Chilli ‘Capsicum annum’ or Cayenne Pepper
As a Winter warmer that will support the immune system and lift the spirits there is nothing like chilli or cayenne pepper. It can for some help uplift low mood and warm the body through, helping any aches and pains. This is because cayenne can create its own endorphins (or natural opiates) due to the burning sensation on the tongue. This biting heat and stimulation on the tongue owes its pungency to the alkaloid ‘capsaicin’. As we know, it will quickly heat and stimulate the heart and general circulation. Equally useful in Winter it will increase the secretion of fluid in the bronchial tubes which thins phlegm, helping to ‘bring up’ and expectorate excessive mucous, thus helping relieve blocked-up feelings in the sinuses and air passages.
For digestion it stimulates a sleepy gut, helping stagnant food move on and adding digestion in general.
Caution: If you are prone to overheating or stomach acidity probably avoid it.
It’s a perfect Winter pick-me-up and for those finding it hard to incorporate into food and preferring it raw (much more medicinal this way) then here are some ideas:-
Drink:
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
1 cup of tomato juice.
A little black pepper ground in for extra oomph and taste! But can be left out.
Smoothie:
1 avocado
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
250mls of any plant milk of choice, coconut, almond, oat etc
Whizz up and drink.
A final word
For those already hot as with menopause etc, this is probably best avoided in large quantities although small amounts can be beneficial.
#cayenne #circulation #warmth #winter #chilli #spicyfood #lunghealth
(Feed generated with FetchRSS)