The chili pepper herb has been there around us for thousands of years and it has been adding taste and health to our lives. Also known as
red pepper, this herb contains capsaicin as its main constituent. This component is responsible for hot and sharp taste of chili pepper. The herb has been adopted worldwide as a spice as well as a medicinal remedy. You may be surprised to know about the number of health issues treated by this
chili pepper natural herb.
Source of Chili Pepper:
Chili pepper is grown over the plant called
Cayenne, which belongs to shrub family and is grown in tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. It is the fruit of this plant, which turn red or orange on ripening and is used to prepare
chili pepper powder. The main constituent of this herb, as mentioned above, is capsaicin. However, there is presence of other constituents like carotenoids, vitamins A, vitamin C and flavonoids.
What are the Uses?
Chili pepper is one of the most accepted herbs across the globe for adding flavor to different dishes. But, it has more advantages in the form of health remedies for a number of problems:
- Chili pepper is a useful herb for controlling pain related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- It is also useful in treating skin pains and disorders like shingles.
- It is also used by the surgeons for relieving the body from pain followed by any type of surgical operation.
- It also treats other types of pains like toothaches, pain in lower back, headache and so on.
- The cream prepared from this chili pepper herb may also be utilized as a treatment for psoriasis, which is accompanies by inflammation and itching.
- It is also consumed by people living in tropical regions to bear up the large amount of heat in the atmosphere.
- It is also a useful remedy for weight loss, stomach ulcers, bladder inflammation and a number of ear infections.
How is it Consumed:
Chili pepper is consumed in raw form or by cooking it with different dishes. The
Chili pepper powdered form is most popular for adding flavor to different dishes. Moreover, this herb may also be found in the form of crams and capsules.
It should be avoided for children below 2 years of age and must be restricted to small quantities to children of other age groups. For adults, it is good to consult a doctor regarding quantity of cream or capsules to be used for various problems.
Words of Caution:
You must wash your hands with water and vinegar after touching chili pepper, as its contact with skin and eyes may trigger burning sensations.
The creams prepared from this herb must not be used extensively and also, one must not apply it before or after a shower with hot water.
People suffering from various allergies and also, the breastfeeding mothers must take advice before using this herb.
It may interact with a number of medications like aspirin, ACE-inhibitors, theophylline and so on.
