Cayenne is an intense and powerful herb. I watched a presentation where Barbara O’neill, a wonderful Australian naturopath, describes a time that she was able to save someones life using cayenne after they had went into cardiac arrest. That story alone immediately grasped my attention and respect for this pepper that i’ve always just seen as a simple kitchen spice.
Samuel Thompson, a dedicated herbalist who lived in the 17-1800’s, says that one of his favorite and most-used herbs was cayenne. He considered it a stimulant above all, and used it for stagnant depression and stagnant digestion.
He believed that coldness was a major contributing factor to disease. Steam baths and cayenne were two of his mainstays for creating a person’s inner heat.
“After much experience and trying every thing within my knowledge, to gain this important point, I fixed upon the medicine which I have called No. 2 [Cayenne, Capsicum spp.], in my patent, for that purpose; and after using it for many years, I am perfectly convinced that it is the best thing that can be made use of to hold the heat in the stomach until the system can be cleared of obstructions, so as to produce a natural digestion of the food, which will nourish the body, establish perspiration and restore the health of the patient. I found it to be perfectly safe in all cases, and never knew any bad effects from administering it.” - Samuel Thompson
OVERVIEW
HOW IT WORKS WITH THE BODY
For external wounds: applying cayenne to a cut will stop the bleeding and soothe the wound.
For heart attack: If someone is in distress, gently putting some cayenne powder in their mouth with some water, either rubbed into the gums, under the tongue, or if they are awake and able to swallow, will immediately open up the blood vessels surrounding the heart and stop the heart attack, at least long enough for EMS to take over. It is a powerful BLOOD MOVER.
It can be used in neuropathy to “wake up” specific areas of the body, helping to treat numbness and tingling due to poor circulation. applying cayenne to the bottom of the feet, or anywhere in the body that experiences these things, will draw blood and stimulation to that area.
When combining cayenne with any other herb, it will intensify the action of that herb dramatically in our body.
It increases blood supply to digestive organs and can heal gastric ulcers.
It supports lymph drainage and effectively clears blockages in the lymphatic system.
It can help relieve airway inflammation and help alleviate asthma symptoms, helps open bronchial passages and eases colds.
While other peppers such as black pepper are irritating, cayenne is very soothing.
None known. Avoid contact with eyes.
We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
CAUTIONS
*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical/health advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before taking any actions based upon such information, it is encouraged to consult with the appropriate professionals. Please consult with your physician prior to the use of any herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.