Cayenne salve

So cayenne is particularly effective when used topically. It has been show in studies to reduce pain in diabetic neuropathy, shingles, migraine headaches, back aches, muscle aches,  arthritis, menstrual cramps and bruises.   This salve can also stop a wound from bleeding. It will sting a little but it worry. I find that it is best to apply the slave with gloves on or  cotton swab. 

This topical pain relief action is thought to be from selective stimulation of afferent C fibers, which act as thermoreceptors and nociceptors, and release of substance P, a sensory neurotransmitter that mediates pain (NSD).


This is very quick and easy to make. Just three simple ingredients and a little time and you have another item to add to your herbal first aid kit.

 Ingredients 

1/2 cup oil (grapeseed, olive or cocnut) 
2 TBP of Cayenne powder. 
1/2 oz of beeswax 
Double boiler
Cheesecloth/ coffee filters
Makes roughly 4 ounces

Directions:

Heat the oil and cayenne until it is warm. Once warm turn off the heat and let it sit on the eye for about 20 minutes, then turn the heat on again. 
This should be done a few times, well about 3 times in one hour. This will allow the herb to infuse in to the oil. 
At this point strain  the powder through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter. 
Keep the oil. 
In your clean double boiler heat the beeswax until it is melted.
 Stir in the infused oil until the beeswax and oil have been thoroughly melted together and combined. Pour this mixture into jars or tins.
 Let it cool and then label it.


After apply the salve wash your hands not with water. Not only water but with vinegar a water. The diluted vinegar solution will remove the capsaicin form the hands.  The active constituent, is not water washable. Warning  do not use capsaicin preparations near the eyes or on sensitive skin.

Adding Cayenne to drink and to gargle.

A step up form last weeks Ginger Honey Syrup so this week we are going to added apple cider vinegar and cayenne. Now the a reason we are adding these is how each herb work with one another and complement each other.

Cayenne on it own is a great herb. It benefits the digestive system by stimulating the production of gastric juices and the peristaltic motion of the intestines, thus stimulating digestion, assimilation, and elimination. Taken orally, it may stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain that act as the body's natural sedatives. Cayenne is extremely beneficial as a whole circulatory system tonic. Used over a period of time and in the correct dose, it is used to balance blood pressure, improve circulation, and assist arteries, veins, and capillaries to regain elasticity. Also when used topically it stimulates the surface capillaries and brings blood to the skin surface. This assist circulation in the area and flush out the buildup of uric acid and calcium deposits around the joints and in the tissues.  It is  useful addition to many herbal formulae because of its ability to aid the distribution of other herbs throughout the body.

Cayenne Ginger Drink 
To make this drink it very simple if you made the ginger honey syrup just pull that out and add 2 TBSP of Cayenne to it and you are done.

To drink, please mix everything together and then add a teaspoon to hot water or 2 teaspoons to cold water. At lest 8 ozs and drink. IT might taste odd but it great for the body and helping flush out toxins and tone the internal oragens. Just be careful with the dosages.

Now another method if you do not wish to drink it is to gargle it.

Throat Support Formula

1-t cayenne Capsicum frutescens powder

½-pt sage Salvia officinalis infusion

2-T apple cider vinegar

2-T honey

Steep the cayenne with the sage infusion, and then mix in the remaining ingredients. Use 1-t to 1-T according to age or use as a gargle as often as necessary. Do not use for children younger than two.

Herb of the week: Cayenne

This week we are going to look at a member of the Solanaceae  family. This family of herbs is most well know for the deadly nightshade. But it is also the most prolific herb on the planet with over 73, 000  species to the family. This family includes: potatoes, eggplant, all peppers and many other plants both eatable of ornamental. 

Cyaenne is Latin name is Capsicum annuum var frutescens . This plant is cultivated in the United States, New Zealand and Australia. The part of the plant that is use in culinary and medical practices is the the fruit or the pod. The pods or the fruit are collected when ripe and dried slowly in the shade. The can be spread on racks or the tops threaded with fine string and hing in a cool, dry and airy position.

This herb can be used to make infusions, oi, ointments, powders and tinctures. It can also be taken orally as a liniment.In powder from it can be rub in a the  gums to reduce inflammation. A cotton ball or wool saturated with a tincture can be placed against the tooth to help with a toothache.

The main active constituent is a potent alkaloid  called capsaicinn. The alkaloid content is highest in Capsicum frutescens and varies considerably depending on environmental factors. It also contains a number of volatile oils, capsacutin, capsico, flavonoid glycosides, and red coloring matter. Cayenne is high in vitamins C and A, magnesium, and potassium, and contains some B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, fats, and protein(Natural Standers. 2014) .

This herb has been used for: Arthritis, asthma, bleeding, burning sensations, chilblains, chills, circulatory system tonic and moderator, colds, cold extremities, colic, constipation, cough, cramps, dyspepsia, erythema, fibromyalgia, gums (inflamed), heart irregularities, hemorrhoids, lethargy, mucus (accumulation), neuralgias including shingles and diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, pruritus, psoriasis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, shock, skin lesions, toothache, throat (sore), ulcers (mouth), varicose veins, vomiting, and wounds

It combines well with marshmallow Althaea officinalis and meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria for flatulence or spasms in the digestive tract. For use as an antiseptic, combine with myrrh Commiphora myrrha.(Natural Standers. 2014) .

ti is beneficial to the circulatory system as a tonic.  Used over a period of time and in the correct dose, it is used to balance blood pressure, improve circulation, and assist arteries, veins, and capillaries to regain elasticity.(Natural Standers. 2014) .

The alkaloid capsaicin actually enlarges blood vessels, which enhances the flow of nutrients to the cells and the removal of waste products at a cellular level. It also appears to have antiplatelet effects.(Natural Standers. 2014) .

When cayenne is applied topically it does not irritate the skin but it can cause itching, burning, or pricking when first applied as cayenne actually stimulates the surface capillaries and brings blood to the skin surface. This may assist circulation in the area and flush out the buildup of uric acid and calcium deposits around the joints and in the tissues.(Natural Standers. 2014) .

Cayenne is a useful addition to many herbal formulae because of its ability to aid the distribution of other herbs throughout the body.

Used as a pain killer, well more of a pain relief, it son often applied topically.  It has been used to reeve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, and neuralgias including shingles and diabetic neuropathy. Capsaicin used in topical preparations is FDA-approved for these uses.

Always use the minimum dose and increase dosage slowly, if necessary. Cayenne can be taken with food if nausea and burning occur.

Please consult your doctor before using any herb.