I’ve been thinking a lot about the supplements Dr. Christopher recommends in his booklet, Three Day Cleansing Program, Mucusless Diet and Herbal Combinations. We’ve already discussed the wonderful benefits of molasses, and lately I’ve been more aware of the many experiences we have with cayenne. 

Cayenne is a member of the Capsicum genus. This genus includes bell peppers and a variety of hot peppers – including cayenne. The amount of capsaicin present determines how hot the peppers are and is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU or usually just HU). This rating system is a measurement of the number of times capsaicin needs to be diluted by sugar water to the point that no burning sensation is felt.  Therefore, the higher the heat units, the hotter the pepper. There are many varieties of cayenne peppers to choose from, each having a different amount of capsaicin. 

Dr. Christopher usually used cayenne with a 35 HU rating, likely because this was most commonly available at the time. We have pound bags ranging from 35 HU to 160 HU’s at our house, and you really do need to pay attention to which one you put in the pepper shaker on the table. A few years ago, my husband accidentally purchased a bag of 160 HU cayenne to replace the 35 HU bag we had just finished. Shortly afterwards, he sliced his finger, and the 160 HU was the only cayenne in the house. We packed it into the wound, and mixed a teaspoon of the powder in a small amount of water for him to drink (to equalize blood pressure and help stop the bleeding). We usually use 1 teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of water for issues like this, however, it was quite an experience for him to use a teaspoon of 160 HU cayenne instead of the 35 HU. Definitely hotter than he was expecting - but it worked beautifully! Remember to adjust dosage depending on the HU’s of your cayenne. 

As part of the supplements listed for the Mucusless Diet, Dr. Christopher recommended taking 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 3 times a day. He taught, “start gradually with ¼ teaspoon in a little cold water and follow with a glass of water. Add ¼ teaspoon to this dosage every three days until you are taking one teaspoon three times a day (the graduated dosages will accustom your system to the pungency of the herb). (Three Day Cleansing Program, Mucusless Diet & Herbal Combinations, page 10).

While this is all lovely information, the important thing is to USE your herbs. This story from Dr. Christopher is right on point:

Several years ago I traveled with a man younger than myself all over the western part of the United States on business. He marveled at the stamina that an older man could have on long drives without displaying the usual fatigue. Each morning I would get up and have cayenne and wheat germ oil (I don’t pay any attention to anyone else, I just take them, regardless). Finally, he became curious and asked, “What’s that stuff?” I gave him an illustrative lecture, and he responded, “My mother died of high blood pressure and I have high blood pressure. Also, I have hemorrhoids and I have to wear a belt, as you probably have noticed, to keep them up in place. Do you think that what you are taking will help?” “Not unless you take it,” I replied. “Well, I will start taking it.” Then I added, “I don’t think you’re man enough, and I don’t think you are brave enough!” and I turned and walked away. He was well-proportioned and a weightlifter but had a family history of high blood pressure and was under doctor’s care with a condition which was gradually getting worse. After I left, he went over and helped himself to my cayenne and wheat germ oil and then kept using them regularly. By spring he did not have to wear his belt any longer – his hemorrhoids were cleared. Then he had an amazing surprise when he went to his doctor for a regular check-up. The doctor took his blood pressure three or four times and said, “This is supposed to become progressively worse; I don’t know what has happened; your systolic and diastolic are near perfect; you do not need to come back anymore.” Today this gentleman, who lives in the Salt Lake Area, has no high blood pressure, because he kept on taking cayenne. It is amazing – so never, never overlook a good thing. (Capsicum, by Dr. Christopher, p 6 – currently out of print).

Cayenne is a staple in our home, my kids use it all the time without my help. They make the sore throat remedy (cayenne, honey, garlic), put cayenne in a little water for a bloody nose, and pack it into cuts. I keep it in my purse and have used it recently to equalize blood pressure and stop shock when I closed my thumb in a door, and I put it in my mushroom drink every morning before leaving the house.  Cayenne is such a normal, everyday item that we use, I sometimes forget that other families don’t have this same interaction with one of our favorite herbs. 

If you haven’t been using cayenne, start now! Start with the recommendation given by Dr. Christopher and work up to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. Always keep some cayenne with you, I guarantee you will use it more than you think.

Tara Christopher Eyre is a Master Herbalist and Foot Zone therapist/practitioner. She loves helping people find and continue their path toward health.