Ancient Remedies Are Still Good for Todays Ailments: Hawthorn and Cayenne Peppers

Grandma's home remedies, natural healers and alternative medicines go back as far as ancient times, some as far back as 3,000 years or more. These remedies are being examined, studied and tested by modern scientist and doctors, and studies are showing real healing properties. The ancients and grandma were on to something. It has only been in the last century that Americans have embraced pharmaceutical science and life saving medicines has been invented. Today we feel that most of these home remedies are nothing more than folklore, but don't make up your mind just yet. It seems that modern medicine relies heavily on these plants and herbs more than anyone realizes, and practically all of the most widely used drugs have an herbal origin. There are a list of age-old remedies whose remarkable effectiveness has been confirmed by new research.

Here a two natural herbs:

Hawthorn: A boost to the heart

The Chinese, the Europeans and the Native Americans have all been herbalist who have used the hawthorn's green leaves, white or pink flowers and tart red berries to straighten cardiovascular health. It is know to straighten muscles of the heart, when heart muscles seemed flabby and worn out. Scientist dates its use back to the least the first century. The history of Hawthorn is written in De Materia Medica, a trusted medical treatise written by a Roman physician name Dioscorides and used during the first 16 centuries. Hawthorn was prescribed in the form of jams and jellies.

The proof is in the Jellies

Recent studies indicate antioxidants in hawthorn relax the arterial- wall muscles, increasing blood flow to the heart and preventing or reducing symptoms of coronary artery disease. Hawthorn has been shown to prevent and treat cardiac ailments, includingcongestive heart failure. Hawthorn increases the strength and tolerance to an exercises program and reduces cardiac patent's shortness of breath. If you suffer from congestive heart failure, high blood pressure or CAD talk to your Dr. about what form of this herb to take. It comes in a tea form, tincture or capsules.

Cayenne: Pain Fighter

Consumed in the America's for some 7,000 years, Columbus is credited with transporting cayenne peppers-also called chilies back to the Old World. The easy to grow Chile was used by folk medicine practitioners for everything from pain to aphrodisiacs. Research proves Capsaicin, the ingredient that gives cayenne its heat is the ingredient used in medication that relieves arthritis, muscle aches and post-operative discomfort. Wow, I find this encouraging. Apparently the chemical in cayenne tamps down the messenger that sends pain messages to the brain. Current studies also show this sizzling spice can assist in weight loss.

Spice it up

The FDA generally recognizes Cayenne pepper as part of their Safe List. The ingredient of Capsaicin will be found in creams and ointments available over the counter for pain relief. Another way to receive this natural pain reliever would be to add fresh chilies to your home cooked dishes. It will add flavor as well as ease pain. Chop peppers and add to soups, stews or any dish you choose. There is also a powder form of Cayenne.

Source: Prevention Magazine February 2010