“If you master only one herb in your life, master Cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than any other.” ~Dr. Richard Schulze (source)

I couldn’t agree more. If I had to pick only one emergency herb to keep in my medicine cabinet,  it would be cayenne pepper, because it can truly save a life by stimulating circulation throughout the entire body.

Did you know that one of the early believers in the powerful properties of cayenne pepper was Dr. John Christopher from Salt Lake City, Utah?  Dr. Christopher was drafted into the Army during World War II where he successfully started using herbs instead of pharmaceuticals to treat many skin infections. Because of this success he became the only practicing herbalist in the U.S. Army in World War II.

During that time, Dr. Christopher began working with cayenne pepper. He said if he could get a patient to drink a glass of warm cayenne pepper water it would literally stop the heart attack right away. This is because cayenne regulates the flow of blood from the head to the feet so that the pressure is equalized affecting the arteries, capillaries, and nerves.

Capsaicin is the most active ingredient in cayenne which acts as a circulatory stimulant. It dilates blood vessels, making  the blood flow through your body easily.  This may help in reducing blood pressure and protecting against cardiovascular disease.

Studies have found that cayenne pepper reduced severe heart arrhythmias and improved cardiac blood flow.  In fact, capsaicin can stop heart attacks within seconds, due to the capsaicin opening the arteries in heart.

Method

For this method to work and stop a heart attack, the Cayenne pepper must be at least 90,000 heat units. So if the person is still conscious, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder in a glass of warm water and give it to the person to drink.

Other Health Benefits Of Cayenne Pepper

Helps Boost Metabolism

Cayenne pepper improves your metabolic rate, increases fat oxidation, and satiates hunger cravings.

Helps With Migraines

Research suggests that capsaicin can help relieve cluster headaches and migraines. Add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne powder in approximately 4 ounces of warm water.

Helps Lower Blood Pressure

Cayenne opens up blood vessels and helps increase blood flow. Cayenne peppers are high in potassium meaning they can help lower your blood pressure.

Helps Improve Digestive Health

By stimulating stomach secretions it can help to reduce gas and cramps.

Helps Ease Joint Pain

Warm up ½ cup of coconut oil (room temperature) and mix in two tablespoons of cayenne pepper powder. Apply the gel on the affected area for 20 minutes, three times a day.

Cancer prevention -Multiple studies have discovered capsaicin kills cancer cells in both the pancreas and the lungs.

Detoxification -Due to the circulatory stimulating effects of the capsaicin, it can also induce sweating, which is a natural way to detox the body.

If you’re taking medication for high blood pressure or blood thinning medication, talk with your doctor before incorporating cayenne into your diet.

References:

http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/35/6/1452.short

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0049384885901963

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29922422/