"If
you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more
powerful than any other." - Dr. Richard SCHULZE, Medical Herbalist
Cayenne pepper, actually a small red berry from
the Capsicum annum or frutescens plants, creates heat when taken
into the body, but it is not irritating or burning. The active oil, capsaicin,
is now being studied in the treatment of some medical disorders.
Symptoms of Deficiency or Need:
One of the true natural stimulants for both energy
and metabolism. It is believe that when cayenne pepper is used regularly
that it has anticancer properties, which have not yet been studied other
than epidemiologically in cayenne- and chili-using cultures.
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 heating. It has been
used herbally in the treatment of ulcers and for other gastrointestinal
disease and, at diluted levels, even for eye irritation. As a throat lozenge
ingredient, cayenne can help reduce soreness or inflammation. 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 also used topically to provide
local relief from joint pain or stiffness or sore muscles. It seems to
enhance circulation and is sometimes helpful in treating certain headaches.
As a supplement, cayenne pepper has been used
for years for cardiovascular support. It cleans the blood and stimulates
the entire system. Dr Christopher, one of the leaders in American Herbal
medicine, often called Dr Cayenne, used it to help cure almost every malady
that appeared in his office. For stomach ulcers, he recommended one teaspoon
of cayenne pepper in a glass of water three times a day, and cured many
a stomach ulcer. For those of you who balk at drinking really hot cayenne
pepper, you may take the capsules, but always with food. However, for a
heart attack, the capsules will not work: Dr Christopher witnessed time
and time again that one cup of hot cayenne pepper will stop a heart attack
in three minutes or less. A good tincture of cayenne (or drops of some
of your stronger hot sauce) will also work. Dr Schulze recommends carrying
a cayenne tincture with you at all times in the glove compartment of your
car. It might be the only first aid you need.
In a lecture by Dr Richard Schulze, master herbalist,
we learned the following: A man had an inoperable brain tumor and told
that he might have a 5% chance of survival with chemotherapy. He went home,
did a colon/liver detox and started a regimen of ten cups per day
of cayenne pepper tea. In three months he returned to his doctor and his
x-rays showed a dried up, dead tumor in his head. Dr Schulze explains this
cure thusly: Cayenne pepper contains many wonderful phytochemicals, vitamins,
and minerals. It cleans the blood allowing hormonal signals to make their
way unimpeded through your system, thus the enhanced immune response. In
countries that have some very hot cuisine, you find significantly lower
cancer and heart disease rates.
Suggested Dosage:
Preventative:
Cayenne pepper can be taken in capsules or as powder in water or used in
cooking.
Therapeutic: in people who have weak circulation,
such as cold extremities, arteriosclerosis, or heart problems, taking 100
to 500 mg of powder in capsules or half a small teaspoon with a glass of
water daily is suggested.
Where can you get it?
Grow your own, at grocery stores, markets or
in capsules from your local health pharmacy.
Side Affects/Warnings:
In Mexico, overuse of Cayenne Pepper has been
associated with an increase in stomach cancer. It can also aggravate inflammations.