Cayenne Herb

( Western Herb )

LATIN NAME:

Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum annuum

Cayenne herb is also known as Cayenne pepper, Red pepper, Capsicum, Chili pepper, African pepper, Bird pepper and Spur pepper.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

Cayenne herb or the Chili plant is an annual in temperate climates, but a perennial in the tropical climates. The plant grows two to four feet high, shiny, bright green leaves, and small, drooping white flowers with yellow centers.

The flowers are succeeded by berries that turn into elongated fruit, that are initially green but ripen to red and contain seeds on thin, fleshy inner partitions. Chili peppers are grown in the subtropical regions of the Americas.

The primary active ingredient in Cayenne is capsaicin; it is the pungent principle that gives peppers their heat. Many people believe that eating hot, spicy foods will bring about stomach ulcers, but research has actually shown that capsaicin provides protection against ulcers.

A clinical study has showed that Cayenne herb helps boost metabolism and induces the body to burn off more fat than it is storing in the body.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* reducing pain of osteoarthritis

* rheumatism

* stimulating digestion

* stimulating blood flow

* protecting the heart from excessive cholesterol

* asthma

* pleurisy

* easing varicose vein symptoms

* increase metabolism

Apply externally for:

* pain, especially that from arthritis or diabetes

* strains, sore muscles and joints

* the need to stimulate blood flow

* the need to stop excessive bleeding

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter: Cayenne herb is available as powder, capsule, tincture, or oil in health food stores.

Ointment: Use as directed.

Tincture: Use 6 to 15 drop three times a day.

At home:

Infusion: Pour one cup of boiling water onto ½ to 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of this infusion with hot water and drink as needed.

Parts used: Fruit

Collection: The fruit, or peppers, are picked when fully ripe and dried in the shade.

Constituents: Capsaicin, arytenoids, flavonoids, essential oil, vitamin C

Actions: Stimulant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, carminative, sialagogue, rubefacient, anti-catarrhal

Combinations: Cayenne cane be combined with Myrrh to use as a gargle for laryngitis. This combination can also be used as an antiseptic wash.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not serious: Cayenne can produce vomiting, stomach pain, and type of intoxication, when taken in large doses. Do not exceed the prescribed dosages.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* 5 to 10 drops of Cayenne tincture diluted in 4 tablespoons of water can be taken internally to treat frostbite and hypothermia.

* Do not apply on open cuts, sores, or broken skin.