Herbs for First Aid [part 2]

Cayenne (Capsicum Spp.)




Various chili species are used medicinally, including C. frutescens and the hot pepper used in cooking, C. annuum. Cayenne became extremely popular in the 19th century with the Physiomedicalists, a group of traditional healers who lived in New England. The herb increases perspiration and was used in the "sweating" treatments favored by the Physiomedicalists, which were based on the Native American tradition of sweat lodges.

Actions: Antiseptic, antibacterial, carminative, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, gastric stimulant; topically: counterirritant, rubefacient.


Uses: Many Western herbalists still add cayenne to mixtures for treating "cold" complaints such as arthritis, digestive weakness and general debility, and the herb is regarded as a useful stimulant for
both the digestion and circulation. Externally, cayenne ointments can be used to encourage blood flow and may be helpful for treating chilblains, lumbago, muscle pain, the pain of shingles, and nerve pains like neuralgia. It can be made into a hot infused oil (use about 2 tablespoons of dried chili to 1 quart of sunflower oil) that can be used directly as a lotion or thickened with beeswax to make an ointment.


Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita/Chamaemelum Nobile) 

Both German chamomile (M. recutita) and its relative, Roman chamomile (C. nobile), are among the most widely used of medicinal herbs. Their actions are very similar, although Roman chamomile has a slightly more bitter taste and German chamomile is somewhat more effective as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. While herbalists may have their individual favorites, the plants are extremely close in action and can be regarded as interchangeable in lay use.


Description: Sweetly scented annual, biennial, or perennial plant with many branched stems and finely divided leaves. Flowers are daisylike.

Parts used: Flowers, essential oil.
Actions: Anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, bitter, carminative, sedative.
 

Uses: Both types of chamomile can be taken internally in teas for nervous stomach upsets, nausea, or insomnia, and they can be made into creams for external use on eczema, wounds, diaper rash, sore nipples, and piles. The infusion can also be used as a steam inhalation for catarrh, sinus problems, and to help control mild asthma attacks.

Chamomile is also used in homeopathy. Chamomilla 3x pellets and drops make a valuable standby for babies to treat both colic and teething. It is one of the safest herbs for children and babies; weak infusions (one-quarter to one-half normal strength depending on