Have you ever been told about the power of spices? Surely you’ve had one relative tell you about a health benefit or healing power of at least one of those bottles from your spice rack. Well, we are here to share one more – the secret benefits of Cayenne pepper.
Known as ‘the king of herbs’, Cayenne pepper has been prized for millennia for its healing powers, with renowned herbal healer Dr Richard Shulze explaining: “If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than any other.”
It will perhaps come as no surprise, therefore, to discover that cayenne pepper is amongst the primary foods of the Hunzas in Asia, along with apricots, millet, and other simple foods. The Hunzas live to in excess of 100 years of age, which many believe is due to the natural immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory foods that they consume daily.
The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin, which gives the herb its characteristic heat. Capsaicin is incredibly effective at increasing the circulation of blood, even to the smallest of places such as the capillaries. Enhanced blood flow can be therapeutic for many reasons, including optimal delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissue, heart problems, high blood pressure, fatty plaque elimination, decreasing blood clots, and doing away with spider veins and varicose veins. Cayenne pepper really does do the seemingly impossible!
Cayenne pepper can also be used for chronic pain, shingles, poor digestion, sore throats, headaches, high-cholesterol, and toothaches.
In studies, scientists have found an 80% reduction with prostate cancers in mice, as well as in human prostate cancer cells in cultures.
Cayenne peppers can be purchased in fresh, dried, or powdered form. Since powdered cayenne pepper is sometimes a combination of poorer quality herbs, it’s best to buy fresh whenever possible. Even so, if you are using the dried or powered option, the health benefits will still be amazing.
Other Spices and Their Powers
Cinnamon
It can lower Blood Sugar Levels, and is considered an antioxidant that can fight inflammation and help to reduce cholesterol.
Sage
It may be able to improve brain function and memory, especially in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Peppermint
Its oil can improve pain management in irritable bowel syndrome, reduce abdominal bloating, and when used in aromatherapy it can help with nausea.
Turmeric
Its active ingredients are a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, making it a great tool when fighting Alzheimer’s, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and even the common cold.