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Subject: Herb Info-Cayenne Pepper/Capsicum
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2001
From: Mary Lee <naturalhealth@...>

The topic today is Cayenne Pepper, also known as
Capsicum.

Dr. Christopher, Master Herbalist, never left home without
it. There was always an ample supply of Cayenne Pepper
in his bag whenever he made a house call. This hot little
herb is phenomenal. There are so many uses for this herb,
hang on to your hat, or in this case, your mouse!

According to Dr. Christopher, a heaping teaspoon of
Cayenne Pepper in a cup of hot water will stop a heart
attack in progress. I passed this nugget of information to=20
a friend who has a history of heart attacks. For once he
listened. When he had a massive heart attack several years
ago that even his nitro-glycerine couldn't stop, his wife made
the "hot toddy" for him, it saved his life. He made it to the
hospital and survived. Neither he, nor his wife, nor I believe
he would be alive today if he had not drunk that cup
cayenne tea.

There's even a whole book written about this *little hot
tamal*. It's called Left For Dead, about a guy whose doctor
promised him that he would "return to normal" after he had
bypass surgery. It didn't quite happen that way for him and
he had to take his health into his own hands. Capsicum
DID help him return to normal. It's a really good book and
easy read. Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble or Borders
will probably have it if you're interested.

Back to the facts - Capsicum is a catalyst herb. Its
stimulating properties speed the absorption and=20
effectiveness of any herbs taken in combination with it.=20
Capsicum combined with garlic & parsley will help lower=20
blood pressure!

Capsicum increases the power of all other herbs. It is said
to be unequaled for warding off diseases and equalizing
blood circulation.

Capsicum also heals ulcers. Yup. You're reading that right.
Capsicum helps heal ulcers. A favorite story of mine is=20
the one from Dr. Christopher about the husband who had
endured the pain of a stomach ulcer for as long as he could
stand it. This husband decided he could take no more and
wanted to end his life. When he went to the medicine
cabinet to get pills to do the dastardly deed, he discovered
his wife had replaced all the drugs with herbs. He saw the
bottle of Cayenne Pepper capsules and figured that
would surely kill him, so he took a handful.=20

Being a considerate fellow, he didn't want his screams to=20
disturb the neighbors, so he took an extra pillow with him=20
to bed to muffle his screams. Was he ever surprised when=20
his wife shook him awake the next morning and told him he=20
was late for work! Hmmm'.... .Some of you husbands might=20
be wondering whether he actually did die and gone to hell,=20
but I assure you he was quite alive. What he didn't know
is that capsicum stimulates the protective mucus-forming
membranes of the stomach. It was the first time in years he
had slept through the night.

It's a stimulant herb and a digestive aid, helping improve
digestion and soothing inflammation. It helps remove
toxins from the body, relieves gastrointestinal problems
including bleeding ulcers, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence and
even diarrhea. It helps relieve the pain of shingles, cluster
headaches, and itching palms and feet of diabetes.

Capsicum has been proven beneficial for arthritis,
cardiovascular disease, gastric ulcers, vascular headaches,
impotence (resulting from venous insufficiency) infections,
kidney problems, menstrual complains, respiratory
conditions such as asthma and pleurisy, and thyroid
dysfunction.

Capsicum is high in vitamins and minerals that are needed
for healing. It can also be applied directly to a wound. I'm
not going to tell you that it doesn't hurt, because it hurts
like hell, but it will stop the bleeding. One friend sliced her
thumb to the bone while cutting veggies. Brave soul that
she is, she stuck it directly into cayenne pepper. Not only
did she stop the bleeding, there was no scarring. A few
screams, but no scarring. (I'm joking again. Yes, it burns,
but only for a few minutes. You get a lot of exercise while
it's cauterizing the wound. I know this because I've done it
myself. Yes, I'd do it again if I decided to cut myself again.
My priority is avoiding sharp objects.)

Cayenne Pepper has a rich supply of vitamin C and alpha-
tocopherol (vitamin E). Capsicum also contains carotenes.=20
Carotenes are antioxidants known for their effects in helping=20
prevent cancer and cardiovascular disorders and for helping=20
to protect the body form carcinogenic and toxic chemicals.=20
It also contains vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin C, as=20
well as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (folic acid), cobalt and zinc.

It has also been found to be beneficial for chronic fatigue
and mild depression.

For cholesterol, Capsicum significantly lowers serum
cholesterol and serum triglycerides.

By reducing blood vessel dilation, capsicum is able to help
people overcome their addiction to alcohol.

Capsicum is great for energy. A little Capsicum sprinkled
in water and gargled will eliminate a sore throat.

Got a splinter' Combine Capsicum and Plantain and apply
externally to draw out foreign items embedded in the skin.

Got cold feet' Sprinkle Capsicum in your socks (also helps
prevent frostbite). If that's a bit strong, sprinkle it into your
shoes. The heat will go through your socks.

Got questions' E-mail me!

Please note that taking one or two capsules of Capsicum is
not going to do the trick. It might require seemingly large
amounts (2 or 3 capsules 2 or 3 times a day) to achieve the
desired results.

If you know of anyone else who would like to be added=20
to this great list, let me know. If you want to forward this
article to anyone else, please do.

This information is for educational purposes only and is
not meant to diagnose or treat disease. Consult your health
care professional.

Dr. Mary Lee, N. D.

Doctor of Naturopathy

To obtain herbs, to begin your own adventure in the world
of herbs, for more information, please contact me at:
naturalhealth@...

Source for this article:

The Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason, N.D.=20


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