Cayenne Pepper: A Historical "Wonder Medicine"

Cayenne Pepper is a medicinal spice that originated in Cayenne, French Guiana. It is also known as Capsicum frutescens or Capsicum. This amazing plant has been used for hundreds of years by practitioners of natural medicine for its therapeutic properties. Cayenne is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Cayenne contains resveratrol, which provides cardio protective benefits to the heart muscles and helps protect against atherosclerosis; catechins, which are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties; capsaicinoids, which helps clear mucus from congestive conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis; carotenoids; trace minerals such as zinc, iron, phosphorus and potassium; niacin; and vitamin B6. It has anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. It can be taken in capsule form or made into a tea for internal use. Cayenne Pepper is added to topical applications, like creams and balms, for aches and pains of arthritis. It contains capsaicin, which is believed to help burn fat over time when taken internally. The pepper helps increase energy levels by improving blood circulation throughout the body, thereby strengthening muscles and accelerating metabolism.

Cayenne Pepper: A Historical "Wonder Medicine" With Many Uses. The Cayenne pepper derives its name from its native habitat in Cayenne, French Guiana, where it was first used by Native Americans in their medicinal practice. The pepper is also known as Cayenne, Capsicum, Aji, or Bird Pepper. The pepper plant is a perennial shrub that can grow to three and a half feet in height. It has green branches with ovate leaves whose undersides are covered with fine white hairs. This extraordinary peppers belong to the family Solanaceae along with eggplants , potatoes, tobacco and petunias . The peppers are typically red when ripe but may be orange, yellow or green depending on the variety of capsicum used. Cayenne peppers have high vitamin A content; they are anti-inflammatory medications that aid digestion and healthy vision.

This popular spice has long been regarded as one of nature's most powerful "wonder medicines." Cayenne is still a popular remedy for arthritic conditions and rheumatism because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Sometimes Cayenne pepper is added to bath water to improve circulation and relieve sore muscles.

 Cayenne pepper is often used in topical ointments as an analgesic and rubefacient. Today it is an ingredient in many topical applications, including the capsaicin patch, which has been approved by the FDA as a prescription treatment for persistent nerve pain. Capsaicin cream has also been approved by the FDA as a prescription medication for chronic joint pain and osteoarthritis. Cayenne Pepper has unique antiseptic qualities that make it an excellent addition to any home health care kit, whether you are treating wounds or cuts, preventing infection, or dealing with haemorrhoids.

Cayenne also helps to increase energy levels and improve your mood. Cayenne has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for arthritis, indigestion, heart disease, respiratory ailments, and many other conditions.

Cayenne Pepper is mentioned in the Bible as one of the spices that were brought by the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. The pepper was used extensively by Native Americans for medicinal and culinary purposes.

It is proven stimulates blood circulation.

It is usually available dried, ground into powder which can be added to food dishes Cayenne peppers come in various degrees of pungency. Cayenne’s range from mild to hot.

Livestrong.com recommends using one-half teaspoon per day of either Cayenne pepper powder or Cayenne capsicum.

The health benefits of this pepper are vast and have been studied for centuries. Whether you want to improve your digestion, help with weight loss, or just want spicy food that can make the blandest dish delicious- cayenne is likely your answer! If you’re looking to get started incorporating this spice in your diet but aren't sure where to start, we recommend buying some today. You'll be glad you did!

 

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