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.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
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.
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.
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