Hot! Hot! Hot! the Health Benefits of Cayenne

You may well be aware of the culinary and health uses of cayenne pepper and we all know it's hot, hot, hot! A member of the capsicum family, Cayenne can almost be considered a wonder herb. Few people know that unlike black pepper and other chilies, cayenne pepper has far less irritating properties. It contains vitamins K, C, carotenoids and the complete B complex vitamin group. Ancient uses of this wonderful herb include being placed in a fresh wound or ulcer to promote healing and it is believed to have been cultivated for over 6000 years.

Cayenne pepper is an incredible natural stimulant when taken internally. It is very good for the kidneys, spleen and the pancreas. It is also a very effective remedy in yellow fever and other types of fevers and can be taken in capsules or as a herbal tea for the treatment of these, or just as a natural energy booster. Forget these newfangled energy drinks, a dose of cayenne pepper will have you up and bouncing in no time. You can buy empty gelatin capsules from health food stores and make these capsules yourself, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with cayenne!. As with any herbal remedy don't overdo it and do check with your physician.

Some of the other wonderful uses of cayenne pepper, because of its natural antiseptic properties is as gargle for sore throats, and in the past was used to treat diphtheria, pneumonia, pleurisy, typhoid fever, and many other old world diseases. More modern uses include:

As an aid for proper digestion, as it stimulates the flow of stomach secretions and saliva.

Relief of rheumatoid arthritis by application as a poultice or an appointment to reduce inflamation.

Effectively clearing the sinuses, as well as causing profuse sweating by imbibing cayenne pepper as a tea and relieving cold and flu symptoms.

Incredible improvement to blood circulation and stimulation of the bloodflow allowing vitamins to be properly absorbed.

Cayenne pepper is an effective preventative of heart-attack.

Very effective at reducing cholesterol levels in the blood because of the cleansing properties of cayenne pepper.

The main active ingredient of cayenne pepper is capsaicin and has the ability to prevent stomach ulcers.

Asthmatic symptoms can be greatly reduced with the use of cayenne pepper.

A natural immune system booster.

The above are just a few of the many, many uses of cayenne pepper. Capsaicin is the hot ingredient of cayenne and other chilli peppers, has been proven to kill cancer cells in a test-tube and apparently slows the growth of pancreatic and prostate cancers in mice. There have been several studies and research is coming up with some astounding results. Lab mice were showing drastic reductions in the size of tumours after as little as 38 days, compared to mice that had not been administered capsaicin.

Celebrities such as Mariah Carey and Beyonce Knowles have popularised the cayenne pepper diet introduced in 1941 by a Mister Burroughs. It was primarily used as a very effective detoxification diet, but has become popular as an effective weight loss regime partly because of its ability to rid the body of toxins and waste material.