Cayenne is originally from South America, and 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 ( such as joint pain in the case of arthritis ). 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. A more modern system simply rates heat on a scale of 1 to 10. 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. |
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Cordydalis is also known by the names Corydalis, Turkey Corn, Dutchman's Breeches, Golden Smoke, and Bleeding Heart. The plant is native to Siberia, Japan and northern China. The part of this plant used medicinally is the rhizome. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordydalis is said to invigorate the blood and alleviate pain, including menstrual, abdominal, and hernial. Although Cordydalis is only 1/100th the strength of morphine, it is effective and non-addictive. It also helps pain from traumatic injury. The primary chemical constituents of Cordydalis include several alkaloids ( bulbocapnine, corydaline, leonticine, protopine, tetrahydropalmatine ). Of the full range of 20 alkaloids found in this plant, THP is considered to be the most potent. The tetrahydopalmatine ( THP ) alkaloid seems to block the nervous systems dopamine receptors. In laboratory research, it has been shown to exhibit a wide number of pharmacological actions on the central nervous system, including analgesic and sedative effects. In addition to its central nervous system effects, studies in the laboratory have shown the alkaloids from Cordydalis also have cardiovascular actions. Animal studies have shown that Cordydalis offers some protection against strokes by lowering heart rates and blood pressure levels. This herb has also shown the ability to help insomniacs fall asleep. Cordydalis was also effective in reducing nerve pain, including pain associated with menstruation, abdominal pain after childbirth, and headache pain. The common name Cordydalis includes the species Corydalis cava , Corydalis soldida , Corydalis aurea , and Corydalis ambigua , which are used interchangeably with Corydalis formosa.
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