Juicing For Health - Cayenne
Name
Cayenne (Capsicum Frutescens) also known as African Pepper, Bird Pepper, Chili Pepper, Goat's Pod, Mexican Chillies, Paprika, Red Pepper, Tabasco Pepper and Zanzibar Pepper
Parts Used
Berries.
Information
Cayenne Pepper is an herb made from the dried pods of chili peppers. Besides being a very popular spice in cooking, cayenne has also been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Cayenne is a good source of Vitamins A and C, has the complete B complexes, and is very rich in organic calcium and potassium.
Traditionally cayenne pepper was used in the treatment of circulatory and heart disorders, arthritis/rheumatism, digestive problems, ward of colds, sore throats, sinus infections, pain and as a counterirritant.
Benefits
- Cancer
- Digestive Aid
- Circulation/Heart
- Pain/Headaches
Researchers found capsaicin exhibited anticancer activity (it induced programmed cell death to human cancer cells without affecting normal cells).
Cayenne stimulates digestion and muscle movement in the intestines, helps aid secretion of stomach acid which is benefical for those suffering from poor digestion, candidiasis, stops bleeding from ulcers, gas and many other digestive disorders.
Cayenne is a brilliant blood circulation stimulant, It dilates arterial walls and cuts through mucus in the veins, thus increasing circulation to the extremities and helping overall to lower blood pressure. It strengthens the heart, arteries, capillaries and the nerves. Cayenne may also have a positive effect on cholesterol.
The added benefit is that it helps to improve the absorbtion of other herbs and nutrients your consuming.
Chronic headache sufferers may soon have some new alternatives. The active ingredient in cayenne peppers, capsaicin, is believed to bring headache relief by depleting Substance P, a neurotransmitter that helps send pain signals.
Side Effects/Precautions
Whatever you do watch and not rub or get cayenne pepper in your eyes as it causes an extreme burning sensation. I once managed to get a 300,000HU+ extract in my eyes and let me tell you it was a nightmare. Cayenne may cause a burning sensation in the throat, stomach, or rectum of sensitive individuals(generally passes after a couple of bowel movements as tolerance is built).
Ease yourself into using cayenne pepper id advise starting at the lower scale of the heat such as 30-50,000HU to see how you react before moving onto the 90-300,000HU. This helps you build tolerance to the heat and reduce the risk of any side effects.
Cayenne peppers are a member of the Solanaceae, or Nightshade, family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and tobacco. A very few individuals have an intolerance to this entire family, so avoid this herb if you do.
Buying Information
Good cayenne pepper product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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