This 1 Thing Can Reduce Inflammation in Your Body!

Inflammation is something we all experience in our lifetime, as it’s the body’s response to things like pain, injury, or infection. That said, rather than turning to ibuprofen or Tylenol, there are natural ways to heal the body. The cure may already live in your kitchen cabinets in a spice bottle marked “turmeric.”

Used for centuries to heal, cure, and make delicious meals, turmeric is one superfood we could all use an extra dash of. Ahead, find out what causes inflammation and how the super spice can treat it.

But first, what is inflammation?

Everyone suffers from inflammation at some point. | iStock.com/andriano_cz

As we mentioned above, inflammation is a response the body has to pain, injury, or infection. Caused by a number of ailments — including: arthritis, stress, weight gain, and even food — if you’re not careful, it can wreak havoc on your body.

Inflammation-causing foods

Yes, pizza is not the best option for lunch. | iStock.com/monkeybusinessimages

In addition to food, stress, and bad lifestyle habits, what you put inside your body can cause a significant boost in inflammation. And while drinking alcohol and eating sugary foods are common, some others may take you by surprise.

Here are the foods that could be making matters worse:

• Pizza
• Processed snacks
• Mayonnaise
• White bread
• Asian food
• Pasta

What exactly is turmeric?

A sprinkle of this spice will do wonders for your body. | iStock.com

Derived from the root of the turmeric plant, the super spice has a yellowish-orange hue and is most commonly used in curry dishes. Related to the ginger family and native to India and Indonesia, the root’s powder has been used for centuries for medicinal healing and wedding ceremonies in South Asia.

Turmeric as an anti-inflammatory

It will do wonders for your body. | iStock.com/UberImages

Studies show that curcumin — a natural component of turmeric — has the power to fight inflammation by targeting the different molecules responsible. Because of this, turmeric houses the ability to protect the body from countless types of inflammation, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and more.

How to reap its benefits

Coconut oil will help you absorb all of turmeric’s benefits. | Rodrigo Bark/iStock/Getty Images

While turmeric can aid in inflammation, there is more to it than adding a dash to your food or taking a daily supplement. The medicinal properties of curcumin can be ineffective due to how quickly it is metabolized. That said, there are ways to counter this and ensure maximum absorption.

One way to do so is by combining turmeric with pepper. According to research, pepper can help your body better absorb the super spice.

As an added bonus, add coconut oil — or, another healthy fat — to the mix. Curcumin is fat-soluble so coconut oil can help it make its way to the intestines and be absorbed into the body’s bloodstream.

Easy ways to add it to your diet

Add it to your diet today. | iStock.com/demaerre

Turmeric is easy to add into your diet. Sprinkle it on top of your eggs, add it into a mac and cheese dish, or take a pepper and turmeric supplement. That said, one of our favorite ways to reap the benefits of this super spice is by making golden milk — aka, a turmeric latte.

Made from health-benefiting ingredients — think: turmeric, coconut oil, pepper, and cinnamon — the superfood-packed latte is as delicious as it is nourishing. Try this recipe from Domino.

Other health benefits of turmeric

Turmeric is good for your skin and body. | shironosov/iStock/Getty Images

From skin health to brain function to cancer prevention, turmeric can aid in a variety of ailments. Here are some of its most impressive benefits:

• Cancer prevention
• Alzheimer’s
• Heart disease
• Skin health

https://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/turmeric-reduce-inflammation-in-your-body.html/?a=viewall

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How to Make Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief Turmeric Ginger Tea

Turmeric and ginger are botanically related to each other and have both been used for centuries as spices in cooking and as medicinal herbs. These herbs are recommended for treating gastrointestinal problems, inflammatory conditions and several other conditions. I’ve written in the past about how inflammation is created in the body and about the damage it causes, and you can read more about it here. Ginger and turmeric are two of the best herbs to relieve joint pain and are mentioned in my article about the best herbs to relieve joint pain.

The strong anti-inflammatory properties of ginger are excellent for dealing with muscle and arthritic pain. Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory substances called gingerols. These have been tested in various research of rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The participants in the research reported a gradual reduction of pain, improving agility and movement and reduction in swelling when using ginger regularly. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger also promote digestion and soothes colic, relieve nausea and intestinal gas, and also as a treatment for colds and other respiratory conditions. I have already written a very detailed post in the past on how to use ginger as a medicine for great health.

Studies have shown that turmeric is more effective at easing pain than aspirin and other similar chemical medications. It is a great help in the relieving of chronic arthritis and joint pain, as well as relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis and osteoarthritis, which are two other inflammatory conditions. One of the active ingredients in turmeric is called curcumin, and is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. It is claimed that turmeric reduces arthritis joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness related to arthritis. Turmeric also has a good effect on the digestive system as well. If you are interested to learn more about the amazing health benefits of turmeric then you can read a previous post about all the reasons to eat more turmeric.

For 1 cup of water use 1 teaspoon each of fresh grated turmeric and ginger roots. If you use ground turmeric and ginger, use 1/3 teaspoon each. Add raw honey to taste, and a slice of lemon if you want.

Anti-Inflammatory Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

In order to increase turmeric absorption in the body (studies have revealed that turmeric has low absorption and rapid metabolism that lead to relatively low bioavailability in the body) you need to add a little bit of fat to the tea, such as a teaspoon of coconut oil or flaxseed oil for example. Another option is to add a little bit (1/4-1/2 tsp) of black pepper that contains piperine which aids the absorption of curcumin. You can read more about turmeric absorption in my previous article How to Optimize Turmeric Absorption for Super Boosted Benefits.

Preparation

In a small saucepan, bring water to boil. Add fresh grated turmeric and ginger, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. If using ground turmeric and ginger, boil for 7 minutes. Then strain the tea and add the honey and lemon to taste. Add the coconut oil or black pepper to increase turmeric absorption.

How much and how often

There are no official dosing instructions exist for ginger and turmeric tea. You can drink 1 cup of it on days you feel extra achy.

Side effects

Although these herbs are considered safe and without significant side effects when used appropriately by adults, each may interact with certain prescription medications. For example both may not be safe if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning drugs. Therefore talk with your doctor before deciding if one or both herbs might be useful for your situation. Also taking these herbs by mouth in medicinal amounts is likely unsafe in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/how-to-make-anti-inflammatory-turmeric-ginger-tea/

Olive Oil Compound ‘Kills Cancer Cells in 30 Minutes’

It’s the kind of discovery that should be making international headlines: a team of researchers has discovered that a simple compound in olive oil is capable of killing cancer cells ‘within 30 minutes to an hour’ — and it doesn’t harm healthy cells.

And before some of you consider this to be ‘phony science,’ you should checkout the actual study published by the the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers in the journal Molecular and Cellular Oncology. Even the researchers and scientists behind the study are impressed and blown away by the results, which has serious implications when it comes to how the public may soon view simple nutrition as a weapon against cancer.

The compound utilized, known as oleocanthal, has previously been identified as an ‘anti-cancer’ agent, but the true extent of its ability to fight carcinogenic cells was virtually unknown. Several studies exist on the compound’s other benefits as well, which include its potential effects on:

• Inflammation

• Tumor suppression

• Osteoporosis

• Age-related disease

• Alzheimer’s disease

And many others that you were most likely also unaware of. But this new study, which has found that this compound can truly kill cancer cells in under an hour, may be the most amazing. Specifically, the study found that cancer cells exposed to oleocanthal were dying in a matter of 30-60 minutes — all thanks to the way in which the olive oil compound uses the enzymes of the cancer cells. Puncturing the insides of the cancer cells where the cell ‘waste’ is held, the compound wreaks absolute havoc on the infected cells.

Professor Paul Breslin, the coauthor of the study, explains that the process causes “Hell to break loose” within the carcinogenic cell interior.

Once again, we see the true power of healing foods like olive oil proven via powerful research that has true applications for you and your family’s health (and the entire health of the planet).

There is no doubt that mega pharmaceutical companies will certainly swoop in to patent pharmaceutical technologies that attempt to mimic the behaviors of  oleocanthal (with a list of side effects and reduced effectiveness), but the key here is that for virtually nothing you can start to experience the benefits of this key olive oil compound yourself: just pick up some high quality organic olive oil at your local grocery store.

This article was written by Anthony Gucciardi

http://inspireamaze.com/olive-oil-compound-kills-cancer-cells-in-30-minutes/

Turmeric Smoothie Recipe Makes A Delicious & Powerful Antioxidant

by Joe Martino
 

 

How would you like to start your day with an awesome antioxidant packed smoothie that has a ton of medicinal properties as well? This turmeric smoothie recipe is perfect for that.

The Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. The average person may best recognize turmeric as a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. The active compound curcumin is known to have a wide range of medicinal benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. In India, turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments. Turmeric can also be used topically to heal sores due to its antimicrobial properties.

Turmeric is also the liver’s favorite spice and helps boost liver detox. It does this by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens. Be sure to check how powerful turmeric can be in treating depression as well.

Turmeric Smoothie Recipe Ingredients:

For these ingredients, try and use organic as much as possible. Also try not to substitute actual milk for hemp or coconut milk. If you need, you can try almond milk as well.

• 1 cup hemp or coconut milk
• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple or mango chunks
• 1 fresh banana
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (can be increased to 1 tsp)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon maca (optional)

Add all ingredients into a blender and process until smooth. Try to drink this smoothie in the morning before you have anything to eat. It’s a solid way to start your day and pack your body full of antioxidants.
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2014/08/04/turmeric-smoothie-recipe-makes-a-delicious-powerful-antioxidant/

Aloe Vera: the healing powerhouse!

Aloe vera, in Russia, is referred to as “the elixir of youth” and has been revered since ancient times for its substantial healing effects.  Aloe vera is not just antibacterial but also anti viral and anti fungal and can even be used as a natural food preservative.  Since aloe contains 20 amino acids, it helps tremendously with muscle production.  It contains vitamins A, C, D, E, B, B-1, B-2, choline, B-12, folic acid, and several key enzymes which help break down food and improve nutrient absorption.  Aloe vera also loaded with minerals including copper, iron, zinc, sodium, calcium, potassium, chromium, and manganese.
Here are some health effects you can expect from Aloe Vera!

Helps with ulcers, heartburn, and diverticular disorders.
Can be used to treat acne.

http://naturalhealthwarriors.com/aloe-vera-the-healing-powerhouse/

Turmeric Superior to Chemical Mouthwash For Oral Health.

Turmeric: The Ancient Super herb
Since ancient times, turmeric has been used for remedying oral ailments, among other therapeutic applications too numerous to count.[1] Consider that plants like turmeric were first eaten for thousands of years before our species ever devised the modern day oddity of encapsulated or tableted extracts that could be swallowed without significant oral contact. It is only logical, therefore, that after long stretches of biological time, taking the root orally as either food, spice or medicine, it would agree with and have benefit for that part of our anatomy and its unique physiology.
Indeed, recent research shows that turmeric extract and turmeric oil may even reverse precancerous changes in oral submucous fibrosis in humans.[2] [3] In addition, there are at least a dozen studies showing turmeric extract can kill oral cancer cells,[4] including a recent study showing that turmeric extract-loaded nanoparticles kill chemotherapy-resistant oral cancer cells.[5] But turmeric’s positive role to play in oral health encompasses more than relatively rare health issues like oral cancer, as it also has tangible value to the vast majority of folks who use common mouthwash in an attempt to keep their mouth clean of plaque.

What gives Turmeric magical healing powers?
Turmeric contains approximately 3-4% curcumin by dry weight. This yellow pigmented polyphenol has been studied extensively in human clinical research as a natural alternative to the common mouthwash ingredient known as chlorhexidine for the treatment of gingivitis, “inflammation of the gum tissue.”

Gingivitis is classified as a non-destructive periodontal disease,[6] and involves bacterial plaque-induced inflammation, but if left untreated, it can progress to a form of periodontal disease that can be highly destructive. Some of the most common symptoms associated with gingivitis are bad breath (halitosis), and bleeding, bright, tender or swollen gums.

Chlorexidine, while considered the gold standard in dentistry for the prevention of dental plaque,[7] was flagged in 2012 in a patient safety alert issued by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), due to its potential to induce anaphylactic reactions.[8] While chlorexidine-induced analaphylaxis is an exceedingly rare reaction, low level exposure has been confirmed in numerous scientific studies to cause a variety of complications.[9] [10] [11] Clearly, safer alternatives are needed and especially if they can be shown to be more effective.

Turmeric Mouthwash Shown Superior to Chlorexidine
In 2012, a study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology compared the efficacy of a .1% curcumin extract mouthwash + .01% eugenol (Group A) to a more strongly concentrated .2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Group B), in subjects with mild to moderate gingivitis. Both Group A and Group B consisted of 30 subjects who were advised to use 10 ml of mouthwash with equal dilution of water for 1 min twice a day 30 min after brushing. They were then tracked for plaque and gingival changes at day 0, day 14h and day 21. Both their direct experience (subjective) and objective criteria were assessed at days 14 and 21.

The results were as follows:

On comparison between chlorhexidine and turmeric mouthwash, percentage reduction of the Plaque Index between 0 and 21 st day were 64.207 and 69.072, respectively (P=0.112), percentage reduction of Gingival Index between 0 and 21st day were 61.150 and 62.545 respectively (P=0.595) and percentage reduction of BAPNA [The N-benzoyl-l-arginine-p- nitroanilide assay; a measurement of pathogenic bacterial activity] values between 0 and 21st day were 42.256 and 48.901 respectively (P=0.142).

In all three objective parameters tested, turmeric extract was at least as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash at improving the patient’s oral health. However, technically, the curcumin formulation beat out the chemical mouthwash in all 3 measurements, and at only one-half the concentration.

Also, subjective evaluations showed that the turmeric mouthwash was better received by the subjects.

In the characteristically conservative style of academia, the author’s concluded:

“Chlorhexidine gluconate as well as turmeric mouthwash can be effectively used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control in prevention of plaque and gingivitis. Both the mouthwashes have comparable anti-plaque, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.”

Additional human clinical research has confirmed curcumin’s effectiveness as a chlorexidine alternative in reducing plaque,[12] as well as reducing plaque-associated gum inflammation.[13]

One of the major differences with a turmeric (curcumin)-based mouthwash is that if one happened to swallow some, it would not result in the type of adverse effects associated with a biocidal/antiseptic chemical such as chlorhexidine. In fact, given the broad range of documented health benefits of turmeric, it would actually provide some side benefit, were this to happen.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But remember, always exert caution when embarking on any new dietary and/or supplement change, and do so under the guidance of a trained professional such as a medical herbalist or integrative physician. And remember, the quality of the herb will depend on whether it was organically produced (non-irradiated), well-handled and preserved in order to eliminate mycotoxins and related microbial contaminants.
http://www.curejoy.com/content/turmeric-superior-chemical-mouthwash-oral-health/

Okra: The Wonder Vegetable – 22 The Amazing Health Benefits Of Okra

by Ashley Mathieu

Okra: The Wonder Vegetable – 22 The Amazing Health Benefits Of Okra

Okra is one of the best medicinal vegetable, that hasn’t got its due sometimes due to its taste. Read this article to understand why this is unarguably one of the best natural veggies to add to your wonder list and diet today!

What is Okra?

Okra, also known as “lady’s finger”, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Malvaceae (mallows) family and named scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus.  One of most nutritious vegetables around Okra is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions around the world for its fibrous fruits or “pods”. The pods are handpicked while just short of reaching maturity and eaten as a vegetable.

Why you should include Okra in your diet?

Okra has a long list of health benefits:

1. Rich Fiber Source: Okra’s rich fiber content helps in better digestion, and regularization of bowels. The soluble fiber, Pectin, swells up in the intestine and helps in easier elimination of the wastes from the intestine.
2. For Diabetes: It has insulin-like properties that help to reduce blood sugar levels. Eugenol, a type of fiber found in Okra, helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
3. For Pregnancy and Fetal development: Abundant Folates in Okra, not only help in conceiving but also in fetus’ brain development, prevention of miscarriages, formation of the fetal neural tube, and preventing any defects in the tube.
4. For Strong Bones: Vitamin K is a co-factor in the vital blood-clotting process and along with Folates, restores bone density, strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
5. For Asthma: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Okra, and rich vitamin C content, curtail the development of asthma symptoms and prevent fatal attacks.
6. Respiratory soother: A decoction of leaves and flowers of Okra are used in treating bronchitis and pneumonia. Its mucilaginous (slimy, gluey) quality makes it an excellent home remedy for treatment of common cold and flu.
7. Relieves Constipation: The rich fiber and mucilaginous content in Okra pods help increase stool bulk, facilitate proper absorption of water, bind to toxins, lubricate the large intestines, and ensure easy bowel movements, with its natural laxative properties.
8. Treats Sun strokes: Those suffering from summer heat and sun strokes should include Okra in their diet. Relieves from weakness, exhaustion, and overall depression.
9. Lowers Colon cancer risk: The insoluble fiber found in Okra cleans out the intestinal tract, decreasing the risk of colon-rectal cancer. The high antioxidants in Okra helps protect the immune system against harmful free radicals and prevent mutation of cells.
10. Prevents Obesity: Okra provides minimum calories, the fiber helps in keeping you full for longer, and the abundant nutrients nourish you.
11. Lowers Cholesterol: Okra contains soluble fiber pectin, which helps in lowering the serum (bad)cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis. It does it by altering the production of bile in the intestines and aiding in elimination of deposited cholesterol and clots.
12. Skin Detoxifier:  Fiber aidstoxic waste cleansing and Vitamin C aids in repairing body tissues, preventing skin pigmentation, reducing acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions.
13. Lively Hair: The transparent mucilage imparts life and bounce to unruly, curly and lifeless hair. It acts as a great hair conditioner, scalp moisturizer for dry and itchy scalp, fights dandruff and lice, and adds a youthful sheen to your hair.
14. Detoxification: Okra’s fiber not only aids the stool function but the mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid, ejecting toxins, dumped into it by the filtering liver.
15. Immunity Booster: The high antioxidants and vitamin C content make Okra a good immune booster food. Other essential minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium and iron fight against harmful free radicals and promote healthy immune system.
16. Clear Vision: Okra contains beta-carotenes (precursor of vitamin A), xanthin and lutein, all antioxidant properties, preventing eye problems like cataract and glaucoma.
17. Prevents Anemia: Iron, Folate, and Vitamin K aid in hemoglobin formation, blood coagulation, and red blood cells production, providing a supreme defense against anemia.
18. Cures Ulcers: The alkaline mucilaginous content helps neutralize acids and provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract speeding up the healing of peptic ulcers.
19. Treats Genital Disorders: Okra increases sexual potency and is beneficial in treating genital disorders like syphilis, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, dysuria and excessive menstrual bleeding.
20. Rich Protein Source: The seeds of Okra are an excellent source of first-rate vegetable protein and oils, enriched with amino acids like tryptophan, cystine and other sulfur amino acids.
21. Feeds Blood Network: Studies show that eating plenty of flavonoid and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as Okra helps to support the structure of blood capillaries.
22. Probiotics Feed: Good bacteria (probiotics), in intestines, thrive on Okra, contributing greatly to the health of the intestinal tract. It helps biosynthesis of Vitamin B complex, similar to how yoghurt serves the small intestine.

If you want to get healthy from the inside out this is one food that you should not miss out on.

http://www.curejoy.com/content/okra-the-wonder-vegetable-22-the-amazing-health-benefits-of-okra/

The Amazing Benefits of Hemp Seeds (Infographic)

Hemp seeds are one of the most nutritionally complete foods in the world. This infographic explains why and what it is good for…


http://tv.greenmedinfo.com/amazing-benefits-hemp-seeds-infographic/

Moringa: The Ideal Food For Everyone?

 

PRLog (Press Release) – Feb. 8, 2014 – BERLIN, Germany 

— The Moringa story must be told as many people are still in the dark about this wonderful blessing from nature. With a world grappling from malnutrition, our hope lies in this plant whose leaves are capable of wiping every aspect of malnutrition out of the world not to talk of the many benefits derived from other parts of it, namely: the seeds, flowers, roots and bark. Among all the plants I know I cannot think of a more nutritious one than Moringa. Moringa Oleifera – one of nature’s best-kept health and nutrition secrets What is Moringa? For centuries, people in Asia and Africa have had access to moringa oleifera, one of nature’s most nutritious foods. Often called the Tree of Life or Mother’s Best Friend, it provides families–infants, children, parents, and grandparents–with an abundance of minerals, vitamins, calcium, proteins, and beneficial antioxidants and amino acids. This generous and bountiful plant is life sustaining. In the world of nutrition and natural health, there are some foods that come out of nowhere and then BAM – one day it’s all you hear about. One of those foods is Moringa, often referred to as the Miracle Tree. But unlike some of the hyped up trend-foods of years past, there really are some benefits worth noting when it comes to this one. Without further ado, here are some of the many unknown moringa benefits. Praised for its medicinal value and ability to purify the body while boosting energy levels, Moringa oleifera, is native to the Himalayas of India. Currently, it’s growth is most prevalent in Africa, Central and South America, and Asia. But it’s effects are being felt around the world. Moringa Benefits It’s difficult to find a report online concerning the benefits of this tree from someone who is not involved in trying to turn a profit—and that’s the way it usually goes with these new superfoods. However, if you are willing to dig a bit deeper, there is evidence that this plant has the potential to kill bacteria and parasites, fight diabetes, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation throughout the body.

https://www.ankhrah.com/wpsite/moringa-blog/

10 Reasons Why Cayenne Pepper Can Revolutionize Your Health

Cayenne pepper is one of my favorite spices. It has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It not only provides heat and flavor to your dishes, but it has also been credited with many health benefits.

This popular spice was originally grown in South and Central America, and is a member of the Capsicum family of vegetables, which are more commonly known as chili peppers. The spicy heat produced by cayenne is caused by its high concentration of a substance called capsaicin.

Below you will find how you can enhance your health with cayenne pepper, including some of the side effects that you should be aware of:

1. Reduces muscle and joint pain and inflammation

Applying topical applications of cayenne pepper can reduce muscle and joint pain and inflammation significantly. This is because cayenne has counter-irritant effect: if you rub cayenne on the affected area, it will cause a mild irritation to the tissue to which it was applied, thus distracting from the original more severe joint pain. The active ingredient in cayenne is a substance known as capsaicin. This chemical relieves pain by acting on the sensory nerves by hindering the transmission of a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitted pain signals to your brain. Find here a recipe for cayenne warming oil for joint, muscle and arthritis pain relief.

2. Relieves migraine

When cayenne pepper hits your stomach your brain starts to release endorphins, which are our body’s natural painkillers. So if you can bear the taste, add 1 to 3 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to a glass of water (8 ounces) to get instant relief of migraine headache. You can find here more natural tips and treatments to relieve migraine.

3. Increases metabolism

The capsaicin in cayenne pepper is known to increase metabolism by increasing the internal heat of the body. In order to increase heat, energy is needed, and thus cayenne pepper contributes to increased metabolism. Another theory by a South Korean research suggests that capsaicin might raise the metabolism by positively affecting proteins that help break down fat. You can find here more foods to increase your metabolism.

4. Improves blood circulation

Cayenne has been used to improve blood circulation in traditional Asian medicine as well as in the Indian medicine of Ayurveda. To improve blood circulation, some herbalists suggest taking a quarter-teaspoon three times a day or placing a poultice made with cayenne to boost circulation in a troublesome area. Eating spicy foods, which contain capsaicin from hot peppers increases blood flow throughout the body, and this is why many people become flushed when they eat certain spicy foods. Read here how to improve blood circulation and why it’s so important, and how to recognize symptoms of poor blood circulation.

5. Treats psoriasis

Applying a topical cream, ointment or gel containing capsaicin can help to relieve psoriasis symptoms. According to one study, applying capsaicin cream to the skin relieved itching and skin lesions in people with psoriasis. The concentration of capsaicin in these applications can vary. Higher concentrations can cause a burning sensation to the skin, which improves the longer you use it. Don’t apply it to the sensitive areas near the eyes and mucous membranes and don’t forget to wash your hands well and avoid touching your eyes after using capsaicin. It’s always a good idea to test capsaicin cream on a small area of the skin before extended use. 

6. Treats ulcers

Cayenne pepper may prevent the development of gastric ulcer or eliminate the pain caused by it. While hot spices have a bad reputation in the context of an ulcer, the truth is that capsaicin in cayenne pepper has the ability to destroy invasive bacteria in the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the body. A 2006 review published in the journal “Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition” reported that capsaicin slows the production of acid in the stomach, stimulates blood flow to the stomach lining and enhances the release of mucus in the stomach, and all these aid in healing. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper has anti-bacterial properties that also actively fight the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. You can find here more information in my other post on how to treat stomach ulcers.

7. Reducing nasal mucus

Capsaicin effects tissue lining mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses and lungs. Cayenne pepper thins mucous in the nasal passageways and sinuses and makes breathing easier when you are suffering from seasonal allergies, a sinus infection and even the common cold. You can, for example, add cayenne pepper to a tea if you have a cold, as it stimulates drainage of nasal mucus and reduces cold symptoms.

8. Improves heart health

Research available from the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows that capsaicin can lower blood pressure. Also a comparison between different cultures shows that those which use a lot of cayenne pepper in cooking have lower rates of heart attacks and strokes.

Cayenne pepper has been shown to reduce plaque in the blood vessels. It does this by helping break up the fibrin networks that hold the plaque in place. It also reduces the formation of blood clots, and thus keeps blood flowing freely through the blood vessels. This may help prevent or reduce the risk of heart disease.

9. Aids digestion

Cayenne pepper can improve your digestive process and make it more effective and fast. It stimulates the digestive tract, and increases the flow of enzyme production and gastric juices, thus improving the body’s ability to metabolize food. You can make a drink of ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne powder with the juice of half a lemon, mixed with warm purified or distilled water. To improve the taste, you can add a teaspoon of honey or other sugar substitute. If you suffer from digestive problems, you can read my previous article about the 8 best natural methods to treat digestive problems.

10. Possible anti-cancer agent

According to the American Cancer Society, the capsaicin in cayenne pepper has the ability to stop the growth of prostate cancer cells. However, the research that supports cayenne pepper as a treatment for prostate cancer was conducted only in laboratory and it was tested only on animals. Researchers are still investigating the potential use of cayenne pepper to treat cancer in humans.

How to use cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is available as a fresh or dried pepper, ground spice, in capsule form and creams for external use. You can drink cayenne pepper tea (about one quarter to half teaspoon of cayenne pepper steeped in a cup of hot water). You can add it to food, or stir it into juice, tea or milk. Capsaicin isn’t destroyed by heat, so you can use it in cooking as well.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, topical applications contain 0.025% – 0.075% capsaicin and may be applied directly to the affected area up to 4 times a day. Pain may get slightly worse at first, but then may get better over the next few days. Capsaicin should be applied regularly several times a day, and it usually takes 3 – 7 days before you notice substantial pain relief.

Precautions when using cayenne pepper

1. Cayenne pepper can interact with certain medications (such as aspirin and blood thinners). Therefore if you are currently taking medications, talk to your doctor before you include large amounts of cayenne pepper in your diet or take cayenne supplements.

2. Eating too much cayenne pepper can result in stomach irritation as well as stomach pain.

3. Don’t apply capsaicin cream to cracked skin or open wounds.

4. Eating cayenne in food is considered safe during pregnancy, but pregnant women as well as breastfeeding women, should not take cayenne as a supplement.

http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/top-10-uses-cayenne-pepper-medicine/

DIY: Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric-Almond Milk

BY   TRICIA HUFFMAN 

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one out there on a turmeric kick. It's just so good for you! A super high powered anti-inflammatory that does the trick to soothe my achy joints, it's also a great source of both iron and manganese, as well as vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium.

My current favorite way to get my dose of turmeric is this recipe!

Shopping tip: Look for fresh turmeric root at your local Asian market. They often have it freshest and cheapest, but it can also be found at many health food stores.

Ingredients

• 4 cups homemade almond milk
• 1 1/4 cup freshly juiced turmeric (will be about 2 1/2 cups of the root)
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cardamom
• 15 drops of clear stevia
• 3 tsp. honey

Directions

Add all ingredients to your blender.

Blend, and ta-da! Enjoy this soothing treat morning through evening.

Of course you can make it more or less sweet as you like.

Note: Turmeric stains easily, so make sure to clean up any spills quickly.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12974/diy-anti-inflammatory-turmeric-almond-milk.html