the tuna leaves length wise and cut out the gel inside, rub the inner part of the tuna on your scalp. Keep rubbing until all your scalp gets a tuna rub. It should be slightly suddy and slippery. Let it sit on your hair for fifteen minutes and massage it into your scalp properly with your fingers. Rinse hair thoroughly with water. Use the lavender water for a final rinse and a nice smelling finish.


Leave a comment of your result if you try this shampoo.

Disclaimer: EssenceJa does not guarantee that you will achieve the same results as we have by using this recipe on your particular hair.