Author Dan Carter, ND, in the March 2008 issue of Naturopathic Doctor News and Review discusses the notable effects of the cayenne pepper herb and its use in treating heart and circulatory symptoms.

One of the first to pioneer the use of this herb was Dr. John Christopher, a well-known herbalist who is most remembered for his knowledge, faith and extensive experience with the use of herbs to heal even the most serious of conditions.

Dr. Christopher worked with cayenne and found it restores arterial elasticity, and could both prevent and correct arteriosclerosis. According to Christopher, it also stabilized blood pressure and had the potential to stop a heart attack in its tracks.

There’s a scientific basis to Christopher’s cayenne usage. The active chemical component of cayenne pepper is capsaicin, which stops platelet aggregation without interfering with the coagulation of blood. Sometimes daily aspirin is prescribed to heart patients. Capsaicin serves the same purpose but lessens excessive bleeding risks that can be associated with aspirin. Thick blood is a cause of arterial thrombosis.

Japanese studies have shown that cayenne stimulates neurons that halt the growth of bacteria as well as prevents the thickening of blood. Pennsylvania researchers show that cayenne acts on heart via sensory nerve endings. With both the thinning of blood and binding of receptors, thrombi are stopped thus ending the heart pain.

With all the healthy, noninvasive effects of capsaicin on the body, the Material Safety Data Sheet information is enough to deter someone from ever using it. It instills fear of use by describing it as an extremely hazardous product that can seriously affect the eyes, skin, lungs (if inhaled), and pain if ingested. It goes so far as to say it can kill you if overexposure occurs.

A published study from Drug and Chemical Toxicology observed the “danger” of capsaicin in tabasco sauce. They came to the conclusion that one would have to ingest a half gallon amount of this sauce for it to become dangerous and lethal.

You can use it on everything from salads to meats to eggs, as well as in your juices. Keep a high-potency tincture on hand in your home. It may one day just save your life.