How can something so hot do so much good? Generally known for its biting taste and for opening up those sweat glands, cayenne pepper, also known as capsicum, is a perennial plant that, when mature, is approximately three feet tall and produces bright red fruit or berries. Each berry contains capsicum which gives it its hot and peppery taste and healing properties.
Cayenne Pepper's Benefits for the Heart
While cayenne has been a relatively unknown herb, except in cooking circles, the benefits for internal and external healing are becoming more widespread and acknowledged. The healing effect has been utilized on such aliments as inflammation, joint pain, digestive problems, ulcers, killing cancer cells, weight loss, high blood pressure and heart disease.
The metabolic increase generated with cayenne has an advantageous effect on the circulatory system by providing the cell structure with their needed elements. This touches everything from the capillaries to the arteries and veins. With the increase in the health of these vital areas of the body it is also beneficial in cleaning out the arteries thereby affecting the heart and reducing the potential of heart attacks.
It has been noted by famed herbalist Dr. John Christopher that if heart attack victims drink "A teaspoon of cayenne it should bring the patient out of the heart attack."
General Health Benefits to the Body
Considered one hot healer, the additional benefits cayenne provides include:
- Rebuilding of stomach tissue.
- Aids in the healing of intestinal and stomach ulcers.
- Beneficial to the circulation with the equalization of blood pressure.
- Aids in the alleviation of allergies.
- Aids in relieving joint pain along with muscle cramps.
- Helps in the elimination of toxins by bringing blood to the surface.
- Aids in heartburn relief.
- Aids in sore throat and tonsillitis relief. (mix with honey and gargle)
- Helps with toothaches and the prevention of rotting teeth as well as pyorrhea.
- Aids with gastrointestinal tract relief.
- Aids in the prevention of stomach ulcers.
- Stimulates saliva and gastric juices benefiting the digestive tract.
- Increases metabolism.
- Aids in weight loss.
Taking cayenne pepper is a slow and gradual process; however, when taken daily the health benefits will be dramatic. Begin with a small amount, approximately a quarter of a teaspoon, or less, mixed in a glass of warm distilled or purified water. It does take some time for the body to acclimate to the effects as well as to the taste. Slowly, and over time, increase the dosage to approximately one to two teaspoons or more.
These are only a few of the healing properties of this amazing pepper. Taking cayenne will have a positive effect on virtually every part of the human body.
Sources:
cayennepepper.info, "Your Cayenne Pepper Guide," (accessed April 21, 2010)
nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com, "Cayenne Pepper Benefits." (accessed April 21, 2010)
Sylvia Carlisle - I have been a freelance writer from home for a number of years and have always enjoyed the written word. While my work has been limited to ...
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