Capsicum annuum
Description: The burning sensation of hot peppers is a reaction of the central nervous system to capsaicin; unlike horseradish, wasabi, garlic, ginger, and mustard, capsaicin only causes the sensation of damage, not real damage to tissues. This sensation of pain, however, depletes a chemical called substance P, and when substance P is used up, the ongoing tissue damage of arthritis, shingles, cluster headaches, fibromyalgia, or lower back injury does not result in pain.
Eating hot peppers can also deplete pain chemicals in the stomach. Peppers do not actually cause heartburn or ulcers. They merely cause the sensation of pain, depleting substance P, so other conditions cannot cause pain. Eating foods seasoned with cayenne or chile may even protect the stomach against damage by aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAID pain relief medications.
Capsaicin creams can also reduce itching in psoriasis.
Typical Preparations:
Widely used in cooking. Most often compounded as a cream for external use, rarely brewed into a tea for internal use.
Medicinal Precautions:
Don't touch your eyes with your hands after you have handled capsaicin cream. Excessive use internally may result in gastro-intestinal upset.
Magickal Associations: Used for wiccan or pagan spell supply. Fidelity, Hex Breaking, Love.
What you receive: Herb that has been cut & sifted or ground and comes in a food grade poly Ziploc baggie to retain freshness.
