Description:
Densely branched and growing to a large perennial shrub, the capsicum is productive in warm and dry climates and is said to have originated in French Guiana. The flowers are off-white, sometimes purplish color and the fruit is a berry which turns yellow, green or red when ripe. These fruits are dried and grounded to produce these pungent cayenne pepper. The Cayenne pepper is one of the spices derived from these species of Capsicum.
Capsicum is a catalyst herb.
Part/s Used: Ripe Fruits
Health Benefits:
Cayenne Pepper is high in vitamins and minerals that are needed for healing. It has a rich supply of vitamin C and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), beta-carotene and carotenes which are antioxidants that helps prevent cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (folic acid), cobalt and zinc. Cayenne pepper/Capsicum is also very rich in organic calcium and potassium - minerals that are good for the heart.
Medicinal Properties and Uses:
Capsicum or Cayenne pepper is a medicinal and nutritional herb with constituents like capsaicin, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids and have been used as both food and medicine.
For oral medicine: Put one or two tablespoons of dried and grounded cayenne pepper into warm water.
For liniment (external use): In one pint of cider vinegar, boil 1 Tablespoon of hot pepper. Do not strain and do not place in a bottle while hot.
As a catalyst herb, the cayenne or capsicum will increase the power of all other herbs. The stimulating properties of the cayenne pepper speed up the absorption and effectiveness of any herbs taken in combination with it.
For example:
Combined with garlic & parsley, Cayenne will help lower blood pressure.
Combine Capsicum and Plantain and apply externally to remove splinter and draw out foreign objects embedded in the skin.
Capsicum/cayenne pepper has been proven beneficial for:
Arthritis - Cayenne or capsicum is used externally as a remedy for painful joints by stimulating blood flow to the affected area and reducing inflammation and discomfort. Liniments (see below for the recipe) can be applied everyday to ease pain.
Cardiovascular disease - it significantly lowers serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides. It regulates blood flow and strengthens the arteries, possibly preventing heart attacks.
Chronic fatigue and depression - Capsicum stimulates energy.
Gastric ulcers - it stimulates the protective mucus-forming membranes of the stomach.
Impotence caused by venous insufficiency
Pain relief, vascular headaches - Cayenne/capsicum is rich in salicylates (an analgesic and a natural aspirin-like compounds). Cayenne are rubefacients that warms the body by quickly dilating small capillaries, and increasing circulation.
Psoriasis - Capsaicin is a potent constituent found in cayenne and has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of psoriasis.
Sore Throat - a small amount of cayenne pepper sprinkled in water and gargled will cure sore throat.
Toothaches - Pound cayenne pepper and put an oil. Soak a cotton into the cayenne oil and plug it into the affected tooth.
Wounds - use a poultice and apply on wound for quick healing.
Warning: Don't touch your eyes with your hands after handling Cayenne peppers. This is also counterindicated in individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or chronic bowel inflammation.
THOUGH THE CONTENT OF THIS BLOG HAD BEEN TRIED/TESTED AND HAD BEEN USED
AS FOLK/HERBAL MEDICINE IT IS STILL BEST TO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TRYING THIS. AVOID SELF-DIAGNOSIS AND SELF-MEDICATION.
