A – Z of Herbal Remedies

Other Names: Cayenne pepper, Red Peppers, African Pepper, Chillies, Bird Pepper, Pepper, Sweet Pepper, Hungarian Pepper, Paprika, Hot Pepper, Tabisco Pepper, Capsicum Annuum
Traditional Usages: Culinary Spice, Helps Blood Circulation, Scrofula, Chills, Helps Prevent Colds and Sores, Produces Natural Warmth, Ulcers,  Aphrodisiac, Stimulant, Iron Bearer, Indigestion in the Aged, Wind, Nervous Depression, Impotency, Improves Appetite, Hypothermia, May be taken as a Tea for Cold Hands and Feet and Pale Lips, As a warming lotion, cream or ointment for Rheumatism, Neuralgia, Backache and Lumbago
Resources: Zanzibar, Sierra Leone, Japan, Madagascar, Central America, Africa, India, Mexico
Parts Used: Fruit, both Fresh and Dried, Seeds
Health Warning: Avoid during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Avoid eye contact.

Cayenne Pepper, Red Peppers - Herbal remedy for Back Pain: Cayenne pepper or red pepper is used in formulas for liniments and plasters in folk medicine. It contains a pain-relieving chemical known as capsaicin which is so potent that a tiny amount provides the active ingredient in some powerful pharmaceutical topical analgesics. The exact mechanism in which it works is not known.
How to Apply
1.    You can buy a commercial cream containing capsaicin and use that.
2.     Mash a red pepper and rub it directly on the painful area.
3.    Take any white skin cream that you have on hand such as cold cream. Mix in enough red pepper to turn it pink. Apply on affected area.  
4.    Put one ounce of cayenne pepper in a quart of rubbing alcohol. Let the mixture stand for three weeks. Shake the bottle each day.  Apply to the affected area.
5.    Place one ounce of cayenne pepper in a pint of boiling water. Simmer for half an hour. Do not strain and add a pint of rubbing alcohol. Let cool to room temperature. Apply as desired to the affected part.
Health Warning: Do not take any of these remedies internally. Wash your hands thoroughly after preparing or using red pepper. Do not let any get into your eyes. Some people are sensitive to this compound. Test it on a small area of skin to make sure that it is okay for you to use before using it on a larger area. If it seems to irritate your skin, discontinue use.

Cayenne Pepper, Red Pepper - Herbal remedy for Shingles: Cayenne contains an ingredient called capsaicin which may be helpful in the treatment of shingles. A herbal ointment made from capsaicin can be purchased at your local health food store. You can also mix powdered red pepper into any white skin lotion until it turns pinkish. Dab it on the rash. Wash your hands thoroughly after use. Pay particular attention to make sure that the pepper won't get in your eyes or on other sensitive areas.
Health Warning: We suggest that you first test it on a small area of skin. Discontinue if it causes irritation. Capsaicin can cause some burning when first applied to the skin, so it should be used very sparingly.

• Back Pain
• Shingles