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CAYENNE
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(Capisicunn frutescens) Top Pick
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Other Names
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African Pepper, Bird Pepper, Capsicum, Chili Pepper, Red Pepper, Spanish Pepper,
Zanzibar Pepper.
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Description
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Cayenne
is a perennial plant
native to the tropical areas of North America. It is also widely cultivate as an annual plant, growing to 3 feet or
more. The woody stem branches near the top, producing droopy white to
yellow flowers that grow alone or in pairs, and bloom from April through
September. The ripe fruit appears in many shades of red and yellow.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Pungent
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Very Hot
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Humor
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Fire
é Water
ê Air
é
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Uses/Applications
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Cayenne
is most useful as a
systematic stimulant. Use to regulate
blood flow, equalize and strengthen the heart, arteries and nerves. Use for circulatory and
digestive systems, colic, and peripheral circulation - cold hands, feet, chilblains, and to
ward off colds. Cayenne thins the blood preventing blood clots, inhibits cholesterol,
heals ulcers, and stops hemorrhaging.
Externally use to speed healing, relieve arthritic pain,
and help stop the spread of infection.
Cayenne is said to be “The purest and most certain
stimulant known to man.”
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Fruit
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Compress
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Use for rheumatic pains, sprains, and bruising.
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Gargle
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Take for throat problems, especially useful in weak
conditions.
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Infusion
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Excellent for chills, colds, cold hands or feet, shock, and
depression. Also good for stimulating the digestive system.
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Ointment
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Use on chilblains as long as the skin is not broken.
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Powder
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For acute conditions or chronic conditions.
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Tincture
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Take as a circulatory stimulant and tonic.
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Essential Oil
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Infused Oil
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Use for varicose ulcers to encourage blood flow away from the
area. Do not
apply directly on the ulcerated area.
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Massage Oil
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Use as a warming massage oil for rheumatism, lumbago, and
arthritis.
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Combinations
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Myrrh
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Constituents
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Capsaicin, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Essential Oil.
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Action
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Stimulant, Tonic, Sialagogue, Anti-Emetic, Anti-Microbial, Carminative,
Diaphoretic, Anti-Spasmodic, Circulatory Tonic.
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Food Values
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Vitamin A, C, Sulfur, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Trace
Minerals.
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Part Used
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Fruit
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Collection
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Harvest when ripe, then dry.
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Preparation
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Capsule
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Take 1 - 3 capsules per day.
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Compress
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Soak a pad in the infusion and apply to affected area.
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Gargle
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Dilute 5-10 drops of tincture in a half a glass of warm
water.
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Infused Oil
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Add 25 gr. powder to 500 ml. Sunflower Oil and heat over a water bath for two
hours. Apply
to skin around varicose ulcers to encourage blood flow.
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp. Infuse 10
minutes. Add
1 Tbsp. of this infusion with hot water and sip as needed.
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Powder
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3-10 grains for acute conditions. 1-3 grains for chronic
conditions.
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Tincture
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1
ml. three times per day as required, or dilute 5-10 drops in a 1/2 cup of water and take as
needed.
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Growing Directions
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Check with your local nursery to obtain proper planting
dates.
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History
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Cayenne
arrived in the west
from India in 1548 and was known as the Ginnie Pepper. It was recommended for scrofula, a prevalent lymphatic throat and
skin infection called King’s Evil.
It was also popular with the 19th century
physio-medicalists who used its warming properties for chills, rheumatism, and
depression.
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Additional Information
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1. Research has found that Capsaican (cayenne) short circuits the nerves that
make us perceive pain.
2. It is currently used in a non prescriptive cream called Zostrix for skin
rashes, including herpes sores.
3. Scientists believe Capasaican has a potential as an all-around analgesic
pain killer that could combat chronic pain, especially arthritis.
4. When Capsaican sends a signal to kill pain, the brain responds by secreting
more endorphins, a natural morphine.
5. If you want the medicinal value of Cayenne start
with small doses, and you will gradually build up a
tolerance. You can also take cool yogurt or milk immediately
after.
6. The University of Dusseldorf found Cayenne increased the patients' ability
to concentrate. It was found to have effects as a stimulant and to combat
fatigue. The
effects were found to be immediate, temporary, and harmless.
7. Cayenne also acts as a catalyst enhancing the effect of other
herbs.
8. Scientific literature in Bulgaria first reported on Cayenne’s
anti-bacterial benefits in 1927.
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Cautions
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1. Seeds can be toxic so do not use them.
2. Follow dosages carefully - excessive consumption can lead to
gastroenteritis and liver damage, aggravate ulcers, or create burning of the
anus.
3. Cayenne can irritate hemorrhoids.
4. Do not apply to broken skin.
5. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
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Magick Information
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There is no magical value.
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