DOMINION HERBAL COLLEGE

Capsicum frutescens: Perennial shrub to 2 m (6’) with woody trunk. Leaves various, usually elliptical up to 10 cm (4’’) long. Flowers white to yellowish in groups of 2 or 3 and followed by small, upright, fiery, green fruits that ripen to red.

Capsicum annuum: Herbaceous annual or biennial 60-75 cm (24-30’’) tall with simple ovate leaves, bell-shaped solitary white flowers are followed by hollow fruits up to 15 cm (6’’) long, which ripen to varying colours.

Capsicum microcarpum: Tender annual to 2 m (6’), with ovate to lanceolate leaves up to 3 cm (1¼ ’’) long with white flowers and very pungent, red, pea-sized fruit. Possibly the ancestor of the peppers.

The people native to the West Indies soak the pods in water, add sugar and the juice of sour oranges and drink freely in fevers. Capsicum has a wonderful place in inflammation. We have often been told that it would burn the lining of the stomach, and our medical, as well as lay friends, have at times shown fear at its use. We assure the student that the fear of Capsicum is unfounded. We have used it freely for over a quarter of a century, and therefore feel that our experience is worth more than the opinions of those who know nothing about it experimentally.

About forty years ago we were asked to send something for a lady whom we were told was suffering from pleurisy. After getting what little information we could, we decided to send some African Bird Pepper, as it was in the early hours of the morning and we were on the prairie and could not get at anything in the way of supplies. Being satisfied that there was inflammation, we ordered three number four capsules with the Cayenne to be given every hour until the pains ceased. We were suprised later to learn that the pains had ceased in two and a half hours and no other remedies of any kind had been used; the capsules having been taken in smaller doses after the pain eased. We were asked what was the wonderful remedy we had sent and when we told the husband of the patient he said, had they known what was in the capsules, he would not have given them. We do not of course, refer to this case to indicate Capsicum is a cure for pleurisy. We should have used other means as well, had the circumstances permitted. We mention it to show its use in inflammatory conditions.

It is useful in cramps, pains in the stomach and bowels, causing peristaltic action of parts previously contracted. In these latter cases, it would be well to give it in small doses in the form of warm infusion, from half to one teaspoon to a cup of boiling water.

In typhoid fever, in combination with hepatics and a little Golden Seal, it will sustain the portal circulation and give much more power to the hepatics used.

In colds, relaxed throat, cold conditions of the stomach, dyspepsia, spasms, palpitation, particularly in the acute stages, give a warm infusion of Capsicum in small repeat doses, about two teaspoons every half hour or more frequently if required.

A little Capsicum sprinkled in the shoes will greatly assist in cold feet. Some sprinkle in the socks. Don’t place too much in, however; you may find it too warm.

In hemorrhage from the lungs, place your patient in the vapour bath and give an infusion of Capsicum. The pressure will be taken from the ruptured vessels and good results obtained.

In quinsy and diphtheria, apply the tincture of Cayenne around the neck. Then place a flannel around the neck wet with the infusion of Cayenne and use the infusion internally at the same time freely.

A good liniment for sprains, bruises, rheumatism and neuralgia may be made as follows: