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Jalapeno peppers for prostate cancer? |
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By John Davies
A new study has suggested that one of the oldest most used herbs may be of benefit in the treatment of Prostate cancer.
According to a report in the March 15 2006 issue of Cancer Research capsaicin a chemical found in chilly peppers and considered to be the active ingredient in Cayenne was reported to cause prostate cancers cells to self destruct in both Petri dishes and mice.
In addition, capsaicin also was effective against leukemia, and might be effective in slowing or preventing the growth of other cancers as well.
In traditional western herbal medicine Cayenne is considered to be the most useful of the systemic stimulants. It regulates the blood flow, equalizing and strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves.
According to the principles of Chinese herbal medicine Cayenne is in the class of herbs that Warm the interior and expel cold. They are considered to be Yang stimulants. These herbs are able to generate internal warmth and are important in the treatment of functional deficiencies often in the digestive or circulatory systems. Other examples of herbs from this class include Aconite, Cinnamon, Dried Ginger and Evodia Fruit.
Yang stimulants are usually used when a rapid result is required. They can raise blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and reduce reaction time. They are often used in critical conditions, such as shock, heart attack or renal failure.
For example in western herbalism Cayenne has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. One case we heard of,a 90-year-old man in Oregon had a severe heart attack, his daughter was able to get Cayenne extract into his mouth. He was pronounced dead by the medics, but within a few minutes, he regained consciousness. On the way to the hospital, he remained in a semi-conscious state, but the daughter kept giving him the Cayenne extract. By the time they got to the hospital, he had fully recovered and wanted to go home and mow the lawn. The doctor asked what she had given him, as he said it was the closest thing to a miracle he had ever seen.
According to Dr. Richard Anderson, using cayenne and hawthorn berries together has a most incredible effect upon the heart. He believes that a regimen of cayenne and hawthorn berries for several months will greatly strengthen the heart, and possibly prevent heart attacks. He states further that if an attack were to occur in someone who had followed this regimen, chances are very good that no damage would occur.
These herbs are very Pungent and Hot they can cause problems if used when cold is not present or damage the body fluids if used too much.
Sometimes there is an overlap or confusion with the category of Yang tonics.
In Chinese medicine the yang tonics are sweet and warm. They can warm and promote function of the organs in a more gentle and safer manner. These are the preferred herbs in the treatment of chronic organ dysfunction. Some examples are Deer Antler, Cordyceps and Yin Yang Huo. These herbs can strengthen their organs and muscles, improve the reproductive system, the digestive system and immune system.
Some examples of herbs that overlap as stimulants and tonics are cinnamon, fenugreek seed and perhaps cayenne.
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