Cayenne/Korean Ginseng/Gotu Kola

Cayenne is also known by the common names African Pepper, American Pepper, Bird Pepper, Cockspur Pepper, Goat's Pepper, Pod Pepper, Garden Pepper, African Red Pepper, Capsicum, and Chili Pepper. Originally from South America, the cayenne plant has spread across the globe both as a food and as a medicine. The potent, hot fruit of Cayenne has been used as medicine for centuries. It was considered helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, cramping pains, and gas. Cayenne was frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. It is still traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic. Rubbed onto the skin, Cayenne is a traditional, as well as modern, remedy for rheumatic pains and arthritis due to what is termed as a "counterirritant" effect. A counterirritant is something that causes irritation to a tissue to which it is applied, thus distracting from the original irritation. Cayenne peppers vary greatly in the amount of heat and are actually categorized from anywhere between 0 to 300,000 scovile units. Green peppers are 0 while the hottest, such as Habaneras, are 300,000. Many people consume lots of hot peppers in tropical climates as the heat will induce perspiration, which actually helps a person to cool off. Cayenne's primary chemical constituents include capsaicin, capsanthine, beta carotene, flavonoids, and vitamin C. Cayenne causes the brain to secrete more endorphins. It is considered thermogenic, meaning it can "rev up" metabolism and aid in weight loss. Cayenne also improves circulation. Cayenne helps to relieve pain, not only due to its endorphin enhancing properties, but also when diluted and used topically it helps to block the transmission of substance P, which transports pain messages to the brain.

Korean Ginseng, also known as Panax Ginseng, is a deciduous perennial shrub whose fleshy root requires 4-6 years of cultivation to reach maturity. Its name comes from the Chinese "jen shen," which means "man root," so-named because some roots have limb-like branches resembling arms and legs. Because the root has a human-like shape, it is considered by the Chinese to be an overall body tonic. Traditionally, the wild root was consumed to vitalize, strengthen, and rejuvenate the entire body. Widely cultivated, Korean Ginseng is now used as a natural preventive, restorative remedy and valued for its adaptogenic properties. Korean Ginseng is more stimulating and increases the "yang" energy, while American Ginseng increases the "yin" energy. Korean Ginseng is considered most suitable for males and for older people. Used for centuries in China, Korean Ginseng was believed to be and anti-aging herb. Today, Korean Ginseng is a favorable herb because of its ability to be used long-term without toxic effects on the body. Korean Ginseng contains adaptogens that have been known to return the body's system levels back to normal. By equalizing the system levels in the body, Korean Ginseng has been used to lower cholesterol, balance the metabolism, increase energy levels, and stimulate the immune system. It has also been used to alleviate fatigue and reduce nervousness and stress on the body. Korean Ginseng also increases oxygenation to the cells and tissues, promoting detoxification, and stimulating the regeneration of damaged cells. For this reason, Korean Ginseng is the popular choice because it enhances the feeling of overall well being by stimulating the nervous system, brain, and heart, as well as healthy liver functions.

Gotu Kola can be found in Africa, India, China, and parts of Southeast Asia, and is a member of the parsley family (and does not contain cola or caffeine, as its name would suggest). Gotu Kola has been used for hundreds of years in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. Gotu Kola is a rich source of vitamin K, and also contains magnesium, calcium and other nutritional properties. Traditional uses for Gotu Kola include applications for various skin disorders, mental and physical fatigue, expelling parasites, hysteria, asthma, and varicose veins. Gotu Kola has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to support the central nervous system. It helps alleviate fatigue, and reduce the effects of depression and insomnia. Gotu Kola may also be used to increase brain function, improving concentration and memory. Gotu Kola has a positive effect on circulation, improving the flow of blood throughout the body and and strengthening the veins and capillaries. Antibiotic properties found in Gotu Kola support the immune system and are especially beneficial in treating a variety of skin problems. Gotu Kola has been used to relieve symptoms related to colds and respiratory problems, including congestion, fevers and sore throats. Gotu Kola may also be used to support the heart, and promote healthy liver and kidney functions. Gotu Kola is also used to strengthen the vascular system, to strengthen connective tissue, and to treat vascular inflammation. Gotu Kola helps to detoxify the body of chemicals and drugs, and it has a revitalizing effect on the brain cells and nerves. Gotu Kola can also help stimulate collagen production when used both internally and topically on the skin. This herb also improves wound healing time by stimulating cellular mitosis, and is therefore used to treat burns, scarring (including keloids), psoriasis and eczema.