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Saturday, July 7, 2012

Cayenne (paminton in tagalog)

(Capsicum anuum) Part used: Fruit. Properties: Carminative, stimulant, antispasmodic, astringent. What it affects: Heart, circulation, stomach and kidneys.

Preparation and amount: Infusion: 1 tsp. to 1 cup boiling water, taken in 1/2 fluid oz. doses. Pour water over cayenne. Tincture: Take 5-15 drops 3 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 10-15 drops 3 times daily. Oil: For toothache, clean the cavity and place cotton, saturated with the oil, into the cavity; use sparingly, as it is very potent. Powder (internal): Take 1-2 #0 capsules (1-10 grains) 3 times daily. Powder (external): For external bleeding, powder may be placed directly on the wound.

Purposes: Dr. Christopher, a well-known herbalist of the mid-twentieth century, said that if he only had two herbs, he would select charcoal and cayenne. Cayenne is powerful in its ability to attract blood to a body part. Since it is the blood which brings healing, this is an important quality.

Internally, when added to herbal formulas, cayenne stimulates the action of other herbs. It stops heart attacks; and is used for flus, colds, indigestion, and lack of vitality. It is good for treating the spleen, pancreas, kidneys; and it is effective as a fomentation for rheumatism, inflammation, pleurisy, sores and wounds.
  • Cayenne is useful for arteriosclerosis, arthritis, asthma, bleeding, high or low blood pressure, bronchitis, chills, colds, convulsions, coughs, indigestion, infections, jaundice, ulcers and varicose veins.

Externally, cayenne is used for frostbite, painful joints, swellings and varicose veins. It can be rubbed on toothaches and swellings. Sprinkled on bleeding cuts, it will immediately stop the bleeding.

Warning: Very excessive use can damage the kidneys and lead to pleurisy or gastro-enteritis. Prolonged application to the skin can cause dermatitis and raise blisters. When cooked, it becomes an irritant. It is best to use cayenne primarily as a medicine, and only very small amounts as a food additive. Apply it with a glove.

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