What plant or concoction did the Southwestern Indians eat to Conserve on Water?

I saw a documentary where the US army was fighting the Indians in the southwest, and they ate some sort of succulent or cacti concoction that helped their bodies more efficiently retain water. They, as a result had to carry less supplies for rehydration, where the US soldiers had to carry 10 gallons or so of water with them a day. I think it may have been made out of prickly pair pulp or barrel cactus pulp, but I'm not sure.

don't eat the cactus pulps. they don't work, and the alkaloids will make you sick.

oldest trick was to keep a pebble in your mouth, a small one. also tiny hot peppers make you feel cooler - sweating you know.

they also traded some of the indian tabacoo to the copper canyon indians for their magic leaves...

Only thing that really helps with hydration is a bit of ocean water mixed in with your drinking water, and a little vinegar or lemon/lime juice in your water.

can buy Elete - it's what we are selling to hikers in the grand canyon, and using for the wildland firefighters to keep them hydrated on 60% less water. it is basically ocean water, about 5-8 drops a quart.