Tuesday 23 August 2011

Aloe Vera Brings Beauty in YOU Naturally...

The reputation of Egypt's Queen Cleopatra VII for Beauty was rapidly spread around the world and still She's referred as One of the Most Good looking & Attractive Women EVER!

Men were captivated with Her Grace and Women were all too fascinated to know the Secret of Cleopatra's charisma.

What She did with her Skin, Hair, Face and Body- are still a huge subject of interest. Historian reveals Aloe Vera has been a part of Cleopatra's Beauty routine.

Aloe Vera is one of the Oldest Known Therapeutic Herbs and Renowned world-wide as a Miracle Plant. The Beauty application of Aloe Vera is not that wide spread as it is as a Healing Plant.

As more and more Cosmetics companies are discovering the wonderful effect of Aloe Vera and trying to commercialize it- it's becoming a Trend to add Aloe in all Beauty products.

Tips To Use Fresh Aloe Vera For Beauty

1 Create your own Facial Cleanser with Aloe Vera:
Just mix with Olive Oil, Rose-water, and a few drops of Grape Seed Oil in a food processor. Apply on your face. Keep it in the fridge for further use.

2 Aloe Vera As A Skin Moisturizer:
For a soft, fresh glow, apply inner gel of Aloe directly to your face after cleansing in the morning and at night (before bed).

Where other products usually fail, Aloe gel will work fast to help clear blemishes, giving you that wonderful Bright Radiance! Aloe Vera is also effective in fighting wrinkles & other age spots because the skin soak it up quickly – works as a natural Anti-aging.

3 Nourish your skin:

Aloe Vera is extremely Nutrient-rich: it has 19 essential Amino Acids, B group vitamins including B12, vitamin C, E & Minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Lecithin, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc.

4 Aloe for Skin Scrub:
Create an Organic Sugar Scrub and apply to damp skin.
Take these ingredients and blend
2 tbsp. Aloe Vera
2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Lemon Juice

4.1 You could also try a Salt Scrub for rough patches:
2 cups Sea Salt
1 cup Aloe Vera
1 cup Baby Oil
2 tbsp. Honey
Mix all the above items

5 As A Skin Brightener:
Rubdown Aloe Vera on your face to reduce pigmentation and dark spots making your skin tone brighter.

6 Tighten Your Pores:
Aloe has properties similar to astringents, so rubbing it on your face can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

7 Acne Remover:
If you have problems with acne, using Aloe Vera will help since it removes dead cells and opens your pores to discard blocked oils. You can also apply Aloe to any scarring left by acne.

8 Soothe Razor Burns:
Apply Aloe gel to razor burns and let dry to help soothe and disappear it.

9 Dandruff Free Beautiful Hair:
If you’ve Dandruff problems, you can apply Aloe Vera to your scalp (best if wet) and leave on for 15 minutes before washing your hair. Doing this regularly before each shampoo will help keep your hair dandruff free!

10 Hair Growth:
Massage Aloe Vera into the scalp, leave in for 30 minutes and rinse. Aloe Vera is known to balance PH and stimulate the production of enzymes on your scalp which help with hair growth.

11 Aloe As A Conditioner:
Use Aloe Vera for your Hair. It's natural and better than any supermarket Hair Conditioner. Your hair will give you a Silky Thank you! (just make sure to rinse well.

12 Aloe Vera for Coloring Hair:
Well Hair Colorants are chemical based and often seem bad for hair health. But if you choose to do it anyway then Aloe Vera can give a certain protection. Add Aloe into powdered hair dye before dyeing hair to help fight off moisture loss from drying chemicals.

13 Aloe Vera for Brighter Smile:
Aloe Vera is very good for Dental health. It whitens teeth naturally, protects Gum from unhealthy bacteria & fight with bad breathe.

14 Aloe for Nails:
As a side effect of Drinking Aloe Vera studies showed it helps the Nails grow faster and stronger. So no more broken nails!

15 Aloe for Beautiful Eyelashes:
Some women have tried aloe on their Eyelashes to achieve thicker and longer eyelashes. Apply a very tiny amount of Aloe Vera gel to Eyelashes at night before going to bed.

16 Eye Brow Plucks Gives Read Blotches?:
Sometimes after plucking Eye-brows read blotches show-up. Rub some Aloe Vera on the discolored area and watch redness fade away.

17 DIY Brow Gel:
Mix a little Aloe Vera with an Eye Shadow that matches your eyebrows. Apply with a brow brush.

18 Lose Weight With Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera regulates our digestion system and helps our body to detoxify. It can help reduce weight as well. Click on Aloe & Weight Loss to learn more.

19 Body Toning:
As an aging process, or sudden weight loss or after giving a child birth sometimes we can see loose skin on our body. The stomach area, upper arms and thighs are most common effected parts. Aloe Vera can help Toning our body.

20 Aloe in Scars & Stretch Marks:
Aloe Vera speeds cell regeneration, so rub it on Scars and Stretch Marks to watch them fade more rapidly.

Sunday 21 August 2011

Stress Management





How to Reduce, prevent, and Cope with Stress

It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about your stress level. The bills aren’t going to stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day for all your errands, and your career or family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control

than you might think. In fact, the simple realization that you’re in control of your life is the foundation of stress management.

Identify the sources of stress in your life

  • What caused your stress (make a guess if you’re unsure).
  • How you felt, both physically and emotionally.
  • How you acted in response.
  • What yo u did to make yourself feel better.

Look at how you currently cope with stress

Think about the ways you currently manage and cope with stress in your life.

Unhealthy ways of coping with stress

These coping strategies may temporarily reduce stress, but they cause more damage in the long run:


  • Smoking
  • Drinking too much
  • Overeating or undereating
  • Zoning out for h ours in front of the TV or computer
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
  • Using pills or drugs to relaxe
  • Sleeping too much
  • Procrastinating
  • Filling up every minute of the day to avoid facing problems
  • Taking out your stress on others (lashing out, angry outbursts, physical violence)

Dealing with Stressful Situations: The Four A’s

Change the situation:

  • Avoid the stressor.
  • Alter the stressor.

Change your reaction:

  • Adapt to the stressor.
  • Accept the stressor.

Stress management strategy #1: Avoid unnecessary stress

Learn how to say “no” –

Avoid people who stress you out

Take control of your environment

Avoid hot-button topics

Pare down your to-do list

Stress management strategy #2: Alter the situation

Express your feelings instead of bottling them up

Be willing to comp

romise.

Be more assertive

Manage your time better

Stress management strategy #3: Adapt to the stressor

Reframe problems.

Look at the big picture

Adjust your standards

Focus on the positive.

Stress management strategy #4: Accept the things you can’t change

Don’t try to control the uncontrollable.

Look for the upside.

Share your feelings.

Learn to forgive

Stress management strategy #5: Make time for fun and relaxation

  • Go for a walk.
  • Spend time in nature.
  • Call a good friend.
  • Sweat out tension with a good workout.
  • Write in your journal.
  • Take a long bath.
  • Light scented candles.

· Savor a warm cup of coffee or tea.

· Play with a pet.

· Work in your garden.

·

Get a massage.

· Curl up with a good book.

· Listen to music.

· Watch a comedy.

Stress management strategy #6: Adopt a healthy lifestyle

· Exercise regularly.

· Eat a healthy diet.

· Reduce caffeine and sugar

· Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

· Get enough sleep

Friday 19 August 2011

The Right Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

One of the most important factors of hairstyle suitability is face shape analysis.

The right hairstyle for your face shape.

“If the wrong hairstyle is created for the wrong face shape, the result is a disaster.”

Why is this so important? Simply put, if the wrong hairstyle is created for the wrong face shape, the result is a disaster. In fact, even if a well executed, well cut hairstyle is performed on the wrong face shape, the result is still a disaster. Why again you ask? Because hairstyles are predominately about shape and geometry. It's all about putting the perfect frame around a person's face to balance and bring perspective to the overall shape.

The shape must:

  • Minimize non pleasing attributes.
  • Promote and compliment positive ones.

Once this important objective is achieved, then bringing the hairstyle to life with texture and colors should follow.

A good hairstylist will just know instinctively what shape will or won't suit you. It is also very important and handy for you to understand face shape suitability as well as it will help you to understand what does and does not work for you and why. It will also help you to communicate better with your stylist and to keep them somewhat honest.

There is a general rule that applies to face shape balancing and it is that you should try to achieve an oval shape, which is the most perfect and pleasing shape to the human eye. To do this, long faces need shortening, just as wide faces need lengthening. It’s quite simple really!

How To Choose Your Face Shape

Look at a photo of yourself that has the hair off your face and find the best match from the following descriptions and pictures.

It's important to remember that even though your face may not be an exact match of any single shape, it will resemble one shape over all.

Oval

Face Shape

  • Curvilinear shape.
  • Length is equal to one and a half times width.
  • The forehead and jaw are the same width.

Round Face Shape

  • Circular shaped.
  • Length is approximately equal to width.

Square Face Shape

  • Strong and broad forehead.
  • Angu lar jaw

Triangular Face Shape

  • Forehead and cheekbones are narrow.
  • Jawline is wide.

Oblong Face Shape

  • Face is longer than it is wide.
  • Long, straight cheek line.

You can even find the hairstyles that match your face shape!

Thursday 18 August 2011

ItIchy Skin During Pregnancy and How to Deal With It

One of the most common skin complaints during pregnancy is itchy skin or light rashes. Anything more serious, of course, should be taken to a doctor, but nearly all women will experience itchy or rash-prone skin during their pregnancy.

The good news is that alleviating these symptoms are easy and can be done naturally, at home. Some can be avoided altogether as well.

Itchiness most often occurs around the expanding belly as the skin stretches and becomes exposed to things it's not normally been exposed to. The stretching somewhat thins the skin, making it more vulnerable, and it also exposes more surface area to the elements than your body may be able to care for.

Dry skin is the most-cited culprit of itchiness and is almost always the reason it itches, but it is a symptom of something happening deeper within the body. Namely, the hormonal changes occurring in the woman as her baby grows. Hormonal causes often also make palms and the soles of feet become itchy.

Most of the time, almost all of this can be avoided if you have a good intake of Vitamins E and B-complex. These are the nutrients most-linked to skin care and are vital to skin health. Whether you have itchy skin or avoid it, the conditions for its appearance only get worse (for you) as your pregnancy progresses.

In all cases, you should talk to your doctor about your skin problems no matter how plain they may seem to you. Some skin problems are symptoms of a pregnancy-related liver disease that, if left unchecked, can cause lifelong illness. Most of the time, of course, this is not the case and simple skin treatments are all that's needed.

Aloe and other lotions and gels are the first line of your arsenal against skin problems. Olive oil, gentler soaps, soothing baths that include oils, oatmeal or other ingredients in the water (plain water often dries skin out, remarkably enough), and other home remedies you've likely already heard are a great start to good skin care during pregnancy.

Humidifying the air around you at home also does wonders for good skin and it will get you in the habit of keeping the air humid after baby comes, who will definitely need it—especially if you're in a dry climate.

Most of the simple and basic skin care remedies you've used for probably your entire life will work during pregnancy as well. Be sure to avoid toxins such as those in most fragrances, chemical-laden creams and oils, and so forth. Natural, simpler remedies are almost always best.

Wednesday 17 August 2011

Manicure Tips

No need to pay salon prices for a manicure. Use these at-home tips to get polished in minutes.

Chipped polish and ragged hang-nails got you down? Get compliment-worthy hands at home with these tips.

Remove. Take off old color with acetone polish remover on a cotton ball. (Note: Don’t use a tissue, it will fall apart and doesn’t absorb the remover well.)

Trim. Cut and file nails to your length of choice. As for shape, there are two main options: square or rounded. And neither form will chip more than the other. “I prefer a square shape,” Scalogna says. “It looks more modern.”

Soak. Rest hands in a bowl of warm water for five minutes. Add two tablespoons of a bath powder or your favorite liquid soap to soften nails. Make sure the water’s not too hot or it will dry out your hands and nails. (If you don't have time, you can skip this step.)

Soften. Apply cuticle oil or lotion on dry hands to nourish and soften rough spots.

Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish. Some people prefer to cut their cuticles for aesthetic purposes, Scalogna explains, but it’s best not to do this at home. “Unless you’re a professional, you’re going to end up with cuts all along the side of your nails,” she says. “Just push them back and keep it easy.”

Scrub. Exfoliate hands with a body scrub or homemade mixture of olive oil and kosher salt or raw sugar. Scrub for two to three minutes, then wash thoroughly.

Moisturize. Dry hands and apply a rich moisturizer. Try one of our favorite moisturizers!

Polish. Apply a base coat first, then apply two thin coats of polish. Scalogna’s fave is Power Lunch by Essie, $7. Finish with a top coat if you haven’t used one yet.

Helpful Hints:

  • If you don’t have time to paint your nails, just take off the polish and moisturize. It will look much better than chipped paint.
  • No file on hand? Use the rough edge of a match book.
  • If you don’t have cuticle oil, olive oil works just as well.
  • Light polish is easier to maintain than dark polish – chips and cracks aren’t as noticeable.
  • Keep polish in a cool, dry place, like the fridge. It’ll last longer.

Manicure Tips


Tuesday 16 August 2011

Aromatherapy











What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants for healing. Although the word "aroma" makes it sound as if the oils would be inhaled, they can also be massaged into the skin or -- rarely -- taken by mouth. Essential oils should never be taken by mouth without specific instruction from a trained and qualified specialist. Whether inhaled or applied on the skin, essential oils are gaining new attention as an alternative treatment for infections, stress, and other health problems. However, in most cases scientific evidence is still lacking.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, seeds, or blossoms of plants. Each contains its own mix of active ingredients, and this mix determines what the oil is used for. Some oils are used to promote physical healing -- for example, to treat swelling or fungal infections. Others are used for their emotional value -- they may enhance relaxation or make a room smell pleasant. Orange blossom oil, for example, contains a large amount of an active ingredient that is thought to be calming.

What is the history of aromatherapy?

Essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes for nearly 6,000 years. The ancient Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used them in cosmetics, perfumes, and drugs. Essential oils were also commonly used for spiritual, therapeutic, hygienic, and ritualistic purposes.

More recently, René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, discovered the healing properties of lavender oil when he applied it to a burn on his hand caused by an explosion in his laboratory. He then started to analyze the chemical properties of essential oils and how they were used to treat burns, skin infections, gangrene, and wounds in soldiers during World War I. In 1928, Gattefossé founded the science of aromatherapy. By the 1950s massage therapists, beauticians, nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, and other health care providers began using aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy did not become popular in the United States until the 1980s. Today, many lotions, candles, and beauty products are sold as "aromatherapy." However, many of these products contain synthetic fragrances that do not have the same properties as essential oils.

How does aromatherapy work?

Researchers are not entirely clear how aromatherapy may work. Some experts believe our sense of smell may play a role. The "smell" receptors in your nose communicate with parts of your brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, some researchers believe that they stimulate these parts of your brain and influence physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, lavender is believed to stimulate the activity of brain cells in the amygdala similar to the way some sedative medications work. Other researchers think that some molecules from essential oils may interact in the blood with hormones or enzymes.

Aromatherapy massage is a popular way of using essential oils because it works in several ways at the same time. Your skin absorbs essential oils and you also breathe them in. Plus, you experience the physical therapy of the massage itself.

What happens during an aromatherapy session?

Professional aromatherapists, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, and massage therapists can provide topical or inhaled aromatherapy treatment. Only specially trained professionals can provide treatment that involves taking essential oils by mouth.

At an aromatherapy session, the practitioner will ask about your medical history and symptoms, as well any scents you may like. You may be directed to breathe in essential oils directly from a piece of cloth or indirectly through steam inhalations, vaporizers, or sprays. The practitioner may also apply diluted essential oils to your skin during a massage. In most cases, the practitioner will tell you how to use aromatherapy at home, by mixing essential oils into your bath, for example.

What is aromatherapy good for?

Aromatherapy is used in a wide range of settings -- from health spas to hospitals -- to treat a variety of conditions. In general, it seems to relieve pain, improve mood, and promote a sense of relaxation.

Several clinical studies suggest that when essential oils (particularly rose, lavender, and frankincense) were used by qualified midwives, pregnant women felt less anxiety and fear, had a stronger sense of well-being, and had less need for pain medications during delivery. Many women also report that peppermint oil relieves nausea and vomiting during labor.

Massage therapy with essential oils (combined with medications or therapy) may benefit people with depression. The scents are thought by some to stimulate positive emotions in the area of the brain responsible for memories and emotions, but the benefits seem to be related to relaxation caused by the scents and the massage. A person' s belief that the treatment will help also influences whether it works.

In test tubes, chemical compounds from some essential oils have shown antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Some evidence also suggests that citrus oils may strengthen the immune system and that peppermint oil may help with digestion. Fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage have estrogen-like compounds, which may help relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. However, human studies are lacking.

Other conditions for which aromatherapy may be helpful include:

  • Alopecia areata (hair loss)
  • Agitation, possibly including agitation related to dementia
  • Anxiety
  • Constipation (with abdominal massage using aromatherapy)
  • Insomnia
  • Pain: Studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer (using topical chamomile), and headaches (using topical peppermint) require fewer pain medications when they use aromatherapy
  • Itching, a common side effect for those receiving dialysis
  • Psoriasis

Should anyone avoid aromatherapy?

Pregnant women, people with severe asthma, and people with a history of allergies should avoid all essential oils.

Pregnant women and people with a history of seizures should avoid hyssop oil.

People with high blood pressure should avoid stimulating essential oils such as rosemary and spike lavender.

People with estrogen-dependent tumors (such as breast or ovarian cancer) should not use oils with estrogen-like compounds such as fennel, aniseed, sage, and clary-sage.

People receiving chemotherapy should talk to their doctor before trying aromatherapy.

Is there anything I should watch out for?

Most topical and inhaled essential oils are generally considered safe. You should never take essential oils by mouth unless you are under the supervision of a trained professional. Some oils are toxic, and taking them by mouth could be fatal.

Rarely, aromatherapy can induce side effects, such as rash, headache, liver and nerve damage, as well as harm to a fetus.

Oils that are high in phenols, such as cinnamon, can irritate the skin. Add water or a base massage oil (such as almond or sesame oil) to the essential oil before applying to your skin. Avoid using near your eyes.

Essential oils are highly volatile and flammable so they should never be used near an open flame.

Sunday 14 August 2011

How to Make an Herbal Facial

There are a variety of natural facials that you can mix and apply yourself. Below is a simple herbal facial that is easy to make and feels great on your skin.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

  • Dried Herbs
  • Mild Facial Cleansers
  • Blenders
  • Wire Whisks
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • 1 tbsp. dry milk
  • 1 eggs white
1. Cleanse your face thoroughly before you begin, making sure all makeup is removed. 2.Combine 1 egg white, 1 tbsp. dry milk, 1 tsp. honey and 1/4 tsp. of an herb such as chamomile flowers, fennel, parley, lemongrass or mint leaves. 3.Whisk or blend at low speed for 2 minutes, or until mixture is creamy 4.Apply to face and throat. 5.Let the mask set for 15 minutes. Sit back and relax. 6.Rinse the mask off entirely with warm water.

Tips & Warnings

· 1. To make a honey mask, replace these ingredients with 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. finely ground fennel seed, 1 tsp. olive oil and 1 egg yolk. Follow the steps above, but leave it on your face for 30 minutes before washing.

· 2. After you cleanse and before you apply the mask, you may want to steam your face to eliminate toxins . Steam your face for 8 to 10 minutes and then apply the mask.

Saturday 13 August 2011

The King of Herbs,Capiscum




A particular red hot pepper might actually be of greater value to your health as a staple in your medicine cabinet rather than in your spice rack?

The cayenne pepper, or Capiscum annum, derives its proper name from a Greek word meaning "to bite," a clear allusion to the pungent properties of the plant and its seeds. However, it's the many medicinal applications of the pepper that earned it the nickname "The King of Herbs."

Many p
eople think of this spicy little beauty as just a delicious way to boost the flavor of their cooking, but this pepper is a valuable medical tool with a wide range of uses. According to a combination of herbal lore and medical research, capsicum may:

  • Ease congestion
  • Aid in weight reduction
  • Prevent tooth decay
  • Support digestion
  • Heal ulcers
  • Stop hemorrhaging
  • Relieve infection
  • Cure arthritis
  • Numb pain
  • Clean the blood
  • Regulate blood pressure
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Nourish the heart

Part of the logic behind the many herbal applications of capsicum is that it is a catalyst, and can be used to enhance the effects of other treatments. Little is known about the pharmacological activities of capsicum in humans, but it is abundantly clear that capsicum is a stimulant. In fact, it has been called "the purest and most certain stimulant in the herbal materia medica."

The Dispensatory of the
United States of America, 23 ed., 1943, states that "Capsicum is a powerful local stimulant, producing, when swallowed, a sense of heat in the stomach, and a general glow over the body without narcotic effect."

Chili peppers have long reigned over the canon of folk medicine. Archeological remains show that capsicum was a dietary staple in
Mexico 9,000 years ago. In Indonesia, capsicum is used as a traditional remedy for gonorrhea. In central Africa, it's used as a calming, stress-relieving tonic. In Hawaii, it's used for backaches, rheumatism, and swollen feet.

Some reports even s
uggest capsicum can prevent heart attacks. One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 1979 found that capsicum contained the most natural vitamin E -- often used to treat heart conditions -- of all the edible plants analyzed by the research team.

In a fresh, ripe pepper, the researchers measured 3-10mg/.100gs, meaning capsicum can be considered a significant dietary source of vitamin E.

Additionally, the form of vitamin E found in capsicum is an especially stable one, which makes it particularly well-suited for medical applications.

Recently, capsicum research has been centered on the pepper's potential viability as a cancer treatment. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, capsaicin (the same compone
nt of the cayenne that makes the peppers so peppery) causes cancer cells to commit apoptosis. In plain language, that means that capsaicin causes cancer cells to kill themselves.

This clai
m comes from a study done by a team of researchers from the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, along with colleagues from UCLA. The researchers discovered that the capsaicin component of the cayenne pepper caused human prostate cells to undergo programmed cell death.

As exciting as these results are, the Association has been careful to emphasize that more studies need to be done before it's clear how capsaicin can be used in treating humans.

Another promising line of research is the use of capsicum as an important aid to weight reduction. Studies done over the last 30 years indicate that capsicum has enormous potential for promoting fat loss. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that capsicum has been successfully used to increase the loss of abdominal fat for overweight or obese individuals.

Other studies indicate that capsicum can help those looking to shed pounds by:

  • Normalizing insulin and glucose levels
  • Boosting energy
  • Increasing metabolic speed
  • Suppressing hunger
  • Promoting satiety (the feeling of fullness)

Those last 2 items -- suppressing hunger and promoting satiety -- can be strengthened if you also consume green tea regularly as a part of your weight management strategy.

There are just as many good ways to work capsicum into your diet as there are good reasons. If you like spice, go for the peppers themselves -- the options for using peppers in cooking are endless! If your mouth can't take the heat, there are a number of good quality supplements available that won't leave your tongue tingling.

The cayenne pepper, or Capiscum annum, derives its proper name from a Greek word meaning "to bite," a clear allusion to the pungent properties of the plant and its seeds. However, it's the many medicinal applications of the pepper that earned it the nickname "The King of Herbs."

Many people thi
nk of this spicy little beauty as just a delicious way to boost the flavor of their cooking, but this pepper is a valuable medical tool with a wide range of uses. According to a combination of herbal lore and medical research, capsicum may:

  • Ease congestion
  • Aid in weight reduction
  • Prevent tooth decay
  • Support digestion
  • Heal ulcers
  • Stop hemorrhaging
  • Relieve infection
  • Cure arthritis
  • Numb pain
  • Clean the blood
  • Regulate blood pressure
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Nourish the heart

Part of the logic behind the many herbal applications of capsicum is that it is a catalyst, and can be used to enhance the effects of other treatments. Little is known about the pharmacological activities of capsicum in humans, but it is abundantly clear that capsicum is a stimulant. In fact, it has been called "the purest and most certain stimulant in the herbal materia medica."

The Dispensatory of the
United States of America, 23 ed., 1943, states that "Capsicum is a powerful local stimulant, producing, when swallowed, a sense of heat in the stomach, and a general glow over the body without narcotic effect."

Chili peppers have long reigned over the canon of folk medicine. Archeological remains show that capsicum was a dietary staple in
Mexico 9,000 years ago. In Indonesia, capsicum is used as a traditional remedy for gonorrhea. In central Africa, it's used as a calming, stress-relieving tonic. In Hawaii, it's used for backaches, rheumatism, and swollen feet.

Some reports even suggest capsicum can prevent heart attacks. One study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 1979 found that capsicum contained the most natural vitamin E -- often used to treat heart conditions -- of all the edible plants analyzed by the research team.

In a fresh, ripe pepper, the researchers measured 3-10mg/.100gs, meaning capsicum can be considered a significant dietary source of vitamin E.

Additionally, the form of vitamin E found in capsicum is an especially stable one, which makes it particularly well-suited
for medical applications.

Recently, capsicum research has been centered on the pepper's potential viability as a cancer treatment. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, capsaicin (the same component of the cayenne that makes the peppers so peppery) causes cancer cells to commit apoptosis. In plain language, that means that capsaicin causes cancer cells to kill themselves.

This claim comes from a study done by a team of researchers from the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Ca
ncer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, along with colleagues from UCLA. The researchers discovered that the capsaicin component of the cayenne pepper caused human prostate cells to undergo programmed cell death.

As exciting as these results are, the Association has been careful to emphasize that more studies need to be done before it's clear how capsaicin can be used in treating
humans.

Another promising line of research is the use of capsicum as an important aid to weight reduction. Studies done over the last 30 years indicate that capsicum has enormous potential for promoting fat loss. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that capsicum has been successfully used to increase the loss of abdominal fat for overweight or obese individuals.

Other studies indicate that capsicum can help those looking to shed pounds by:

  • Normalizing insulin and glucose levels
  • Boosting energy
  • Increasing metabolic speed
  • Suppressing hunger
  • Promoting satiety (the feeling of fullness)

Those last 2 items -- suppressing hunger and promoting satiety -- can be strengthened if you also consume green tea regularly as a part of your weight management strategy.

There are just as many good ways to work capsicum into your diet as there are good reasons. If you like spice, go for the peppers themselves -- the options for using peppers in cooking are endless! If your mouth can't take the heat, there are a number of good quality supplements available that won't leave your tongue tingling.