Medicinal Uses
Of Peppers

• For over 2,000 years, peppers has been used as an antiasmatic.
   
• Peppers are a natural expectorant and, since ancient times, have been prescribed as a remedy for the common cold.
   
• Peppers act as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, diuretic, as well as having a disinfectant effect on the mucus membranes.
   
• Peppers coats ulcers. One theory for how this works is that the peppers stimulate saliva production in the mouth, along with mucus production in the stomach, which coats the lining.
   
• Cayenne has long been used to strengthen the heart, especially those suffering from CHF (congestive heart failure).
   
• Since ancient times, Asians and Latin Americans have used peppers to relieve pain of chilblain and toothaches.

Arthritis

A protein ion receptor [Vanilloid Receptor Subtype 1 (VR1)] binds with capsaicin to manage chronic pain. This allows the influx of calcium and sodium ions to react to sensory nerve cells. Researchers are attempting to develop more advanced drugs, which would kill the pain signals transmitted through the VR1 without harming neighboring cells. This treatment is still in development.

High Blood Pressure

The consumption of chile peppers increases peripheral circulation and lowers blood pressure. Peppers, high in vitamins A and C and bioflavinoids (all necessary nutrients for healthy cell growth), help strengthen blood vessel walls. This helps the vessel walls to become more elastic and better able to adjust to differences in blood pressure. Peppers are also excellent scavengers of free radicals; provide a momentary boost to the metabolic system; and the sweating which occurs while eating hot peppers causes a loss of fluid, which temporarily reduces overall blood volume.  

Depression

Chile Peppers increase endorphin production - those mood-elevating substances which are released when performing aerobic exercise. Endorphins are natural opiates.

Flu or Respiratory Problems

Eating hot peppers can reduce the discomfort of the flu (in part, by promoting sweating). It also opens clogged breathing passages, and functions as an effective expectorant.

Muscle Pain

The topical cream, Heet, has been used for many years to reduce muscle pain (such as that caused by over-exertion in sports). Applying a fresh, cut-up pepper to the source of the pain is also an effective treatment.

Poison Ivy/Poison Oak

Dried peppers mixed with a little water and applied directly to the rash will cut the itch and speed the drying process.

Sinusitis, Tension, and Sinus Headaches

Ground chile peppers are snorted up the nose to relieve headaches brought on by tension or sinus problems (capsaicin turns off the nerve release fiber that triggers sinus and tension headaches). This treatment has been found effective to relieve sinusitis and non-allergic rhinitis by desensitizing the nasal nerves. Eating peppers has also been found to help one get rid of a headache. 

Warning DO NOT use any
pepper therapy described above
without consulting your Doctor !!

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