Herbal Healing: Cayenne - Heated Healing

It grows in the tropics of Africa and the Americas, and it has been prized for thousands of years for its healing power. From simple problems to more serious healing, cayenne pepper is a very useful herb. Herbalists have known for some time of the benefits of cayenne pepper, but modern scientists are just discovering uses of cayenne recently. 

Cayenne has been used for stomach aches, cramps, gas, circulation, arthritis, inflammation, and more. Modern scientists tell us that cayenne pepper includes capsaicin (8-methynul-N-vanillyl- 60nonenamide), which gives the peppers its "hot" property. They also say that cayenne peppers have a high beta-carotene content, which is said to be one of the most important antioxidants in the body. Beta- carotene can also be converted inside the body to vitamin A, which is important for tissues of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts, Beta-carotene can also be helpful for asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and it can also help prevent atherosclerosis, colon cancer, and complications of diabetes. Cayenne pepper has many beneficial uses and has caught the attention of scientists and researchers, who have since developed products based on the natural actions of the plant. 

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM 

Cayenne helps rebuild the tissue in the stomach and also stimulates the peristaltic action of the intestines. Cayenne also helps the body create hydrochloric acid, which is needed for the stomach to digest food. 

Cayenne pepper has also been shown to ease dyspepsia, which is a vague digestive discomfort that usually occurs after eating - one feels full, has heartburn, bloating, or nausea. In one study, thirty people were given either 2.5 grams of red pepper powder or a placebo. By the third week of treatment, those taking the cayenne before meals were experiencing less pain, bloating. and nausea compared to those in the placebo group. 

While some people think that eating too many peppers could give one an ulcer, this is untrue. In fact, cayenne peppers may actually help prevent ulcers and actually heals them. Cayenne peppers (and capsicum itself) stimulates the production of mucus in the stomach. The mucus is important because it coats the intestinal walls, providing an important barrier to stomach acid and prevents ulcers. Suggested intake for ulcers is one capsule of capsium two to three times a day, with meals. 

HEART HEALTH 

Cayenne peppers are good for the heart. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that residents of Thailand have a very low incidence of blood clots because of their heavy consumption of red pepper. Because of its high antioxidant properties, it helps get rid of free radical damage that often leads to atherosclerosis and heart disease. 

Cayenne also helps reduce cholesterol levels. Studies show that rodents that were fed high fat diets but given cayenne pepper experienced an increase of cholesterol in their feces and no rise in their liver cholesterol. Drinking an 8oz glass of tomato juice with a pinch of cayenne and a squeeze of lemon juice when eating greasy foods will help control cholesterol, and thus aid in preventing heart disease. 

Some herbalists claim cayenne is a wonderful emergency herb for heart attacks. Dr. Richard Anderson, author of Cleanse and Purify Thyself, says that it is always a good idea to have cayenne extract available. Dir Anderson has told the public of stories of how cayenne extract has saved people in cardiac arrest (heart attack). One man in Oregon had a severe heart attack, and his daughter inserted cayenne extract into his mouth periodically while he was rushed to the hospital. When he finally arrived at the hospital, the man felt fine and was wanting to go home. Anderson recommends one teaspoon of cayenne extract to be taken every fifteen minutes during a heart attack, or one teaspoon of cayenne in a glass of hot water, until the crisis is over. 

PAIN RELIEF 

Cayenne peppers are very useful for relieving pain. Cayenne has been used for toothache, passing a kidney stone, cramps, cluster headaches, and more. 

Topical creams like CApzasin-P and Zostrix contain capsicum. It fights pain by entering nerves and emptying them of the substance that transmits pain signals to the brain. While it is not a cure, cayenne peppers help to ease arthritis and joint pain. muscle aches, and stiff necks. 

An ointment can be made using cayenne pepper and vaseline. Add one part ground hot pepper to five parts carefully melted vaseline. Mix well and cool until it congeals. Apply once daily or once every two days to sprains and bruises. 

Cayenne is very good for cluster headaches, which usually last between 30 minutes and two hours and occur many times a day for many months. Cluster headaches are usually felt around the eye as an excruciating, throbbing pain. If taken in the nose, capsaicin is helpful in reducing cluster headaches. 

CONGESTION/COLDS/IMMUNITY 

Capsaicin helps stimulate secretions that help clear mucus from the nose and lungs. An old Jewish recipe for colds includes adding a pinch of cayenne and one clove of garlic (finely chopped) to hot chicken soup. Super C, an old Amish herbal remedy, contains cayenne, ginger, vitamin A, and vitamin C. 

Some medical studies suggest that adding cayenne pepper to one's diet helps reduce the risk of catching pneumonia or other respiratory infections. Cayenne is said to strengthen the lungs and immune system. 

WEIGHT LOSS 

Looking to lose a few pounds? Adding cayenne to meals will rev up your metabolism, according to European studies and thousands of years of ancient practice. Cayenne helps the body burn more fat through chemical combustion rather than storing it in muscle tissues. 

OTHER USES 

Bleeding: hemorrhages in lungs, stomach, uterus, nose, or open wounds will respond to cayenne extract or a teaspoon of cayenne powder in a cup of hot water. The bleeding should stop in 10-30 seconds, and the cayenne should be given every 15 minutes until the crisis has passed. 

Cleansing: Cayenne is recommended to help cleanse the body. It is a general tonic and strengthens the heart. 

Itchy skin: cayenne or topical capsaicin is useful for itchy skin conditions. 

Throat: sore throats and hoarseness are helped by cayenne 

Cold feet: not the kind before marriage, but the kind you get in winter! Cold feet can be prevented by sprinkling powdered cayenne into socks before putting them on to wear. 

Natives in hot climates eat lots of hot peppers, and this has been proven to be helpful in tolerating high heat temperatures. Peppers will keep us cool! Cayenne has been used by traditional healers and herbalists for various conditions with success. As always, it is best to use herbs under the direction of a professional, but cayenne is one herb that should be stocked in every household.