Cayenne is used sparingly as a seasoning agent because of its spicy heat. It is a spice found in most home spice cabinets and has significant medical benefits
Medical Use
Cayenne is a warming herb, heart tonic, and digestive aid. It also releases hormones that improve the mood. It is rich in vitamins and minerals that support the immune system. Use cayenne as a powder, in capsules, added to water for soaking, in rubs, and in salves.
Cayenne is a powerful stimulant and consuming too much can cause stomach problems. A small amount goes a long way with this herb.
Stops Bleeding
Cayenne is a powerful styptic. It helps blood to clot both internally and externally. For small cuts put a thick layer of cayenne directly onto the cut. Large wounds benefit from both external administration and internal use. As soon as the wound is covered in cayenne, drink a glass of water containing one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. It helps the blood clot quickly.
Sore Throats
At the first sign of throat irritation, gargle several times a day with 10 to 20 drops of Cayenne Infusion mixed into a glass of water. It works if you can stand the heat.
Colds and Flu
Cayenne is an excellent supportive preventative and remedy for colds and the flu. I help bring down fevers and expel mucus. It works best in combination with other herbs such as Echinacea, goldenseal, and marshmallow.
Poor Circulation, Warming the Hands and Feet
Cayenne is an effective herb for increasing circulation and for warming cold hands and feet.
Sprinkle a powder made from equal parts cayenne and dried ginger powder into your shoes or socks. Cayenne can be used alone, but it is often too irritating. Use only a pinch, approximately ⅛ teaspoon at most. Another remedy is to add five drops of Cayenne Infusion to a foot bath of warm water. You can also rub Cayenne Oil or Salve on the hands and feet, taking care not to touch your eyes.
Achy Joints, Arthritis, and Muscle Strains
Cayenne salve works well for achy muscles and joints.
The Pepper increases blood circulation to the area and warms it naturally. It soothes and relaxes the muscles and helps relieve pain. Rub a small amount of Cayenne Salve over ache muscles and painful joints regularly for relief.
General Tonic and Immune Booster
Take Cayenne Infusion added to a cup of vegetable juice or water as a general tonic. It improves whole body blood circulation and gives the immune system a boost. Take the infusion once or twice a day, as needed.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
Cayenne has a significant effect on blood sugar levels and can help bring them down in diabetic patients. Take one capsule of cayenne powder with each meal. The cayenne must be taken regularly to give the best effects, which increase over time. Hypoglycemic patients should avoid the use of cayenne in food and supplements.
Warning
Use gloves when preparing this herb. Do not touch your eyes after using it.
Recipes. Cayenne Infusion
- 1 teaspoon dried cayenne powder
- 1-pint (0.5 Liters) water
Mix the cayenne powder and water together in a small pot and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and let the infusion cool. This infusion should always be used diluted. For most uses, a few drops of Cayenne Infusion added to a cup of water is enough. It can also be used topically.
Cold and Flu Prevention Capsules
Mix together thoroughly. Not to be used by people with Autoimmune Issues due to the Echinacea and Goldenseal.
- ¼ cup Echinacea root powder
- ¼ cup goldenseal root powder
- 2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cayenne powder.
Pack the powder into large gelatin or vegetable capsules. I use the “OO” size. If you use smaller capsules, increase the dosage. Store the capsules in a glass jar with a tight lid. To use, take 2 capsules every 2 to 3 hours at the first sign of a symptom. Continue this dosage for the first two days, then reduce the dosage to 2 capsules, 3 times daily until all symptoms are gone.
Cayenne Salve
Use this salve with care. Wash your hands very well after applying it and do not touch your eyes!
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried cayenne pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 3 to 4 drops wintergreen essential oil
Place the olive oil and cayenne flakes into the top of a double boiler. Bring the water i n the bottom of the double boiler to a simmer.
Simmer the pepper and oil mixture for 60 minutes, keeping an eye on the water levels in the bottom of the double boiler. Remove the oil from the heat and allow it to cool slightly, strain the pepper flakes out and discard. Return the oil to the heat and add the beeswax. Stir until the beeswax is complete;y melted, then remove from the heat. Add the wintergreen essential oil and stir well. Pour the salve tinto a suitable container with a tight-fitting lid.
Warning Ginger Cayenne Salve and Massage Oil
This salve is a great choice for muscle pains, arthritis and achy joints, bruises, and other deep tissue pains.
Warning Ginger Cayenne Massage Oil
- 1 cup of olive oil
- Coconut oil or other carrier oil
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger root, dried and powdered
- 1 tablespoon arnica flowers
Add the cayenne, ginger root, and arnica to the oil in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well. Place the jar in a warm place like a sunny window for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking daily. Staring the oil through a coffee filter to remove the herbs.
Warning Ginger Cayenne Salve:
- 1 cup Warming Ginger Cayenne Massage Oil
- ¼ cup beeswax, shaved, chopped, or shredded.
Combine the beeswax and massage oil in the top of a double boiled. Warm gently until the beeswax is melted. Stir the salve to completely combine the wax and oil. Pour into widemouth jars or tins to cool. When hardened, cover and store in a cool, dark place.
Massage a small amount of salve into sore muscles and joints 2-3x/day. It can take a few weeks to get maximum results. Do not use on the face or mucous membranes or open cuts or wounds. Do not use it with pregnant or nursing patients. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after use.
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