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Author Anecdotes
The Mysterious Case of the Vari-Ghost Vein
It materialized one day when I was only eight years old, and has haunted me ever since. A varicose vein is like having a permanent bruise; it always hurts when pressed on or bumped, and sometimes it swells up and feels like it’s going to burst.
The testimonies I read when researching this article were fascinating, but I must admit that I was a little skeptical–it was hard to believe that something so simple as cayenne could bring about such sudden changes to persistent problems. I really wanted to believe in the things I was writing, so I decided to try the stuff myself.
After only two days of taking cayenne capsules, I noticed, quite by accident, that my leg no longer felt bruised. I gingerly pressed my fingers on the familiar weak place, and to my astonishment, there was no pain. When I looked for the familiar swollen blue worm, I found instead, a thin blue line.
No, it’s not completely healed, but neither is it the ugly vulnerable spot that it used to be. I’m reconsidering my forsaken career as a leg model, and even if that doesn’t work out, hey, I’m only 33, I’m too young to have varicose veins. But best of all, it’s a great relief not to be afraid anymore of legs that go bump in the night. –Kellye Hunter
The Toastie Tootsie Tale
When I first thought of writing an article story on the healing powers of peppers, it did not occur to me that I might benefit from them also. But the more I read about what cayenne could do, the more curious I became. And, well, I did have a slight problem that could use some improvement. Actually, a lot of improvement. The truth of the matter is that I have extraordinarily poor circulation. Not a big deal, unless those frigid footsies happen to touch you in the night. My loving husband still agreed to marry me despite the fact that I would probably wear wool socks to bed, winter and summer alike, for the next 106 years or so.
And then there was cayenne pepper. For the last month I have been taking the capsules and am happy to report that I have been virtually sockless since. My hands and feet really have warmed up. And I seem to have more energy, too. And since we don’t have any children yet, I’m a little worried to take any more cayenne–you never know what might happen! –Melissa T. Stock
In Part 2 of “The Healing Powers of Peppers,” Melissa T. Stock and Kellye Hunter investigate the use of capsaicin in combating pain, treating colds, and alleviating the conditions of certain cancer patients. Also, a bibliography of resources for the two-part series is included.
Melissa T. Stock and Kellye Hunter are former editors of Chile Pepper Magazine, and are now working for Fiery Foods, the official magazine of the National Fiery Foods Show, and Sunbelt Shows. This article was nominated for a 1996 James Beard journalism award for magazine writing on health and nutrition. Together with Dave DeWitt, they are currently working on a book titled The Healing Powers of Peppers, which will be published by Clarkson/Potter.
The following are cayenne pepper recipes for an assortment of ailments. Please consult a physician before you discontinue any medicines you are currently using, or have any serious health concerns or conditions.
A Spicy Remedy for Bruises
From Michael Castleman’s The Healing Herbs, this is an alternative to menthol or other warming oils designed to help bruising.
1 cup vegetable oil, warmed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
Mix the cayenne into the oil. One day after the initial injury, (the first day apply ice), gently rub the oil onto the affected area several times a day until the bruise clears. However, make sure you do not apply this to an area with broken skin.
Capsicum Cold Remedy and Tonic
Dr. J. Michael Queen swears by this remedy’s astringent, mucous-reducing and general stimulating qualities. Use this regularly as a tonic for general health, or specifically to treat cold symptoms. Increase the amount of cayenne as your tolerance increases–use enough to feel the heat, but not be in pain.
1 inch-long piece of ginger root
1 1/4 cups very hot (not boiling) water
1 round tablespoon lavender flower
Frozen lemonade concentrate, to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Mash the ginger root in a garlic press, then place the juice and pulp into a small glass bowl. Add the hot water and lavender, and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain the liquid into a cup, then add the lemonade concentrate and cayenne. Drink the entire mixture.
Hot Cayenne Tea
Andy Householder, the Owner of Hi-Co Western Products prescribes the following hot tea for a cold that won’t go away.
1 quart of water
1 teaspoon cayenne powder
2 regular bouillon cubes
Place the water into a medium-sized sauce pan. Heat the water until boiling, then stir in the cayenne and bouillon cubes. Mix until thoroughly dissolved then cool until the broth is not too hot to drink. Drink as much as you can and repeat until all of the broth, or your cold symptoms are gone.
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