Health & Life

The Cheap Superfruit: Nature’s Ultimate Healer

Chili peppers are not just a culinary staple, but also a precious ingredient in traditional medicine.

21 July, 2024

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In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chili peppers are believed to have a spicy and hot nature. They are associated with the Heart and Spleen meridians and are known for their ability to disperse cold, strengthen the spleen, and promote digestion. Folk medicine often utilizes chili peppers to treat abdominal pain caused by cold, poor digestion, and swollen joints.

According to Doctor Huynh Tan Vu from Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, chili peppers are also used in traditional medicine to disperse cold, strengthen the spleen, promote digestion, relieve pain, and inhibit cancerous growths. Many people use chili peppers to alleviate abdominal pain caused by cold, improve digestion, and treat joint pain. Additionally, they can be applied topically to treat snake and insect bites.

Modern medical research aligns with traditional medicine regarding the therapeutic effects of chili peppers. Chili peppers contain active compounds such as capsaicin, which is responsible for the red color and heat sensation associated with the spice. Capsaicin typically comprises 0.01-0.1% of the chili pepper’s composition and is produced when the fruit reaches maturity.

Capsaicin stimulates the brain to release endorphins, which are endogenous morphine-like substances. These endorphins possess pain-relieving properties and are particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic joint inflammation and cancer.

Chili peppers are also beneficial for heart health, as they contain compounds that improve blood circulation and prevent platelet aggregation, a common cause of cardiovascular incidents. Additionally, they help regulate high blood pressure.

Other health benefits attributed to chili peppers include improved cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, reduced risk of cardiovascular incidents, enhanced immune system function, relief from colds and headaches, reduced blood fat levels, and weight loss.

Nowadays, capsaicin extracted from chili peppers is commonly used in plasters or creams to provide effective pain relief for post-herpetic neuralgia.

Traditional Remedies Using Chili Peppers

Treatment for Hair Loss Due to Chemotherapy

Soak 100 grams of chili peppers in white alcohol for 10-20 days. Apply this alcoholic solution to the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Improving Appetite and Digestion in Cancer Patients

Mix 100 grams of chili peppers with 100 grams of black soybeans and grind them into a powder. Consume this powder daily.

Relieving Indigestion

Use chili peppers as a spice in daily cooking to aid digestion.

Treating Stomach Pain Caused by Cold

Mix 1-2 chili peppers with 20 grams of turmeric and consume this mixture two to three times a day in powder form.

Healing Eczema

Take a handful of fresh chili pepper leaves and mix them with a teaspoon of sour mash. Crush them together, wrap the mixture in a clean cloth, and apply it to the affected area after cleaning it with salt water.

Treating Cerebrovascular Accidents

Crush chili pepper leaves (preferably from the small-fruited variety) and add water and a pinch of salt. Strain the liquid and give it to the patient to drink. Apply the residue to the patient’s teeth to help them regain consciousness.

Snake and Insect Bites

Crush chili pepper leaves and apply them to the affected area. Bandage it and repeat the process once or twice a day until the pain subsides, usually within 2-3 hours.

Treating Psoriasis

Take a large handful of fresh, spicy chili pepper leaves (enough to fill your hand tightly) and roast them without burning. Shave one bowl’s worth of bamboo cane nodes, add 7-9 leaves of the herb known as “live forever,” and approximately 300 grams of dried ginger. Boil these ingredients in 2 liters of water and drink the infusion instead of tea. Consuming about three pots of this infusion is typically sufficient for healing.

Treating Boils

Crush chili pepper leaves with a small amount of salt and apply the mixture to the boil. This will help reduce pain and facilitate the release of pus, promoting faster healing.

Chronic Abdominal Pain

Take 10 grams each of chili pepper roots, lemon roots, and ginger roots. Roast them, boil them into a decoction, and consume this daily.

Relieving Back and Joint Pain

Take 15 ripe chili peppers, 3 papaya leaves, and 80 grams of chili pepper roots. Crush them and soak them in alcohol at a ratio of 1:2 to create a mixture for external application, which will aid in faster recovery.

Frequently asked questions

The superfruit referred to is the tamarind, a pod-like fruit native to Africa but now grown in many parts of the world. It has a unique, tangy flavor and is used in cuisines worldwide. Tamarind is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, offering potential health benefits such as improved digestion, boosted immunity, and reduced inflammation. Its high concentration of polyphenols and unique medicinal properties make it nature’s ultimate healer.

Tamarind is a natural laxative, easing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. It contains soluble fiber, which feeds the good bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, tamarind’s tartaric acid content helps balance the body’s pH levels, creating a healthier gut environment.

Tamarind is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system and protect the body against diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Regular consumption of tamarind may thus enhance overall immunity and protect against infections and diseases.

Yes, tamarind has been linked to a range of additional health benefits. These include improved heart health due to its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, enhanced eye health from its vitamin A content, and potential weight loss support through its ability to regulate blood sugar and curb cravings.

You can easily add tamarind to your diet in a variety of ways. Fresh tamarind can be eaten as a snack or used in salads. Tamarind paste or concentrate is commonly used in cooking, adding a tangy flavor to dishes. It’s also available as a juice or in supplement form, such as capsules or extracts. You can find tamarind products in specialty stores or online.