
Cayenne
Capsicum annum
ELEMENT: fire
PLANET: sun
PROPERTIES: warming
PARTS USED: fruit
FAMILY: nightshade
Cayenne
Cayenne is a small pepper in the nightshade family. Although very popular as a cooking spice, it is also useful as a medicinal ally. When applied to the skin, cayenne increases blood flow and warms the area. It also acts as an analgesic, desensitizing local nerves and in turn, decreasing pain. A trick of skiers and ice climbers, on especially cold winter days cayenne powder can be sprinkled into socks for extra warmth.

Physical
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warms the body inside & out
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increases production of digestive fluids
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provides protection against stomach infections
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reduces high blood pressure & risk of heart disease
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relieves pain

Energetic
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stokes internal fire
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energizes the psyche
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transforms old patterns of imbalance