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Herbs as Medicine


Reviewed By: Timothy Yarboro, M.D.

Capsicum: More commonly known as red pepper, it has properties that help relieve pain. If you apply capsicum externally it will redden your skin and cause an anti-pain effect. Capsicum has been used for relief of chronic pain after surgery and for conditions such as shingles, diabetic nerve pain or trigeminal neuralgia (a nerve disorder that causes episodes of intense facial pain).

Taken internally, capsicum has been shown to help various conditions of the gastrointestinal system. There are unproven claims that capsicum can help your blood clot and lower your cholesterol level.

Because of hot pepper's pungency, it is advised that you wash your hands thoroughly after applying it to your skin to remove any residue. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. It will cause excruciating pain. Also be mindful of your children and keep them away from areas of your body where the capsicum has been applied.

Cinnamon: Some research concludes that this popular spice may help lower blood sugar, which could have a minor benefit for the millions of people who have diabetes or prediabetes. The NIH is conducting clinical trials to examine this effect.

Cranberry: Some research has found that regular consumption of cranberry juice or other cranberry products may lower the risk of urinary tract infections. However, people who have an infection should seek medical care and not try to cure it by consuming cranberry products, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) cautions.

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