Herb class: Cayenne

Cayenne Powder has been used by researchers in Antarctica to help them bare the extremely cold temperatures. The Cayenne powder is sprinkled into the boots before putting them on. As the powder slowly comes in contact with the skin through the socks, it will draw blood to the feet, thus bringing much needed warms to the extremities. The one draw back is the red powder stains light colored socks.


Excerpts from the book Left for Dead:

One of the most effective stimulants, cayenne targets the digestive and the circulatory system primarily. Cayenne regulates blood pressure, strengthens the pulse, feeds the heart, lowers cholesterol, thins the blood, cleanses the circulatory system, heals ulcers, stops hemorrhaging, speeds healing of wounds, rebuilds damaged tissue, eases congestion, aids digestions, regulates elimination, relieves arthritis and rheumatism, prevents the spread of infection and numbs pain.


Cayenne stimulates every system and cell of the body. Cayenne has been valued around the world for its uses as a stimulant, astringent, antispasmodic, circulatory tonic, anti-depressant and antibacterial agent. In addition, cayenne acts as a diaphoretic to induce sweating, a rubefacient to increase circulation at the skin’s surface and a carminative to help prevent and eliminate gas.


As a condiment, cayenne aids digestions and soothes intestinal ailments by stimulating the stomach to produce mucous.


In the circulatory system, it helps the arteries, veins and capillaries regain the elasticity of youth by feeding the cell structure. It helps equalize circulation by regulating the flow of blood from the head to the feet. Cayenne strengthens the pulse by increasing the power, not the frequency... In addition to helping prevent the build-up of cholesterol which can narrow the veins and arteries, cayenne also helps thin the blood and prevent blood clots that can clog the arteries and cause heart attack and stroke.


In more ways than any other herb, cayenne gets the blood moving. Touted as “the purest and most certain stimulant known to man,” cayenne is considered to be one of the best crisis herbs. By helping the circulatory system operate more efficiently, the snappy red pepper boost the energy level and eases the damaging effects of stress on the body.


By increasing the circulation of the blood to peripheral tissues throughout the body, cayenne helps deliver necessary nutrients to inflamed and infected areas. Studies show that the nutrients in food ingested with cayenne are assimilated faster and more easily.


The herb itself contains many nutrients essential to the health of the circulatory system including alpha-tocopherols, vitamin C and minerals. Cayenne also contains a high amount of vitamin A (beta-carotene) which aids in healing ulcers... Cayenne’s high mineral content, including sulphur, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, makes it an effective treatment for diabetes, gas, arthritis, pancreatic and throat disorders.


One of the most remarkable qualities of Cayenne is its ability to act as a catalyst. Cayenne intensifies the beneficial effects of other herbs by ensuring speedy and thorough distribution of the herb’s active components to the important functional centers of the body such as those responsible for metabolism, data transmission, cellular respiration and neural hormonal activity.


Just a small quantity of Cayenne can dramatically increase the efficiency of most herbs, this catalyst herb is added to nearly every herbal combination available. Added to garlic, for example, Cayenne speeds up the antibiotic action of the other herb. Cayenne boosts the power of garlic so much it’s akin to taking liquid penicillin. Together, garlic and Cayenne lower blood pressure safely and rapidly.


Cayenne is used in formulas for pain relief, infection, respiratory ailments, female problems, thyroid balance and heart treatments. Cayenne is an ingredient in laxatives, diuretics and ulcer medication. Added to ginger, Cayenne helps clean out the bronchial tubes... This powerful stimulant can also be used as a relaxant to soothe gas, diarrhea, asthma and toothaches.


Externally, the aromatic herb makes a very effective pain killer or anesthetic. Cayenne has been used in poultices for centuries as an irritant or counter-irritant. Exposure to the pungent herb can cause pain but prolonged exposure deadens the nerves to pain.


Folk medicine prescribes Cayenne powder, plaster, poultice, tincture and ointment for a variety of aches and pains including arthritis, rheumatism and bursitis. Cayenne has also been touted as one of the most powerful cures for hemorrhoids. Application of Cayenne ointment brings relief from hemorrhoids but it is also recommended that the patient be warned of the pungent herb’s potency... Mexican folklore also refers to the use of Cayenne as a pain killer and it has been applied dry on wounds.


With the advent of the gelatin capsule, people who could not tolerate the bite of the red pepper can take it with ease... It is important to remember that a little Cayenne goes a long way. Nature made the red pepper hot for a reason so if you can’t swallow too much outside the capsule, don’t try to swallow to much inside the capsule. People who don’t usually eat hot spicy food should build tolerance slowly.

Cayenne has been used in the following:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Bleeding
• Appetite stimulant
• Bronchitis
• Catalyst
• Chills
• Circulation
• Congestion
• Convulsions
• Colon
• Colds
• Elasticity in the veins, Heart
• Hemorrhages
• Energy
• High blood pressure
• Infection
• Digestion
• Low blood pressure
• Nosebleeds
• Senility
• Tonsillitis
• Sore throat
• Shock
• Varicose veins
• Wounds
  

Tips from The Bulk Herb Store:

• This is not like the Cayenne you may find on a spice rack in a supermarket. This is much fresher and more effective.

• To avoid stomach upset, Cayenne should not be used internally on an empty stomach.
  Like most spices, it is potent and a little goes a long way. Nonetheless, we do go wild with it. This is probably our all time favorite herb. Second, only to Garlic.

• We hardly make a tincture or fill capsules without adding a little bit of Cayenne. It not only aids with the digestion of other herbs, but it magnifies their properties too. Of course, it can be used in many other types of remedies. Except as a tea, as powders are not normally used in tea combinations.

• The only time Cayenne is used in teas is during a trauma and/or medical emergency. When it comes to hemorrhaging, heart attack, shock, and so on, a cup of warm water with no more than a teaspoon of Cayenne is what we have used with great success. Of course, it is not a pleasant drink, but during such immediate and life threatening situations, it’s what we choose.
  

• Cayenne is a food and spice. Thus, we keep it in the kitchen as all other food ingredients. We add it to many dishes (salads, meat dishes, stir fry, vegetables, and on, and on) to enhance the flavor and add nutritional value to our foods. We recently started adding a tiny bit of Cayenne to our home-made ice cream recipes. We first had this on an outing in Ohio, and it was unforgettably good.