Capsicum/Garlic/Hawthorne Berry

Capsicum, aptly described as the plant that bites back, is a common condiment in certain diets. The plant grows in warm climates and has been used for decades as a catalyst for the other herbs. Its red color is partly due to its high vitamin A content. Vitamin A is essential for normal vision, growth, cellular activity, reproduction and healthy immunity. The Capsicum family includes Red Peppers, Bell Peppers, Pimento and Paprika, but the most famous medicinal member of this family is the common Cayenne Pepper. Because Capsicum stimulates circulation and enhances blood flow, it is considered a food for the circulatory system and a common condiment to the diet. As a cardiovascular stimulant, Capsicum assists in lowering blood pressure and breaking down cholesterol buildup. The warming properties of Capsicum are useful for people suffering from poor circulation to the hands and feet and other related conditions. Capsicum has been used as a digestive aid to ease intestinal inflammation, stimulate protective mucous membranes of the stomach, and also relieve pain caused by ulcers. Capsicum is commonly used to buffer pain from other ailments, including arthritis, muscle pain, varicose veins, headaches, menstrual cramps and respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Garlic has long been used by many cultures to support a variety of health conditions. Garlic is considered to be Nature's very own antibiotic. Unlike most antibiotics, Garlic will not deplete the body of beneficial flora, and is considered to be the cure-all herb because of its efficacy on the entire body. Popularly used as a digestive aid, Garlic increases bile production, which enhances digestion. It also helps reduce stomach gases. Garlic's strong odor is due mostly to a sulfide called allicin. Garlic is a source of selenium, which must be present in the body for proper immune response, and which acts as an antioxidant in combination with vitamin E. Rich in potassium, zinc, selenium and vitamins A and C, Garlic is commonly used to fight infection, increase circulation and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Garlic has been known to detoxify the body by cleansing the kidneys and increasing urine flow. Furthermore, Garlic's healing properties make it an ideal agent for fighting colds and flu, bacteria and fungi. Garlic has also been used for lowering cholesterol, reducing high blood pressure and treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.

Hawthorne Berry (or Hawthorn) is also known by the names Haw, May Blossom, Crataegus, Thorn-apple, May Day Flower and White Thorn. Hawthorne Berries have been used since the 19th century to support the heart, and to normalize cardiovascular functions. Today, Hawthorne Leaves are one of the most popular herbs used in Europe, and gaining wider acceptance in the United States. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include vitamin C, flavonoids (quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins and cratetegin. Hawthorne Berries appear to work best when taken as a preventative herb, possibly helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. With its high content of bioflavonoids, Hawthorne Leaves help to relax and strengthen blood vessels, allowing for better blood circulation. Hawthorne increases the body's ability to utilize oxygen, and the heart's ability to utilize calcium, and the bioflavonoids help strengthen the contractive force of the heart. This herb may actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure, in addition to slowly breaking down fat and cholesterol deposits in the body. It also appears to increase the liver's conversion of LDLs (bad cholesterol) into HDLs (good cholesterol) that do not clog arteries, which helps to stop plaque formation. This is also beneficial in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart attack and strokes.