Can You Really Survive by Drinking Water from a Cactus In The Wilderness?

No, drinking water directly from a cactus can do more harm than good. This is due to its toxic alkaloids and acids, but in emergencies, the fishhook barrel cactus and the fruit of the prickly pear cactus may provide some drinkable moisture, though it’s not advisable for regular survival. 

Imagine this: you’re trekking through the desert, the sun beating down mercilessly. Your water bottle’s empty, and you’re getting desperate.

Then you spot it – a cactus, standing tall and proud. You remember those survival shows where the host confidently slices open a cactus and drinks the water inside. 

But hold on a second – is that really a good idea? Can you actually survive by drinking water from a cactus? Let’s dive into this prickly subject and separate fact from fiction. At the end we have a quiz, which you can answer.

Understanding the Cactus Water Survival Myth

The idea of cacti as desert water fountains has been around for ages. It’s a tale as old as time, or at least as old as desert exploration. But where did this myth come from?

Origins of the myth

Back in the day, early explorers of the American Southwest and other desert regions often found themselves in dire straits. In their journals, some mentioned attempting to use cacti as a water source.

These accounts, passed down through generations, formed the basis of what we now know as the cactus water myth.

Popular media portrayals

Hollywood’s got a lot to answer for when it comes to survival myths. How many times have we seen a movie hero dramatically slice open a cactus and take a long, refreshing drink? It’s become such a common trope that many people believe it without question.

I remember watching a popular survival show where the host confidently cut open a barrel cactus and drank the liquid inside. Let me tell you, that’s not something you want to try at home – or in the desert!

Common misconceptions

Here’s the thing: cacti do contain liquid, but it’s not exactly water. It’s more like a sticky, toxic soup that can do more harm than good (depending on the type of cactus).

Many people assume that any desert plant must be a potential water source, but that’s a dangerous oversimplification.

Types of Cacti and Their Water Content

Cacti Information

Cacti	Description	Location	Safe to drink	Water Extraction Method
Prickly Pear	The pads and fruit can be eaten and contain some moisture, though it’s slimy and sticky.	North and South America	✔	Peel pads and squeeze to extract water.
Saguaro	Iconic giant cacti with water chemically bound within woody pulp.	Sonoran Desert, USA	❌	Not applicable
Barrel Cactus	Round, squat cacti with highly alkaline liquid that can cause severe stomach issues.	Deserts of North America	❌	Not applicable
Fishhook Barrel Cactus	Small to medium barrel-shaped cactus with curved spines.	Southwestern USA, Mexico	✔	Cut open and mash tissue to extract water. Consume moderate amounts
Organ Pipe Cactus	Looks like a cluster of pipes, with fibrous interior pulp that’s hard to extract liquid from.	Sonoran Desert	❌	Not applicable
Cholla Cactus	Known for barbed spines, mostly fibrous tissue with little accessible moisture.	Southwestern USA, Mexico	❌	Not applicable
Hedgehog Cactus	Smaller cacti with some species producing edible fruit, but not a good water source.	Southwestern USA, Mexico	❌	Not applicable
Senita Cactus	Can grow up to 13 feet tall, with alkaline and potentially toxic liquid.	Sonoran Desert	❌	Not applicable

Not all cacti are created equal, especially when it comes to their insides. Let’s break down some common types:

Barrel cacti

These round, squat cacti might look like nature’s water barrels, but don’t be fooled. While they do contain liquid, it’s highly alkaline and can cause severe stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Not exactly what you want when you’re already dehydrated!

Prickly pear cacti

Now, prickly pears are interesting. Their pads and fruit can be eaten (when prepared properly), and they do contain some moisture. But we’re talking about a slimy, sticky substance, not refreshing water.

Plus, good luck getting to it without a face full of tiny, hair-like spines!

But, if you had to drink “water” from any cactus, this one is your best bet. In fact, drinking the liquid from prickly pear cacti fruit was a trend in the early stages of 2020. And it actually boasts some health benefits. 

Saguaro cacti

These are the iconic giants of the desert. While they can hold a lot of water, it’s not easily accessible. The inside is more like a woody pulp, and the water is chemically bound within the plant’s tissues. You’d need some serious tools and know-how to extract anything drinkable.

Fishhook Barrel Cactus

The fishhook barrel cactus, or Ferocactus wislizeni, is a desert dweller that’s often misunderstood when it comes to survival. Growing up to 10 feet tall, it’s known for its curved spines that resemble fishhooks. 

While you can drink moderate amounts, what you’ll find inside isn’t refreshing water, but a moist pulp full of oxalic acid.

Drinking this excessively can lead to severe stomach issues and even kidney problems – definitely not what you want when you’re already dehydrated!

Organ Pipe Cactus

These cacti look like a cluster of pipes, hence the name. They’re found in the Sonoran Desert and can grow up to 26 feet tall. While they do contain some moisture, it’s not easily accessible.

The interior is a fibrous pulp that’s difficult to extract liquid from. Plus, like many cacti, the fluid contains toxic compounds that can make you sick.

Cholla Cactus

Also known as “jumping cactus” (though they don’t actually jump), these cacti are notorious for their barbed spines that easily attach to skin and clothing.

The idea of getting close enough to one of these to try and extract water? Let’s just say it’s not recommended. Their interior is mostly fibrous tissue with little accessible moisture.

Hedgehog Cactus

These smaller cacti might seem more approachable, but don’t be fooled. While some species produce edible fruit, the cactus itself isn’t a good water source. The small amount of liquid inside is, you guessed it, full of alkaloids that can cause stomach distress.

Senita Cactus

Found in the Sonoran Desert, the Senita cactus can grow up to 13 feet tall. Like its cousins, it’s not a good source of drinkable water. The interior pulp is fibrous and the small amount of liquid present is alkaline and potentially toxic.

The Risks of Drinking Cactus Water

Alright, let’s say you throw caution to the wind and decide to try cactus water anyway. What could go wrong? Well, quite a lot, actually.

Potential toxicity

Cacti are full of alkaloids and other substances that can be toxic to humans. These chemicals help protect the plant from predators, but they can wreak havoc on your system. Symptoms can range from mild nausea to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and even temporary paralysis in some cases.

I once met a hiker who thought he’d be clever and try some barrel cactus juice on a trip. He ended up spending two miserable days huddled in his tent, sicker than a dog. Not exactly the desert adventure he’d planned!

Health risks

Even if you manage to avoid the immediate toxic effects, drinking cactus water can lead to other health issues. The high alkalinity can upset your stomach’s pH balance, leading to nausea and vomiting.

And here’s the kicker – all that vomiting can actually make you more dehydrated than you were to begin with!

Environmental considerations

Let’s not forget about the cacti themselves. Many species are protected, and hacking them open for their juice isn’t just ineffective – it’s often illegal. These plants play crucial roles in desert ecosystems, providing food and shelter for various animals.

Damaging them for a misguided attempt at hydration isn’t just dangerous for you; it’s harmful to the environment.

Expert Opinions on Cactus Water for Survival

Don’t just take my word for it. Let’s hear from the pros.

Insights from survival experts

I’ve had the chance to chat with several survival experts over the years, and they all say pretty much the same thing: drinking cactus water is a bad idea. These are folks who’ve spent more time in the desert than a rattlesnake, and they’ll tell you straight up – there are better ways to find water.

One expert, a former military survival instructor, put it bluntly: “Drinking from a cactus is more likely to land you in a hospital than save your life. It’s a last-ditch, desperation move that’ll probably do more harm than good. Most people don’t know how to discern between drinkable and non-drinkable cacti. It’s better to leave them completely alone than to play Russian roulette with cacti knowledge. “

Scientific studies on cactus water

Research backs up what the experts say. Studies have shown that the liquid inside most cacti contains various compounds that can be harmful to humans.

On the contrary, a study on cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) suggests that its fruit has a positive effect on inflammatory markers in humans. The supplementation with cactus pear fruit was found to decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines.

I know, a lot of science talk. But, in layman’s terms/plain english: cactus pear are good for you.

Alternative Water Sources in the Desert

So, if cacti are off the menu, what’s a thirsty desert traveler to do? Turns out, there are several safer options:

Natural water sources

Believe it or not, deserts aren’t completely dry. Springs and oases do exist, though they can be hard to find. Look for signs of water like green vegetation or animal tracks. Just remember to purify any water you find before drinking it.

Techniques for finding water

One of my favorite tricks is the solar still. It’s like creating your own mini water cycle. All you need is a hole in the ground, a container, and some plastic. The sun does the rest, pulling clean water out of the soil.

Another method is transpiration bags. Tie a clear plastic bag around a leafy branch and let it sit in the sun. The leaves will release water vapor, which condenses on the inside of the bag. It’s slow, but it works!

Emergency water sources

In a real pinch, you can try collecting dew in the early morning. Tie some absorbent cloth around your ankles and walk through dewy vegetation. You’d be surprised how much water you can collect this way.

Animal behavior can also lead you to water. Watch for birds flying in a straight line or insects congregating – they often indicate a water source nearby.

Practical Tips for Desert Survival

The best way to handle a desert water emergency? Avoid it altogether. Here are some tips to keep you safe and hydrated:

Hydration strategies

• Bring more water than you think you’ll need. A good rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day, plus extra for emergencies.
• Drink small amounts frequently rather than large amounts all at once.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you faster.

Preparing for desert trips

• Always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
• Carry a detailed map and compass (and know how to use them).
• Pack emergency signaling devices like a whistle or mirror.

First aid for dehydration and heatstroke

Know the signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth, and fatigue. If you or a companion show these symptoms, find shade immediately and start rehydrating slowly.

For heatstroke, which is even more serious, look out for high body temperature, confusion, and lack of sweating. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate cooling and professional help.

Quiz Time!

Takeaways – Can You Really Survive by Drinking Water from a Cactus in the Wilderness?

• Drinking directly from a cactus is generally harmful: Most cacti contain toxic alkaloids and acids that can cause severe stomach issues, making them unsafe for regular survival use.
• Fishhook barrel cactus and prickly pear cactus fruit may provide some drinkable moisture: In emergencies, these are the best options among cacti, though they should still be approached with caution.
• Barrel cacti are not suitable for hydration: Despite their appearance, the liquid inside is highly alkaline and can cause severe stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Saguaro cacti hold water that is not easily accessible: The water is chemically bound within woody pulp, requiring serious tools and know-how to extract, making it impractical for survival purposes.
• Hollywood and popular media have perpetuated the cactus water survival myth: Many movies and shows depict drinking from cacti as a viable survival strategy, which is misleading and dangerous.
• Better alternative water sources exist in the desert: Natural water sources like springs and oases, techniques like solar stills and transpiration bags, and even collecting morning dew are safer and more reliable methods.
• Prepare for desert trips to avoid water emergencies: Bringing ample water, knowing signs of dehydration and heatstroke, and having survival skills can prevent the need to resort to risky methods like drinking cactus water.