By Marilyn, on November 25th, 2012
What do I think about when I hear or see the word “cayenne”? First, I try and say the word right—I usually mispronounce it. Secondly, I think “hot, hot, hot!” and I do not like it very well.
Then, I was looking for a recipe to make my own lotion using coconut oil and found a recipe for cayenne arnica salve. I absolutely love arnica and have used it a lot to relieve my aches and pains, BUT cayenne arnica salve, is this for real?
I decided to do a little researching on cayenne. Cayenne is considered the “most useful and valuable herb in the herb kingdom” and it has been “prized for thousands of years for its healing power”. ¹ On this web site doctors validate that this is an important herb. This herb has helped save heart attack victims, helped Italian patients with dyspepsia symptoms, and helps with the digestive, circulatory and heart systems. It is high in Vitamin A and C, has the complete B complex, and is very rich in organic calcium and potassium. It has curative powers in colds, respiratory ills, infections, pain, skin conditions, and headaches. It has shown anticancer activity.
The active ingredient in cayenne peppers is capsaicin. It is part of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family, which also includes eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers and white potatoes. As I said above, the “cayenne pepper is an excellent source of vitamin A. It is also a very good source of vitamin E as well as a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K, and manganese and dietary fiber.” ²
I found these sites really give insight into this wonderful herb. I have not been a fan, but I am much more willing to try it after all the wonders cayenne pepper can do.
“In 35 years of practice, and working with the people and teaching, I have never on house calls lost one heart attack patient and the reason is, whenever I go in–if they are still breathing–I pour down them a cup of cayenne tea (a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot water, and within minutes they are up and around).” Dr. Christopher ¹
This is just one example. A few books recommended on Shirley’s Wellness Café are: The Healing Powers of Peppers, Left for Dead, The Health Benefits of Cayenne.
(1) Curing with Cayenne
(2) WHFoods: Cayenne
