African Bird Pepper

Common Names: Cayenne, Africa pepper, American pepper, bird pepper, capsicum, chili pepper, cockspur pepper, goat's pepper, pod pepper, red pepper, chilies, chili pepper, garden pepper, African red pepper, American red pepper, Spanish pepper, Zanzibar pepper, capsicum

Active Compounds: When applied topically, the capsaicin in cayenne depletes the neurotransmitters, which relay pain signals to the brain. Although the relief is only temporary, this powerful antioxidant has other values, such as helping to reduce platelet stickiness.

Background: Cayenne originated in the tropics of the Americas and was introduced to the West in the 16th century, but it is now grown throughout tropical regions in India and Africa as well. It has been used medicinally for centuries and enjoyed by millions as a flavorful spice. People living in hot climates reportedly consume Cayenne because it helps lower the body temperature because the capsaicin stimulates the cooling center of the hypothalamus.
Harvested during the peak summer months, it is then dried in the shade or used as a fresh fruit. Cayenne has various levels of potency - ranging from the mild Paprika to hotter versions of the fruit. Its primary constituents are: Capsaicin, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Volatile Oil, and Steroidal saponins in the seeds.

Applications: Warming stimulant/Analgesic

Cayenne has been traditionally and in modern times used to treat the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system. It's well-known as a counter-irritant, in that it irritates one area (such as numbing the nerves that lie beneath the skin) to take away the original pain (such as backaches).
Pain Relief: African Bird Pepper can be used topically or consumed to treat various ailments. When used topically, the capsaicin depletes the body's neurotransmitters that result in a pain sensation.
It has been successfully used to treat arthritis, psoriasis, amputation pain, mastectomy pain, herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and cluster headaches. It has also proven beneficial to treat mouth sores resulting from chemotherapy and has given relief to diabetics suffering from diabetic neuropathy.
Antioxidant: Cayenne contain carotene molecules that have potent antioxidant elements.
Digestion: African Bird Pepper can be taken orally to aid in digestion and prevent gas because it stimulates digestive juices. When Cayenne is present in the digestive tract, it helps prevent or rid the body of infection in that area.
Cardiovascular: Cayenne reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which reduce your chances of developing atherosclerosis. Test studies show that when large amounts of cayenne are consumed, there is a much lower rate of cardiovascular disease.
When applied topically, it acts as a warming stimulant and increases blood flow to the hands and feet and the the primary central organs of the body. Some people who complain of constantly cold feet put a powdered version of Cayenne in their socks to warm up their feet. Angelica Root also acts as a warming agent helping increase blood circulation in the system.

Acerola

Acerola "Vitamin C" powder

Common Names: Acerola, Antilles cherry, Barbados cherry, cereso, cerezo, escobillo, health tree, huesito, Puerto Rican cherry, wild crapemyrtle, West Indian cherry

Background:
This tropical, fruit-bearing shrub or small tree is generally considered to have originated along the Carribean rim, particularly the West Indies and northern South America. Based on linguistic evidence, its distribution may, more specifically, have emanated outward from Mayan use in the Yucatan in Mexico, thousands of years ago.
Acerola is grown in California and many other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Some of the largest plantings are in Brazil. One island nation of the Carribean so values its crop that vigorous preventive measures are taken with plant cuttings. The fruit is juiced and eaten fresh where it is cultivated.
Until camu-camu became known outside of its rainforest environs, acerola was considered to be the richest single plant source of vitamin C.

Applications:

Antioxidant, nutritive, astringent, antifungal, astringent, tonic, anti-inflammatory, nutritive, cardiotonic
Used to treat anemia, colds, flu, diabetes, dysentery, fever, heart function, high cholesterol levels, inflammation, liver disorders, rheumatism, tuberculosis, water retention, wounds,
diarrhea, fever, bowel inflammation, breast disorders, dermatologic care,
and hepatitis. It is used to lower cholesterol levels, and to aid in recovery during convalescence.
Recent research indicates acerola contains antioxidants. At the cellular level antioxidants tend to free radical damage in cells. Benefits of this extend to the skin, and natural mineral salts in acerola advance it dermatologic benefits. Acerola's mucilage and protein have hydrating properties which promote capillary conditioning.
Acerola potentiates the cholesterol-lowering benefits and actions of soy and alfalfa.
*Free radicals: reactive single atoms having one or more unpaired electrons. Produced in the body by natural biological processes or introduced from outside sources (smoke, toxins, pollutants, etc.) Free radical atoms can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by altering their chemical structure.

Description:

Malphighia glabra is a large, relatively fast-growing bushy shrub attaining to 15 ft in height. Can be pruned to any desired shape, but grows best as a managed shrub. Branches are brittle, and easily broken. The root system is shallow. Leaves are dark to light green, glossy when mature, obviate to lanceolate, with an entire margin with minute hairs - known to be a mild skin-irritant. Flowers are sessile or on short-peduncled cymes with small pink to white flowers with five petals. Flowerings occur throughout year, but typically in rainy cycles. Pollination, rare, is generally attributed to only the Centris bee.
Bright red fruits grow to 3/4 in. in diameter. Though botanically unrelated, fruits are visibly similar to the European cherry (prunus). Fruits are round to oblate with 3 lobes. The thin-skinned fruit is easily bruised. Pulp is juicy, acid or sub-acid to nearly sweet with a delicate flavor and apple notes. Fruit develops to maturity in approx. 29 days. Triangle shaped brown seeds, typically 3 in number, have fluted wings.

Cumin

Common Names: Cumin, Cuminum cyminum, Umbelliferae



Cumin has been used as a spice and medicinal herb since ancient times. The plant is native to Egypt and is grown mostly in Egypt and Asia. Cumin is an herb that is mentioned in the Old and New Testament of the Bible and was popular for use during that time period. In Egypt, it was used to treat tooth decay and digestive problems. It was also used for respiratory illnesses and as a pain reliever.
Now, it isn't used as much medicinally. Instead it's a common herb sued in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cooking. However, even in modern Egypt its medicinal purposes are well known and commonly used.
The most common use of cumin is to improve the digestive system. It's also used for respiratory problems. Cumin relieves gas and bloating in the digestive tract. Cumin is used to stimulate digestion and improve overall digestive health.  Cumin can be mixed with onion juice into a paste. The paste can be placed on scorpion stings to relieve pain and swelling. Cumin can be a powerful stimulant for the production of breast milk.

The cumin plant is a small, annual that only grows to be 1 foot in height. It has pink or white flowers. The blossoms give rise to oblong fruit that contains the seeds. The seeds are harvested in the late summer when they ripen.
Cumin can be added to food to provide flavor. It can be taken both internally and externally as a powder or an essential oil

Turmeric

Common Names: Jiang Huang, Haldi




Turmeric is a spicy herb that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. However, recent research has shown how much more important turmeric is than just a delicious flavoring. Eastern research has shown that it has many uses including calming inflammation and killing bacteria. In addition it may be an herb that can be used to prevent cancer. Once you know all that turmeric can do for the body, you'll be sure to treasure it in your collection of herbal medicines.

Turmeric is primarily used to improve the function of the digestive system.  Turmeric can be used to improve digestion. It helps to reduce problems with excess stomach acid and it protects the stomach lining by stimulating mucus production.

Turmeric can reduce the inflammation in joints to treat arthritis and rheumatism. Turmeric can be used to treat fungal infections, eczema and psoriasis of the skin. Turmeric can be used to thin the blood and lower cholesterol

Garlic

Common Names: Garlic

Background: Garlic is a fragrant, flavorful herb used in all kinds of culinary dishes around the world. It's native to Asia, but is grown all over the planet. While you may enjoy it in your food, you can also benefit from it's amazing health properties. It improves the function of the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and endocrine system of the body

Garlic is used for a variety of ailments and can also be used to boost immunity. In the digestive system garlic helps to fight intestinal infections as well as parasites. Garlic can treat any kind of chest infection or cough. It works as an expectorant to thin mucus.Garlic has been shown to lower blood pressure by thinning the blood. It also lowers cholesterol levels. Garlic is also known to lower the levels of sugar in the blood, making it excellent for use by those who have Type II Diabetes.

Cinnamon

Common Name: Daruchini, Tvak, Dalchini, Laurus Cinnamomum, tamalapatra, vazhana, karuva, Cinnamomum cassia

Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years and was highly sought and expensive in ancient times. The earliest recorded use was in ancient Egypt as part of the mixture for embalming. Flavors of meat, vegetables and sweets have been enhanced with Cinnamon in countries throughout the eastern continents.

Cinnamon causes shrinkage of mucous membranes or exposed tissues. Helpful in internally to check secretions in diarrhea, sore throat, peptic ulcer, and hemorrhage. Cinnamon aids digestion, flatulence and eases vomiting. Cinnamon temporarily accelerates physiological activity. Cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth.

People with bleeding disorders are cautioned.

Ginger

Common Names: Ginger, Ginger Root

Many of us know that Ginger is popular with Chinese food, however many don't know what medical property's ginger has.

Ginger is used in many Asian community to relieve stomach and respiratory infections such as colds or the flu. Many woman have also found that ginger helps with morning sickness, and because it is natural you don't have to worry about harmful side effects to the baby.

Motion sickness and nausea due to chemo have also been found to subside with the use of ginger.

For everyday use it can be used to decrease infections and improve heart health. Ginger is thought to reduces cholesterol and plaque build up in arteries that can lead to heart disease.