African Pepper | What is That ?
African Pepper, otherwise known as Capsicum (a red pepper) is an herb. The fruit of the capsicum plant is used to make medicine. I know, you’re probably saying to yourself, “I’ve never heard of ‘African Pepper’ or ‘Capsicum’.” Let me give a couple other names it’s also known as; Capsaicin, Cayenne, Chili Pepper, Hot Pepper, Hungarian Pepper, Louisiana Long Pepper, Mexican Chilies, Paprika, Pimento, Red Pepper, Sweet Pepper, etc. There are several other names, but I believe that at least one of these terms someone will recognize, and you probably use one if not more than one in your cooking.
Capsaicin, which is approved by the FDA, is actually used in topical ointments like Ben-Gay for muscle & body aches. Aside from the many recipes & cooking uses for these peppers, they also have extensive medicinal uses as well. It is applied to the skin for pain caused by such things as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, shingles, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle spasms and nerve pain due to diabetes. Capsicum seems to reduce the number and severity of cluster headaches. It’s best to apply capsicum to the nostril that is on the same side of the head as the headache. It is known to relieve toothaches, fever, and even malaria. Preliminary evidence suggests that capsicum protects against alcohol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) damage to the GI tract. It is also used for various problems with swallowing, and digestion like upset stomach, intestinal gas & cramps, and diarrhea. Capsicum is known to help prevent heart disease, increase poor circulation, and lower cholesterol. For anyone who has ever eaten a red pepper, you can agree that it can also clear your sinuses, as well as your sweat glands pretty good, too. What many don’t realize is this very pepper is used in the infamous Pepper Spray used my Law enforcement; a “lighter” version is used by everyday people.
Now that we know all the benefits, there are also down –sides to Capsicum as well. For those who are using it as a topical cream, it can cause burning, stinging, and rashes. If it is inhaled, it can cause shortness of breath, blurred vision, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and burning of the eyes & nasal passages. According to WebMD, “Capsicum might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using capsicum at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.”
It seems that when you do research on herbs that are medically beneficial to us, you will find many of them come from the fruit of a plant or tree. I guess when your mother said, “eat your fruits & vegetables… it’ll make you healthy”, she wasn’t kidding. Although this one is used in many ways, whether it be cooking, topical cream, or even a decongestant (by accident), you will see that even a pepper has health benefits. You just have to be very careful how it is used, how much of it is used, and if you have a skin or another sensitivity to it. It isn’t confirmed whether it’s safe for young children, or pregnant women, but it is FDA approved for the rest of us.
Category: HERBS
