Curing with the herb: cayenne pepper

Curing with the herb, cayenne pepper has been touted as one of the most useful.

Plant’s History: Hot peppers have been used in the tropical areas of South and Central America and Africa for somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 years. The earliest recollection of cayenne pepper in any documented form was in 1493, when Christopher Columbus’ voyage. With the booming spice and herb trade taking precedence, the discovery of this hot spice was not only important, but quite exciting to herbalist around the world.

Cayenne Pepper has many names, including hot flame, devil’s tongue, red bird pepper, African pepper, cockspur pepper and goat’s pepper.

Hot Peppers originate in the tropics, but can be successfully grown in other areas. They need approximately 14-16 weeks of growing time. In Michigan, the plants are set as soon as danger of frost has passed, and by the end of September, the plants are about 2 ½ or 3 feet in height and loaded with both green and red peppers.

The longer the peppers remain on the plant, the more red they will become. Don’t be fooled, green pods are just as hot.

Active ingredient: Capsicum genus of the pepper family Capsaicin, found in the pepper, is used in over-the-counter and prescription topical drug cream products for the use of painful joints, stomach problems, as a gargle, for hangover, and when a fever is present. However, always consult a physician when using cayenne pepper for medicinal uses.

Cayenne pepper is extremely hot, in it’s ground state it’s dangerous when inhaled, and in it’s whole form is danger to mucous membranes such as the nose and eyes. If preserving the pepper, keep mouth and nose covered–even the fumes carry a whollup–and wear gloves! The capsaicin is what causes your mouth and eyes to water and burn when you’ve bitten into a cayenne pepper. If this happens, immediately drink a glass of milk, which has a neutralizing ingredient in it. Water will heighten the burning sensation.

Medicinal uses: The cayenne pepper’s fiery substance, capsaicin, is the part of the plant valued worldwide by scientists and herbalists.

Whether ingested or applied externally, capsaicin is a powerful ingredient. It’s soothing and restorative effects on the digestive system are immense for occasional digestive problems and can be used to calm digestive disorders. At the same time, please be careful when using this product. Anyone with intestinal and/or colon disorders, should consult a physician before using cayenne pepper, as it may be disruptive.

In the West Indies, cayenne pepper pods are soaked in hot water, then mixed with sugar and the juice of sour oranges and used as a drink when a fever is present. The capsaicin will induce sweat, which in turn will cool the patient. Additionally, the orange will supply vitamin C and the sugar, energy.

Cayenne, which itself if high in vitamins A and C, are very nutritious.

If used in a poultice as a stimulant, cayenne also promotes blood flow. When used topically, it will be very hot the first couple of uses, but by day 14 or no longer than 30 days, the skin in the affected area will have adjusted to it and pain should be gone. However, it will cause redness, and excessive, extended contact with skin may result in severe blistering. Never put cayenne pepper on an open sore, abrasion or laceration. High does taken internally can lead to kidney damage. This product, as all medicinal products, should be administered by a physician.

Cayenne pepper is also used for toothache, and as a liniment for sprains and congestion problems.

It has also been suggested that cayenne pepper is useful in the relief of cluster headaches, and cayenne pepper tea is used for the common cold.

REMEMBER, always use caution with this product. It is very powerful. Moderation is the key.

Culinary properties: Cayenne pepper is the perfect addition to chili or hot spicy foods. Again, use in moderation. I suggest setting a bottle of cayenne pepper on the table and allowing everyone to use as desired, rather than dumping it into the whole pot of chili. You may end up eating alone. (I add a dried cayenne to chili dishes for a more mild spice.)

Grinding or crushing the pepper is another good way to use it. I suggest drying it, placing it in a sealed plastic bag and running a rolling pin over it several times. Start with a small pinch in recipes, and build from there.Decorative Uses: Cayenne pepper is colorful, festive and interesting when used as a decorative ingredient to existing decor. Try hanging them–swag-like–for a Mexican look. Or, wrap wire around the pod–one at a time–and make a beautiful wreath. To make a round wreath, use a wire coat hanger and bent to the appropriate shape. Another fun way to display the peppers is to buy a wire-shaped heart or star and wire the pods onto it.If your intention is to make a culinary wreath, add other herbs that can be used in the kitchen, such as sage, rosemary, dill, parsley, etc. to the wreath. Use the green product as the background, this will bring out the cayenne’s bright color. Speaking of it’s color, however, do expect it to fade from the bright red to a deeper, almost brown-red, color.Another method, if you have the room, is to pull the entire plant up by its roots, pull all the leaves off of it, and dry the plant. Then, cut the roots and dirty portion off the bottom, and hang in the kitchen in it’s natural state.If you plan to use the cayenne peppers that are now decorating your wall, in a culinary fashion, be careful not to spray the wreath or swag with anything to keep its color or stiffness, and always wash the pods before adding to the pot. Remember you will be ingesting the product!CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICINAL PROGRAM THAT DID NOT COME PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN.

Traditional Ancient Chinese medicine

Traditional Ancient Chinese Medicine – uses physiology and pathology of the human body in a holistic view.

Traditional chinese medicine for dummies – Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses the physiology and pathology of the human body. Basic TCM highlights two features. They include a holistic (view as whole) vision and the treatment identifying causes. TCM does not recognise diseases as in the West. All of our body organs work differently, but in conjunction with each other. Disruption to regular functions causes disease. Acupuncture therapy arouses external areas of the body. The human body is more than a single entity, but is one with nature. TCM realises that changes in the environment can change bodily rhythms as well.

TCM cites a relationship between each of the body organs. This relationship in turn is with the surrounding environment. The long term use of TCM states many factors that may cause imbalance within the human body. TCM uses clinical indications through the examination of disease symptoms. Causative factors are diagnosed from these symptoms.

TCM does not name diseases as we do in West.  TCM sees a prostate  as one o less common in the overweight. Every individual patient is a unique case, like the different sexes and human characteristics. Modern Western medicine can learn from ancient TCM.roblemf dampness and thus treated accordingly. Migraineis a liver and blood disorder. The practitioner states the disorders in terms of the patterns they display. There are the eight Fundamental Patterns called: interior, exterior, heat or cold, excess, deficiency, Yin and Yang. These patterns explain how disorders occur in the mind, body or spirit.

In China, Qi is a form of energy flowing along unseen meridian channels throughout the body. Qi is not visible. Everything in the universe has Qi. The human body is a type of Qi. Qi Gong is a popular Chinese excercise involving breathing and meditation for physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Interior and exterior patterns show the practitioner the location of the disease. Interior patterns of disorders are chronic. Signs include unusual changes in urine and stool, pain or discomfort in the body and no inhibition to cold or wind. Exterior patterns of disorder often arise quickly and are acute. Signs include chills, fever, an aversion to cold and general aches and pains.

Heat and cold signify the body’s activity with the nature of the disease. Cold signifies deficient Yang or external harmful cold. Cold slows the body, making the person lethargic. Warmth lessens pain. Heat signifies invasion of external harmful heat; a lessening of Yin and excess Yang. Heat hastens the body’s activities. Maybe the person will speak incessantly and have the need for cold liquids.

Deficiency and excess signify the effect of the disorder on the body’s natural resistance. Deficiency is a sign of weakness in the body. A pale sickly appearance, profuse sweating, shallow breathing and pain lessened with pressure, are symptoms. Excess is hyperactivity in the body. Difficult to stay still, heavy breathing and pressure-increased pain, are symptoms.

Yin and Yang are the opposing, but complementary in nature. Yin is feminine and emphases interior, cold and deficiency. Yang is masculine and emphases exterior, heat and excess. If Yin and Yang are in balance the body is healthy, but imbalance signifies ill health. TCM sees the human body as a cosmos, in harmony with nature, internal harmony and mental and physical harmony.

The uses of herbs are important in TCM. Virtually any herb can aid or cure a complaint. More than 50,000 medicinal herbs are recorded in China, but only a small fraction is in use. A western TCM practitioner generally will not use more than 200. Modern medicine may reject herbal use as unproven and even dangerous, but synthetic drugs have proved to be as harmful. A ‘natural’ substance is not always safe. Anything taken in excess can be harmful. The Chinese have proven TCM to be beneficial from thousands of years practice.

There are five flavours familiar with herbs. Bitter herbs remove heat from the body, cure coughing, vomiting, help constipation and are good for the heart. Sweet herbs are beneficial for the spleen, pain reduction and restoring harmony and energy. Pungent herbs aid circulation, the lungs and mild ailments. Sour herbs aid the liver, used to treat diarrhoea and prevent pus. Salty herbs also aid constipation, for the thyroid, abdominal and kidney problems.

Acupuncture is a common form of TCM. The practice is as old as TCM and even the Chinese do not know how it works. For this reason modern medicine does not totally accept acupuncture. Acupuncture has helped ailments from flu to chronic pain. Chinese studies have shown that external stimulation of the body affects the internal body. There are hundreds of acupuncture points over the entire body. One point to numerous points is each associated with an organ or a location in the internal body. The pressures of the needles are not painful.

A person’s voice, breathing and or cough will aid the practitioner in identifying disorders. A too high voice and or an abrupt major cough will signify excess. A weak quiet voice and/or with a weak cough signifies deficiency. Losing your voice or croakiness can signify either deficiency or excess. Wheezing indicates dampness. Two odours indicate the presence of disorder. A foul odour from a discharge indicates heat and excess. Less of an odour signifies cold or deficiency.

TCM considers seasonal weather, geographical location, environment and personal (age, sex, temperament and customs) aspects. Summer’s humidity will most likely initiate diseases due to dampness. Combine herbs for summer diseases with herbs removing dampness. Do not use drying herbs during cold and dry weather.

Children and the elderly have weakened qi and lower vitality. Avoid using strong, potent drugs in such cases. Overweight patients commonly will have diseases caused by internal pathogenic dampness. Pathogenic heat is  less common in the overweight. Every individual patient is a unique case, like the different sexes and human characteristics. Modern Western medicine can learn from ancient TCM.

Pumpkin seed oil: a medicinal seasoning

Explains how and where pumpkin seed oil is made, and its medicinal purposes. Also details its use in cooking.

Pumpkin seed oil, also called Kuerbiskernoel, is derived from the Styrian pumpkin whose botanical name is known as Cucurbita Pepo Convarietas Citrullinina – Varietas Styriaca. Although these pumpkins originated in the southeast region of Austria, which is called Styria, they are now grown in other parts of the world including in Ontario, Canada. Styrian pumpkins are a special variety of pumpkin. These pumpkins have a yellow/green skin and yellow/orange flesh inside. Additionally, these pumpkins contain seeds that are dark green and that do not have an outer shell. Because Styrian pumpkin seeds do not have a shell, the seeds can be processed easily into pumpkin seed oil.

Pumpkin seed oil has been popular for years among natives of the Styrian region of Austria and those who live in the northern portion of Slovenia, Europe. Additionally, this oil is now gaining a reputation among chefs worldwide because of its highly nutritional benefits. For example, the seeds from this pumpkin type contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E, and K, as well as many minerals including calcium and magnesium. The oil also contains over 60% of unsaturated fatty acid and is rich in vegetable protein. Recent medical research has also announced the health benefits provided by using pumpkin seed oil. These benefits include regulating cholesterol levels and aiding in the prevention and treatment of bladder and prostate problems.

Styrian pumpkins are ripened and harvested in the fall. To make pumpkin seed oil, the seeds are manually removed from the pumpkins. Approximately 2.5kg of pumpkin seeds are required to make one liter of pumpkin seed oil. Once the seeds have been removed from the pumpkins, they are washed and dried. The dried seeds are then roasted for a few minutes at a high temperature (approximately 140ºF). Once roasted, the seeds are pressed using high pressure. The result of this pressing is the production of a dark green/black oil. This oil is then bottled and packaged for use.

Pumpkin seed oil has an unusual flavor that is somewhat nutty. Because of this unusual flavor, if you are not used to using pumpkin seed oil it is recommended that you experiment with it first. For example, try finding recipes that contain the oil and test the results of its usage. Pumpkin seed oil is typically used as a salad dressing combined with apple cider vinegar and salt. Additionally, it can be used in cooking and baking as an ingredient in sauces, sausages, and cakes.

You can buy pumpkin seed oil in some grocery, specialty, and health food stores. You can also purchase it by mail or over the Internet. When purchasing pumpkin seed oil, make sure that the oil is made from 100% pumpkin seeds with no additives. Because of its thick consistency, occasionally some producers will add sunflower seed oil to the pumpkin seed oil in order to thin out the oil base. Combining the two oil types also allows manufacturers to produce a less expensive product. Therefore, make sure that you read the label placed on the sunflower seed oil bottle, or inquire to the supplier about the oil’s contents, before purchasing any oil.

General Health Information: What is homeopathy?

Introduction to homeopathy, a natural, effective alternative method of treating your family, using remedies such as Arnica montana, Chamomilla, and Hepar sulph.

Homeopathy was developed in the early 1800’s by Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the “law of similars”, wherein “like cures like”. As in vaccinations, you receive a dose of what you’re trying to eliminate. All homeopathic remedies are natural, derived form animal, vegetable or mineral matter.

Illnesses are treated according to their symptoms. It doesn’t matter where you got the cold, flu, diarrhea, muscle cramp or headache. How it is manifested is what a homeopath looks at. For instance, a cold can come on slowly or quickly, make you thirsty or not. A headache can be in the front or the back of the head.

List the symptoms and include mental and emotional states as well. Include, too, the time of day your patien

feels worse, and what, if anything, makes the symptoms worse or better (lying down, fresh air, movement, etc.). Now check out the repertory. This is a book (or just a chapter in a book about homeopathy) that describes symptoms categorized according to parts of the body. There are homeopathic remedies listed under each symptom. Once you have gone through the repertory with your symptoms, you will most likely find one or two remedies that repeat themselves.

Now turn to the materia medica, another book, or chapter in a complete book. It describes the remedies and their actions on the body in detail. Read about the remedies that show up most often for the symptoms you’ve listed. When you find what seems to be the most suitable, administer it. This is a ‘dose’ three times a day for three days, or until the symptoms change. At that point you would change the remedy.

Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic. If you administer the wrong remedy, there are no ill-effects. You just won’t see a change in the symptoms. Simply re-evaluate and re-administer.

This is not as complex as it sounds, and can be simplified with the purchase of a good book on homeopathy in the home and a small kit. Some are sold as children’s kits, with 8 remedies. Another kit has about 35 remedies in it. The small one is a good way to start, and frankly, kids only use a few of the same remedies over and over.

Here are the ones most used in my house:

Arnica montana – This is indispensable for bruises. It takes care of shock in any situation, and aids in healing of dental work (even a cleaning) and other surgeries. It reduces swelling, making the patient more comfortable.

Chamomilla – This is the best remedy for teething babies, when they are irritable and feverish.

Hepar sulph. – I use this frequently for colds at all stages. It’s good for sore throats, abscesses and other infections.

Ipecac. – This is good for intestinal cramping and nausea.

Bryonia – Great for constipation. Usually works with one dose.

Hypericum – This is St. John’s Wort, and is used for damage to nerve endings.

Sulphur – For skin problems.

Apis – For bee stings and bites.

You can see that homeopathy covers anything you could possibly need to treat in your family. With medical costs so high these days, homeopathy is worth looking into!

Natural home remedies: potatoes

HOw to use the simple potato to relieve stomach upsets, wounds and inflammations.

The potato is native to South America and was transported to Europe in the mid-1500’s by Spanish sailors. It wasn’t until the 1800’s however that the potato became a staple food in Europe where it gained popularity for its nutritional benefits. Today there are more than 100 potato varieties. They come in many sizes, shapes and colors (yellow, white, red and even blue). Despite the physical differences, all varieties of the potato offer similar health benefits.

The components of potatoes consist of a high complex of carbohydrates, fiber and proteins. Included also are vitamin A, B-complex, and C; copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin and potassium. The skin is high in nutrients, and if possible the skin should be eaten or if not, peel as close to skin surface as possible to maintain the nutrients that cling closer to the skins

The potato is a member of the nightshade family, and does contain very small quanities of atropine. This substance is deadly in large amounts, but in small doses it has antispasmodic effects, making potatoes useful for easing gastrointestinal pain and cramping. Potatoes can also be used externally for muscle pains and skin problems.

One of the therapeutic effects of potatoes come from the alkaline juices that can neutralize the stomach acids and relieve stomach upsets. Another is also to make potato water that will cleanse intestines and reduce the amount of acid in the gastointestinal system. To make the water you wash and dice a large potato. Steep it overnight in one cup of water to which you add a pinch of sea salt. Strain and drink the water every morning on an empty stomach.Potatoes are also used for inflammation and for pain relief. Use of the potato wrap has a long history as a folk remedy for all types of muscle and bone pain. Potatoes retain heat for long periods of time, allowing the warmth to penetrate deep into the tissues. To make this wrap, boil 1 lb. of potatoes in their skins until tender. Place them in a linen sack and mash them. Apply the sack to the affected area, placing a towel underneath the sack if too hot. Attach the sack tightly to the body with a woolen blanket. Remove the sack only after it has cooled down completely. On the flip side, raw potatoes have a very cooling effect. Raw potato slices bring fast relief from swelling and itching caused by contact dermatitis and insect bites. The slices are also effective for bruises and sties. For this effect, peel and slice a potato and apply the slice to the affected skin until the potato warms up. For slow healing inflammations and wounds, grate three raw potatoes and moisten them with milk. Wrap then in a linen cloth and apply to the affected area.When storing potatoes there are a few tips to remember. Discard any potatoes that have excessive soft or sprouts. Look for any green spots or small sprouts and before cooking; peel this thoroughly. Mature potatoes may be stored up to two months, new potatoes can be stored for one week. Remember to use skins as much as possible to maintain all nutrients, and if not, to peel as closely to skin as can.

Natural remedies for arthritis

Natural treatments and remedies for arthritis sufferers. This list is for informational use only, please consult your physician before switching medications to natural remedies.

Arthritis sufferers all over the world are ever seeking relief for their pain. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this problem contrary to what many pharmaceutical companies claim. Taking their medicine will not cure any type of arthritis. Speaking to your physician for the latest research about your specific type of arthritis would be beneficial for finding pain relief.

With the rise of medications (and their prices) available to patients suffering with this ailment, many still prefer to seek natural remedies. This could be for any variety of reasons:- The patient may have tried several medications that are either not working as well or at all for them anymore.

– The patient may not believe in healing their body chemically and wishes to find an organic remedy.

– The patient may not be able to afford their prescription medication anymore, so they are seeking a less costly alternative.

– The patient is concerned with side effects associated with a particular medication prescribed or suggested to them by their physician.

Listed below are several alternatives to arthritis medications. Before taking yourself off your current medication, it is strongly advised that you meet with your physician first. These are by no means medical claims; they are merely suggestions for those who are curious or seeking more information. Listed below are also common concerns, usage and (or) side effects related to each remedy.

– Acupuncture

– Animal foods: avoid them. Arachidonic acid found in meat provokes joint inflammation.

– Bee/snake venom: Little scientific backing, real chance for allergic reaction.

– Chondroitin: helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.

– Elimination diets/weight control: more weight equals more joint pressure. It is debatable if fasting reduces symptoms or not.

– Fish oils: controls inflammation in the body. Examples of other oils also used for the same purpose: flax, borage, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin.

– Food allergies: linked to many causes for arthritis. Common foods to look out for: wheat, corn, dairy, citrus, salt, caffeine, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant and peppers. (does not include black peppers)

– Ginger: Anti-oxidant, inflammatory with no major side effects.

– Glucosamine sulfate: builds cartilage with very few side effects.

– Magnets: results are still preliminary. Most commonly used in jewelry, clothing, and bed linens. It is stated that many of the magnets available on the market are not strong enough.

– MSM: Organic sulfur used to reduce inflammation.

– Nettle leaf: Reduces need for NSAIDS by 70% (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

– Vitamin E: An antioxidant used primarily for osteoarthritis.

– Yoga, meditation, creative visualization and imagery.

– Aroma therapy

– Osteopathy and chiropractic therapy – Homeopathy- Environmental medicine- Pantothenic acidThis is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what arthritis sufferers can do when seeking natural remedies. Due to the lack of scientific study for many of these treatments, there is still cause for concern. Consult your physician, visit your local library or visit your favorite bookseller for more information and other alternatives.