Many people swear by cayenne pepper as an herb for health. How valid are the tales of miraculous healing that the hawkers of cayenne in all its various forms seem to have published all over the Internet?

Well, the facts are there and there is good documentation. Cayenne pepper is well documented and accepted by many doctors and researches.

The University of Maryland released a study on the use of cayenne in medical conditions. In 2001

The National Institutes of Health gave $100,000.00 in grants to MycoLogics Inc., a medical research facility in Denver, Co. to look deeper into a study that found a chemical in the cayenne that killed both fungus and yeast

A study by the USDA found that cayenne pepper contains a substance which they have named, CAY-1. This substance kills 16 different types of fungi in laboratory tests. There have been other studies done and all have had positive results. Cayenne pepper is the real deal.

What is it used for?

It is amazing when you read of the stories of cayenne pepper healing people of all manner of problems. Other herbs seem to have very specific effects on certain parts of the body, or certain diseases but cayenne has a broad range of healing properties.

Cayenne is useful in treating many cardiovascular problems. It can be used for any of the following with good results:

• Blood pressure, high or low

• Increase circulation

• May prevent strokes

• Lowers serum cholesterol

• Prevents clogged arteries

• Treats heart attacks as an emergency measure

• Stop hemorrhage

If cayenne did only one of those things it would be an excellent herbal remedy. However it does much more than that:

• Gastro- esophageal reflux disease

• Ease digestive problems

• Relieves arthritis pain

• Bursitis

• Heals shingles as well as relieves the pain

• Relieves lower back pain

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Headaches

• Toothaches

• Sprains

• Strains

• Colds

• Elevates mood
• Flu

• Increased energy

• Balances metabolism

• Weight loss

• Candida

• Much more

Capsicum is the correct name for cayenne. It is made from dried chilies that have been ground to a powder. Y

You may have used it in your kitchen, adding a little heat to soups, stews and sauces. This is the very same herb that can strengthen your immune system and give you increased energy.

The benefits of cayenne come from the flavonoids and carotenoids. Along with vitamins A and C these powerful antioxidants fight free radicals throughout the body. Obviously the teaspoon of cayenne you put in the family stew will not give you the health benefits you are looking for.

How much is enough?

There are two main types of cayenne available, capsules and tinctures. Many experienced herbalist and naturopaths believe that taking cayenne in a capsule form does not have the same effect on the body as taking it in a tincture. The theory is that as soon as the nerve endings in the mouth become aware of cayenne they send signals to the rest of the body and blood flow increases within seconds. This does not happen when the cayenne is taken in capsule form.

While you probably don't want to gulp down a dropper of cayenne tincture you can mix it with eight ounces of water and drink it that way. The most effective ratio is four ounces of water mixed with eight drops of cayenne tincture. This should be taken four times a day.

Cayenne can also be added to creams and used to soothe sore muscles, bursitis and arthritis pain. Soak a towel in cayenne tea and apply it to the painful area.

If you are going out in the cold you can sprinkle it in your shoes or gloves to increase circulation to your hands and feet and bring warmth. Just becareful not to itch your eyes afterwards!

While cayenne is considered very safe it can have some side effects. Oddly enough, people with allergies to latex, kiwi, avocado, banana, or chestnuts may also have an allergy to cayenne.

There are also some drugs that cayenne could potentially interact with. Always talk to your health care provider before taking cayenne, especially if you are taking any of the following herbs or drugs.

• Captopril

• Enalapril

• Lisinopril
• Tagamet

• Pepcid

• Zantac

• Prilosec

• Maalox
• Tums

• Aspirin

• Heparin
• Warfarin

• Ginko

• Ginseng

• Garlic

• Theophylline.

While cayenne may not be a miracle cure there are a lot of people that are getting various types of relief from using cayenne. It doesn't cost very much and it may be just the cure you are looking for.