Another Cayenne Question

[Guest guest]

herbal remedies, Skippy <vcrweb@p...> wrote:

> Hey, I have another question concerning cayenne. Jethro Kloss says that

> cayenne has the unique ability to be both a stimulant and antispasmodic.

> How can this be true? Is this an unusual trait for an herb? Thanks for

> any comments.

> Skippy

> L.A.

 

Skippy,

 

When evaluating the list of properties of any herb, here is a list of

factors I consider important :

1. what are the main properties of this herb.

2. what are secondary properties, or in some cases ancillary properties.

3. what organ, or tissue the property acts on.

4. what properties are active when taken internally, and which are

more active externally.

Different properties of an herb often act on different parts and

organs of the body.

 

Having said this, now to your question.

 

One of the main properties of cayenne is as a stimulant, especially to

heart and blood. When there are muscle spasms in the body,

usually the blood supply is either reduced to a local area or is

lacking in nutrients. This is where cayenne becomes an antispasmotic.

As the blood supply increases to the muscle the spasm subsides. There are also

other pathways that this herb works through, for example, its effect on nerves.

So, I would not consider cayenne as a first choice for its antispasmotic

properties(internally), there are much better herbs for that. However,

in a formula cayenne might be added as a secondary ingredient to boost

antispasmotic effect.

 

In chinese medicine, the herbs are classified by their primary effects,

and these herbs become the chief herb/ herbs in a formula, with other

herbs used to supplement or add additional effects or modify effects.

 

I have limited acumen with western herbs, but I hope this helps,

 

Michael

 

heres a great link to some of Capsaicin uses around the world

http://www.medicineatyourfeet.com/capsicum.html

http://people.cornell.edu/pages/bjm10/capsaicin/capsaicin.html

from posting # 23336

As far as Cayenne, research has shown when used topically,

Capsaicin first stimulates and then drains pain fibers of

" substance P " (a transmitter of pain impulses). SubstanceP

may also play a role in the tissue inflammation of osteoarthritis and

rheumatoid arthritis and high levels of substance P have been

linked to psoriasis. Capsaicin has been found to reduce the signs and

symptom of psoriasis.

 

heres a great link to some of Capsaicin uses around the world

http://www.medicineatyourfeet.com/capsicum.html