Capsicum frutescens

Synonym, C. minimum

Action: Stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, externally rubefacient and antiseptic.

Systems Affected: Heart, circulation, stomach, intestines, nerves, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried fruit (cut or powdered), dose 0.05-0.5 grams by infusion.

The genus Capsicum includes red and green chili peppers, cayenne, paprika and bell peppers. Of American origin, their use as a food and medicine by the natives of the West Indies was first observed by Europeans during the second voyage of Columbus to the Americas in 1494.

Today there are numerous varieties in cultivation, varying in shape, size, colour, flavour and degree of pungency. Although the origin of the cultivated varieties is uncertain, authorities believe they all come from one original species. For this reason the botanical classification of these plants is somewhat confused.

The Cayenne or Tabasco Pepper was classified by Roxburgh as Capsicum minimum but is generally known as C. frutescens. Traditionally from Cayenne in French Guiana, it is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. It is the species used medicinally, and which is official in many national pharmacopoeias, but any of the extremely hot peppers may be substituted to much the same effect. Widely available as a kitchen spice, it is usually sold in powder form as Cayenne or Tabasco Pepper.

Cayenne is noted for its ability to stimulate and regulate the circulation of the blood throughout the whole body.

Exceedingly prompt in effect, after entering the stomach it immediately influences the heart, then .extends its effects to the arteries, capillaries, veins and nerves. In equalizing blood-flow throughout the body, the pulse is strengthened but is not increased in frequency.

Because of its prompt effects, Cayenne is an excellent crisis herb, useful as a first aid remedy in most situations. It is also able to carry and disperse other herbs more rapidly through the system, and for this reason a small amount is sometimes included as a supplementary ingredient in herbal formulas.

The herb is useful for a variety of conditions: a quarter of a teaspoon is taken three times a day as a daily tonic for the heart and circulation, stabilizing blood pressure, alleviating heart problems and palpitations; its warming, stimulant qualities are excellent for colds, flu, diminished vitality and insufficient peripheral circulation (cold hands and feet); its warming and antispasmodic properties are useful in cases of stomach cramp, flatulence and colic, especially where there is a lack of tone in the digestive organs because of old age or debility; a mild infusion is an excellent treatment for sore throat and chronic laryngitis.

Externally, the herb is applied as a compress or ointment to sprains, bruises, neuralgia, lumbago, rheumatic pain and unbroken chilblains; applied to minor cuts and wounds it is antiseptic and haemostatic.

For bleeding, the noted American herbalist Dr John R. Christopher says:

A hemorrhage occurs in the lungs, stomach, uterus, or nose — flowing fast — just take a teaspoonful of cayenne in a glass of extra-warm water, drink it down, and by the count of ten the bleeding will stop. Instead of all the pressure being centralized, it is equalized, and the clotting becomes more rapid. Whether the bleeding is internal or external, a teaspoon of cayenne taken orally in a glass of hot water will stop the bleeding quickly.

The same remedy, 1 teaspoon of Cayenne in a glass of water and taken as often as every fifteen minutes if necessary, has been used with excellent results for all kinds of emergency problems, including heart attack, shock from injury or accident, fainting, seizure, cramp and spasm.

For cold feet, sprinkle a small amount of Cayenne powder inside your shoes or socks. When exposed to cold and damp for any length of time, take warming herbs such as Cayenne or Ginger as a daily tonic.

A little Cayenne combined with Plantain and applied as a poultice has remarkable powers in drawing out any splinter or foreign object embedded in the flesh.

Cautionary Notes: Cayenne should not be used where there is any inflammation of the gastro-intestinal system, and should not be employed in large doses on a continuing basis.

*16/66/5*

Related Posts:

• GRATITUDE – A REMEDY (GRATITUDE WITHOUT THINKING)
• THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING – INTRODUCTION
• TRAVELLING ABROAD – PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE PUT TO GOOD USE (DAILY USE)
• NUTRITIOUS BREAD – INTRODUCTION
• HOW MUCH FOOD DO WE NEED?
• JAUNDICE – GENERAL INFORMATION
• DYSBACTERIA
• THE TREATMENT OF PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESSES AND MENTAL DISORDERS – NEW APPROACHES TO THESE PROBLEMS
• KIDNEY COLIC – CONCLUSION
• THE HEART – AN INDEFATIGABLE ORGAN – THE HEART’S MATCHLESS ACTIVITY