Capsicum / Garlic

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, which is essential for normal vision, growth, cellular activity, reproduction and a 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 in 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 to relieve pain caused by ulcers. Capsicum is commonly used to buffer pain from other ailments, including arthritis, varicose veins, headaches, menstrual cramps and respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Garlic, a member of the family that includes onions, leeks and shallots, is native to Europe and Central Asia. Garlic has long been used by many cultures to support a variety of health conditions. The English name, Garlic, is derived from Anglo-Saxon words, leac, meaning "pot herb" and gar, meaning "lance shape," after the shape of the leaf. The slaves who built the Pyramid of Cheops were fed rations of Garlic to give them strength, and Olympic athletes in ancient Greece chewed a clove of Garlic at the start of a competition, believing it increased their stamina. It was once used to help protect one from the Bubonic Plague and to ward off evil. For thousands of years, Garlic has been one of the most popular medicinal herbs, in spite of the legendary myth that Garlic will ward off vampires. Garlic is considered to be Nature's very own antibiotic. Unlike most antibiotics, Garlic will not deplete the body of good flora, and is considered to be the cure-all herb because of its effectiveness on the entire body. Popularly used as a digestive aid, Garlic increases bile production while enhancing digestion and reducing 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 also 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 for treating respiratory problems such as bronchitis and asthma.