Post by Gaz on Mar 18, 2018 11:56:48 GMT 10
Cayenne peppers belong to the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, jalapenos and bell peppers. Cayenne contains many properties of an herb but technically is a fruit. It has several health benefits attributed to cayenne’s active ingredient, oleoresin capsaicin. This substance provides the heat commonly associated with cayenne. Oleoresin capsaicin affects your body by releasing a neurotransmitter called substance-p into your bloodstream. Using a cayenne tincture may increase the medicinal benefits of capsaicin. Before using any cayenne tincture supplement, speak with a medical professional.
Tinctures are liquid solutions that contain concentrated levels of a substance. The manufacturing process for tinctures typically uses rectified spirits or alcohol to as a base for the concentrated levels of the substance. The alcohol used in tinctures is not rubbing alcohol but a 90-proof spirit, such as vodka, gin or brandy. The alcohol dissolves the main chemicals of the substance, preserving them for future use. Using spirits to produce tinctures is beneficial because you can consume spirits; other types of tinctures that are made without alcohol can be applied only topically.
According to the book “The Healing Power of Cayenne Pepper: Complete Handbook of Cayenne Home Remedies,” cayenne provides several health benefits. However, the strength of those benefits depends mainly on the Scoville rating, or heat, of the cayenne pepper. Cayenne is purported to lower blood pressure, increase heart performance and improve circulation; it is also believed to prevent blood clots and act as a mild pain reliever and a diaphoretic to induce sweat.
Scoville Scale
The benefits of cayenne pepper relate directly to the specific cayenne pepper’s Scoville rating, which gauges the heat level of peppers. According to “The Healing Power of Cayenne Pepper: Complete Handbook of Cayenne Home Remedies,” cayenne peppers usually measure between 30,000 and 50,000 Scoville units, although some varieties can exceed 100,000 units. When purchasing cayenne tinctures, ensure that the tincture measures at least 20,000 Scoville units. This is the minimum level at which you will start to experience cayenne’s benefits.
Dosage
Unless you make the tincture, you cannot accurately gauge the tincture’s possible medicinal effects. Take precautions when using a cayenne tincture, because the manufacturing process makes the cayenne more concentrated. Cayenne tincture manufacturers typically recommend consuming five to 30 drops of the tincture, three times per day. Cayenne pepper tinctures can increase the absorption of some medications, making their effects much stronger. Never use a cayenne tincture when taking ACE inhibitors or antacids. Speak with a medical professional prior to consuming any cayenne tincture.
How To Make A Cayenne Tincture:
Making a tincture is very simple! All you need is cayenne peppers, vodka, and a jar. Making this with vegetable glycerin would not make as strong of a tincture as the alcohol because peppers are a hard herb and the alcohol does a much better job of breaking it down.
Ingredients
Cayenne peppers, fresh or dried
Vodka
Jar with lid
Directions
1:Place cayenne peppers in a jar. If using fresh, fill the jar; if using dried peppers, fill the jar halfway.
2:Pour vodka over the peppers to the top of the jar, leaving a 2-inch headspace.
3:Cover jar with a lid.
4:Set jar in a dark, cool cabinet for 4-6 weeks.
5:Shake the jar daily or at least once a week.
6:After 4-6 weeks, strain the peppers from the liquid.
7:Bottle the liquid and store in the cabinet.
Note: Alcohol tinctures are good for 2-5 years.
Ways To Use A Cayenne Tincture
Cayenne may be effective for heart attacks, but there are also many other ways to use it as a home remedy and for good health.
Cayenne stimulates every cell in the body. It is also an astringent, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and excellent for the circulatory system. It contains minerals, vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherols, all of which are essential to good health. [1] Here are ways to use this herb:
Headaches – This is the way I use cayenne the most. I typically place cayenne powder in water and stir (read instructions here), but you can also place a few drops of cayenne tincture in water and consume it that way
Helps veins, capillaries, and arteries regain their elasticity.
Regulates blood flow from head to feet.
Acts as a catalyst for other herbs, which basically means that when you pair it with other herbs, it increases the effectiveness of those herbs.
Can lower blood pressure when combined with garlic.
Can heal arthritis.
Natural pain killer
Heals hemorrhoids
Aids digestion
Heals stomach ulcers
To use a cayenne tincture for one of these internal ailments, simply add a few drops to a glass of water. Add more or less depending on how strong you need it. Some people may find that they need a stronger dose than others. Repeat a dose when needed.
Add a few drops of cayenne tincture to other herbal tinctures as a catalyst to increase their effectiveness.
Add cayenne to salves, lotions, or coconut oil to apply externally for varicose veins, pain, arthritis, hemorrhoids, etc.