Capsicum annum: Solanaceae
THE HERB
PART USED: ripe fruits
PLANET: Mars ELEMENT: Fire
TASTE: pungent VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: heating DOSHAS: V- P+ K-
MERIDIANS: kidney, lungs, stomach, spleen, stomach, heart
ACTIONS: stimulant, warming, diaphoretic, expectorant, haemostatic, carminative, alterative, anthelminthic, tonic, rubrefacient, spasmolytic, antiseptic.
INDICATIONS: circulatory problems, heart pains, atherosclerosis, cold extremities and chronic chill, excess mucus, varicose veins, hemorrhage, colds and flu, bronchitis, fatigue, arthritis, indigestion, Ama, sluggish digestion, stomach ulcers, sinus congestion, dilated blood vessels
PRECAUTIONS: ulcers (ironically, cayenne can help ulcers, but it must be started very slowly and cautiously), gastritis, inflammatory conditions of gastrointestinal tract, high Pita, rajastic (may disturb peace of mind if used excessively)
CONSTITUENTS: a pungent alkaloid called CAPSAICIN (relaxes smooth muscle, and desensitises sensory nerve endings to pain), a red carotenoid pigment, CAPSATHINE, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, steroidal saponins known as CAPSCIDINS which have an antibiotic effect, several vitamins including A and C
PREPARATION AND USE:
-start use slowly and build up
-put powdered cayenne into OO capsules
-used in many herbal blends to increase circulation to the areas of focus of the other herbs
-used in plasters and poultices externally as rubrefacient
-used in many liniments
-used as an antiseptic wash with myrrh
-used in an abortive cold remedy with myrrh and golden seal
NUTRITIONAL USE: used to flavour many hot dishes and sauces, a good source of several vitamins
USE IN MAGIC: no specific information: should be good for motivation, courage.
USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH: -stimulating and rallying to the inner resources of power so that one can overcome internal stagnation, blockages, and fears -opens the heart center while allowing one to remain in control of it.
"My love, joy, peace, and trust are my strengths."
THE FLOWER ESSENCE
POSITIVE QUALITIES: Fiery and energetic, inwardly mobile, capable of change and transformation.
PATTERNS OF IMBALANCE: Tendency to stagnation, unable to move forward toward change.
"Cayenne flower essence provides a catalytic spark to the soul who may be stagnating in its growth cycle. Such individuals become overly phlegmatic and complacent, not really challenging themselves with new experiences or stimulus. At other times, there may be a quality of simply feeling stuck or immobilised, unable to make real progress or change, or being caught in a pattern of procrastination and resistance. Cayenne is an important remedy for many life circumstances, as well as in may therapeutic processes. It stimulates an energetic response in the body and soul, helping to overcome apparent blocks to progress and transformation. Cayenne ignites and sparks the soul with its fiery essence. The individual becomes more awake, and more capable of initiating spiritual and emotional development." (1)
(1) Flower Essence information quoted from Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz, Flower Essence Repertory, The Flower Essence Society, Nevada City, CA. ISBN 0-