Cayenne Pepper and Heart Health - Is Cayenne a Cure For Heart Disease?

Cayenne pepper is one of the most powerful and beneficial herbs known to mankind, but unfortunately very few know of its efficacy. Cayenne pepper and heart health should be synonymous for anyone with heart disease or cardiovascular issues but it is not. Due to the power and might of Big Pharma and their unholy alliance with the United States government, many Americans are simply unaware of natural herbs that can dramatically improve their heart health.

"If this is true, then why haven't the masses heard of it?" you may ask. A fair question. In a word, money. Literally billions of dollars have been spent on heart disease care and research, not to mention the billions on pharmaceutical drugs fighting cholesterol.

In fact, the number-one-selling drug in the US is Lipitor -- ostensibly sold to reduce cholesterol and by extension heart disease. Cayenne could eliminate all that and that is why the medical establishment doesn't want people to know about it.

Before discussing the benefits of cayenne pepper and heart health however, let's consider the result of the billions that have been "invested" in the name of curing heart disease for if there is one fundamental criterion by which government and medical institutional spending should be judged, it should be by the results.

According to a May 25th, 2006 report by the BBC, heart disease is the biggest killer in the United Kingdom. Across the pond in the United States, the National Heart Foundation says, "Coronary heart disease is the single greatest cause of death for both men and women in the US, eclipsing all other causes, including cancer and lung diseases. Every year more than 479,000 Americans die of coronary heart disease."

Clearly, the current allopathic (traditional Western medicine) approach is lacking.

The unholy collusion between government, pharmaceutical interests and institutional medicine, with its powerful financial influence, pervades nearly every facet of society. Homeopathic medicine is not only derided but persecuted and even criminalized while allopathic medicine is deified as the only way to health.

In reality, the joining of the best of allopathic and homeopathic interventions would be ideal, but for that to happen, results would have to be the final arbiter as to an intervention's effectiveness, not corporate and governmental interests.

Background Info

So, what is cayenne? You probably recognize its name as a potent condiment often used in cooking, but its value lies well beyond its culinary uses. It is an herb that is nothing short of amazing.

It is a multi-talented herb that is also known, although obliquely so, as African red pepper, American red pepper, Spanish pepper, capsicum, and bird pepper. Cayenne is derived from two related plants. Specifically, the American variety (Capsicum minimum) is distinguished from its African counterpart the African birdseye cayenne (Capsicum fastigiatum) although both are highly beneficial to man. The African birdseye cayenne is the most pungent with small, yellowish red pods while the American variety is distinguished with its herb-sized plants and larger fruit or pods.

The food value of cayenne is known, of course, but its real value is as a medicinal and nutritional herb. Its medical uses include using it for wounds, heart disease, heart attacks, heart problems at large, ulcers, congestion, colds, chills, bleeding of the lungs, neuralgia, lumbago, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, high and low blood pressure, indigestion, and kidney and related problems. (This is by no means a comprehensive list as to the herb's effectiveness.)

Cayenne is a stimulant and as such is an activator, carrier, and accentuator to other herbs as well. Still, it can and should be used by itself. Let's discuss now some of those ancillary uses before we talk in depth about capsicum and heart health.

Cayenne pepper anti-fungal properties are tangible although this is not its primary health benefit. It has been shown in some studies to be active against collectotrichum and phomopsis, both of which are fungal pathogens. These important fungal pathogens affect strawberries and other fruits and are not directly related to humans per se.

However, cayenne immune system benefits are of interest to researchers. Currently, it is being studied by many nutritional supplement companies for its therapeutic and nutritional benefits. If you desire a natural anti-fungal aid, garlic is preferred over cayenne for garlic has long been known for its anti-fungal properties. (In Russia, it has long been called "the Russian penicillin.")

Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Capsicum increases metabolism by immediately influencing the venous structure. It is remarkable with its immediate effects on the circulatory system as it feeds the vital elements into the cell structure of capillaries, veins, arteries and helps adjust blood pressure to normal levels. Yes, cayenne pepper for high blood pressure is certainly one of its core uses, but it cleans the arteries as well.

It also stimulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines and aids in assimilation and elimination. When taken internally, it warms the body and has even been used by some herbalist doctors to help severe frostbite as cayenne not only facilitates the healing of the flesh but it helps rebuild tissue as well.

Notwithstanding its hot taste, it is superb for rebuilding the tissue in the stomach for it actually facilitates rapid healing with stomach and intestinal ulcers. Capsicum for ulcers is not something most would have considered due to its native calidity but the author can testify to this aspect of this wonder herb.

Its Dramatic Effects

Dr. John Christopher, the famed natural herbalist, was persecuted relentlessly by the government while assisting patients in curing cancer, heart disease, pleurisy, tuberculosis, infertility, rheumatism, leukemia, and other maladies. One of his greatest stories in his long career was how he could instantly stop a heart attack if he could get the patient to drink a glass of warm cayenne water. In his writings, he said, "A teaspoon of cayenne should bring the patient out of the heart attack."

(While this is not directly related to heart health, with internal hemorrhaging, if the patient can drink a glass of extra warm water with cayenne, Dr. Christopher wrote, "...by the count of ten the bleeding will stop. Instead of all the pressure being centralized, it is equalized and the clotting becomes more rapid.")

Perhaps now you can see why cayenne is regarded as a "miracle herb." With over 700,000 Americans experiencing a stroke each year and almost half a million dying of heart disease, the cure to a healthy heart is as close as your local grocery store. The cayenne detoxification drink, when taken religiously, will dramatically improve your heart health as well as your venous structure.

Side Effects of Cayenne Pepper

What are the side effects of cayenne pepper? What are its bad points? Well, it is certainly hot to the taste. Drinking what the author calls the cayenne detoxification drink is not for the faint of heart (on second thought perhaps it is!). When starting to drink the cayenne pepper detoxification drink, it tends to come out of the body's orifices with a burning sensation.

Not to worry, though. It is very beneficial. In fact, capsicum will help clear up hemorrhoids if taken regularly -- especially if the hemorrhoid sufferer changes their diet to one more rich in fiber.

To mitigate its heat, the author suggests starting with just a half a teaspoon of cayenne in a glass of eight ounces of lukewarm water (or even less if desired). Have another glass of just water nearby as drinking cold water after the cayenne drink will help mitigate the calidity of the drink's after effects. Yes, you can take it in capsule form but its effects won't be immediate the way it would be by direct application.

There are also some who suggest combining lemon water and cayenne for fast metabolism. (There are also some who think that a combination of cayenne lemon fat burn facilitates adipose loss. That is debatable, but drinking a concoction of lemon water and cayenne for fast metabolism is certainly more palatable.)

Drinking the capsicum detoxification drink daily will produce noticeable benefits, and the body will acclimate very quickly to its native heat. Within a month or two, you will be able to drink a tablespoon of capsicum without too much discomfort.

Yes, you could go on a cayenne fruit diet, but drinking it is easier and more convenient. One last comment: no significant side effects have been reported. Of course, taking too much of anything is not healthy, a problem never really attributed to cayenne due to its heat. In terms of health side effects, there are none. As with all things, though, use with discretion and wisdom.

Conclusion

If you are concerned about your heart health, or if you are suffering from heart ailments, cayenne should be a daily staple in your diet. This incredible herb is a wonder and can tremendously affect your health. Cayenne is one of the greatest health secrets in the world.

Cayenne certainly is a great condiment, used with panache by great cooks and chefs, but its true value lies in its medicinal qualities. Slowly and surely, its remarkable benefits are gaining awareness by a public becoming increasingly disenchanted by traditional medicine's non-causal approach. Perhaps now you can see why cayenne is a prince among herbs.

Complementary Medicine Training

Popularity for alternative and complementary medicine increases yearly because more individuals want to try non-invasive ways to treat their illnesses. More doctors and students are learning how to integrate non-conventional forms of medicine with conventional forms of medical practices. This rising trend is positively affecting the number of colleges adding this type of degree distinction or coursework to their curriculum.

Complementary medicine is highly geared towards traditional medical students. Meaning that the coursework involved in learning non-conventional forms of medicine are mixed in with medical degree programs. This fact stems from society's use of alternative medicine prior to going to a traditional doctor. Alternative medicine in these types of programs is used in conjunction with traditional medicine, which means students who are becoming traditional doctors are getting additional training to be able to treat patients looking for an integrative health plan. Prospective students who want an alternative health degree will have many different options available to them but not one in a combined setting like complementary medicine.

Typically complementary medicine certificate programs may take one to two years to complete. Programs of this nature enhance a practitioner's ability to treat patients. Coursework involved in complementary training includes massage therapy, nutrition, herbal remedies, vitamins, and more. Nurses, psychologists, and physicians most commonly gain certificate programs of this nature.

A college that has a curriculum involving integrative medicine may contain 16 hours of coursework dedicated to providing students with complementary and alternative medicine training. Some also require students to take a month long course that gives them adequate exposure to this type of medical practice.

    Medical schools that place these required hours within regular class time will have first and second year medical students learning the basics of complementary health care.
    Students will learn through the study of cases how to utilize complementary medicine to treat health issues such as chronic pain.
    Courses will have students learning the different forms of integrative medicine and working through a hypothetical case to heal a patient.
    Third year students learn through a variety of lectures about the many different aspects that come with complementary medicine.
    Fourth year students will take a month long course that gives comprehensive experience in complementary therapies.

The program above is designed for a student who knows they want to do complementary medicine before starting school. The one to two year certificate program offered at a number of colleges are for the already working professionals. Many of the working professionals find it necessary to earn this type of certificate because of the demand from many patients who want an integrative health plan. Many certificate programs like this require prospective students to already have gained a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in natural healing.

Complementary medicine isn't going to fade away but is going to rise as shown by the number of complementary medicine colleges offering this type of training for dedicated students. Start your career in this highly sought after form of medical care and search out accredited colleges that are approved by agencies like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges ( http://www.accsc.org/ ) and provide the curriculum that matches your personal goals

Is Marijuana Good For Your Health?

Yes marijuana is good for your health. Medical marijuana that is. Today there is increasing interest in the use of medical marijuana for treating everything from cancer to menstrual cramps and migraine headaches. People who wouldn't be caught dead using marijuana are now interested in medical marijuana because it may be able to save their lives.

Medical professionals worldwide have used marijuana for millennia to treat a variety of ailments. Modern medicine men are begrudgingly beginning to acknowledge medical marijuana can aid in the treatment and cure of many diseases.

Earliest Usage

Marijuana, or more properly Cannabis Sativa, has been used for its medicinal properties for over 5,000 years. Its earliest documented use is in China. In the 28th Century B.C. the Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung prescribed marijuana for gout, beriberi, constipation, 'female weakness', rheumatism and malaria among other ailments. In 2,000 B.C. physicians in Egypt were prescribing marijuana for eye problems. In India in 1,000 B.C. marijuana was being used as an anesthetic and an anti-phlegmatic and Hoa-Tho, a 2nd Century A.D. Chinese physician is reported to have used marijuana as an analgesic during surgery.

Modern Usage

Today in many parts of India and especially in Ayer Vedic medicine marijuana is used to treat a wide range of ailments. It is also used as a sedative, an analgesic, an anti-hemorrhoidal and an antispasmodic.

One might infer marijuana is only used in 'backward' Asian countries with no knowledge of modern medical practices, But one would be wrong. Napoleon's army used it to treat burns, as a sedative and as a pain reliever. In the United States in 1961 the National Institute of Mental Health did a study that indicated marijuana could be used for epilepsy, infant convulsions, treatment of tetanus, convulsions of rabies, treatment of depression, as a sedative and hypnotic in relieving anxiety and has antibiotic properties.

Today physicians prescribe medicinal marijuana to stimulate the appetite of AIDS patients, treat glaucoma and multiple sclerosis and reduce nausea for cancer patients. The British House of Lords in a 2001 report stated marijuana could be used to treat migraine headaches, schizophrenia, asthma, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and general pain. Doctors also acknowledge it can help to treat high blood pressure.

Medical Marijuana Movement

There is a major movement, particularly in California, to make medicinal marijuana readily available to patients through medicinal marijuana stores. California medicinal marijuana dispensaries and medicinal marijuana clinics, many of which are run by medicinal marijuana collectives and marijuana doctors, seek to make medicinal marijuana available to patients with medical weed cards that legally allow them to receive medical marijuana strains to treat a variety of illnesses. Medical marijuana is truly becoming a herb for the healing of the nation.