Cayenne / Cardiovascular - Circulatory

Herb Of The Week / Cayenne / Cardiovascular - Circulatory


CAYENNE (Capsicum annum) is the herb of the month. For more efficient
time management, the herb of the month will now be selected from one
of the past four Herb Of The Week newsletters. Cayenne has positive
effects on the circulatory system and the heart. It does all these
marvelous things while helping to lower blood pressure. Red pepper
also helps to regulate cholesterol. There is also belief that cayenne
reduces clotting mechanisms, which may help reduce risk in
cardiovascular diseases; for this reason it should be avoided by
people on anticoagulant drugs. Cayenne is the most useful of the
systemic stimulants. It stimulates blood flow, strengthening the
heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. A general tonic, it is also
specific for both circulatory and digestive system. Some people swear
by its ability to ward off heart attack and stroke. One doctor has
went as far as to say it eating red pepper will STOP a heart attack.


As a stimulant it seems to enhance circulation and is sometimes
helpful in treating certain headaches. As a stimulant it increases the
blood flow to peripheral tissues, like fingers and toes and the male
sex organ, it can be a good choice for diabetic conditions. It is
useful in the elderly, when body-heat is low, vitality depressed and
reaction sluggish. Because it assists in blood circulation, it helps
ensure that nutrients, including other herbs, are more fully utilized
and effectively delivered to inflamed and infected areas.

Its stimulant properties are great for upper respiratory problems. As
a throat lozenge ingredient, cayenne can help reduce soreness or
inflammation. Some drug stores (a couple of popular chains come to
mind) sell a throat lozenge for sore throat called Fisherman's Friend.
It contains red pepper as one of its active ingredients. It also
contains horehound. Red pepper's stimulant properties help with the
excretion of wastes in the sweat.

Believe it or not, capsicum is idea for ulcers. Many Americans believe
that hot spices cause ulcers. The truth is, they don't. In fact, they
may even protect the stomach and duodenal lining against them.
Capsaicin, the compound that gives red pepper its heat, has been shown
to prevent ulcers in experimental animals that were given high,
ulcer-causing doses of aspirin. Cayenne pepper has been used to treat
digestive disorders involving gas, nausea, or indigestion. It seems to
stimulate gastric secretions and peristaltic activity and is actually
thought to be soothing to the mucosal linings even though it is hot.

As a throat lozenge ingredient, cayenne can help reduce soreness or
inflammation. Some drug stores (a couple of popular chains come to
mind) sell a throat lozenge for sore throat called Fisherman's Friend.
It contains red pepper as one of its active ingredients. It also
contains horehound.

I personally had sinus problems that I could not get rid of. My head
ached constantly, I couldn't breathe... you know the story! I went to
the doctor a couple times for EXTREME infections that I do not want to
gross you out by describing. After trying several over the counter
medications I finally stumbled upon a sinus remedy with RED PEPPER as
it's main ingredient. Immediate relief!! I still have sinus problems
but not nearly as bad as before.

Here's the whole story: After eating acetaminophen and ibuprofen all
day, everyday and after massive amounts of prescription antibiotics to
no avail, I took action because I realized the doctors were not fixing
the problem. I know that honey has exceptional "drawing" power. That
is, the ability to "draw" infection out of a boils or a cyst or an
abscess. Honey is also antibacterial. So..... first I mixed raw,
unfiltered honey with distilled water and SNORTED it up my nose... and
left it up there. (Honey in my nose all day drawing out the infection)
I spit out big blobs of "STUFF" from the back of my nose and
throat..... THEN I sniffed the red pepper spray and PRESTO!! It worked
when the prescriptions and drugs wouldn't.

But... back to red pepper. Cayenne is also used topically to provide
local relief from joint pain or stiffness or sore, tired and/or
painful muscles, particularly in the elderly. Cayenne can be used
topically in creams along with MSM, for treatment of rheumatoid and
osteoarthritis, muscles spasms and lower back pain.

Capsicum (cayenne) is also very high in vitamin C! Three chili peppers
contain as much vitamin C as an orange.

Here's another little personal testimony of how I use red pepper. I
frequently drive back and forth from Houston to Dallas and sometimes
Houston to St. Louis. And sometimes I get sleepy while driving. I
don't like to drink a lot of coffee. So I make about a half-cup of
green tea with no sugar. SUGAR IS A SEDATIVE!! I mix a little red
pepper in the tea - about a tablespoon or two and I am wide-awake for
a few more hours. Red pepper is a stimulant. It works like a charm.
For the record, it's not a good idea to eat sweets and try to drive
long distances. It'll give you an initial sugar rush and then a big
"crash"!!

But..... of course... IT'S YOUR HEALTH. Why take my word for it?

You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com. Enter one or more keywords and do your own
research.

Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedimentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.

But..... of course... IT'S YOUR HEALTH. Why take my word for it?

You can research anything mentioned on this site yourself. Some good
search engines are www.mamma.com or www.google.com. or www.dogpile.com
or www.askjeeves.com. Enter one or more keywords and do your own
research.


Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:


1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedimentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time

The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.