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November/December 2003 Alternative Health
Gypsy Cures and the Wise Woman Way

It’s getting a little cooler out there now. Let’s warm up with a little Cayenne Pepper, or Capsicum annuum. Its name comes from the Greek work kapto, meaning I Bite! But because it is an antispasmodic as well as a stimulant, it is known to be intensely helpful in treating heart attacks. Most naturopathic physicians carry a cayenne tincture in their medical kit at all times. In Mexico it is frequently used as a seasoning because of its antibacterial qualities. I will never forget when I was In Hawaii as a student of massage I came down with a terrible sinus infection. My Instructor gave me cayenne water to drink three times a day and within two days I was completely cured! Cayenne is a potent stimulant and increases blood flow throughout the body making it an excellent remedy for colds and flu. As your circulation becomes more stimulated, you will notice a tendency to perspire, literally forcing the bacteria out of your system.

Cayenne is fairly hearty and easy to grow. Just put the little plants out in partial sun and keep them watered. As your peppers ripen you can tie them together on a long string and hang them in your kitchen for a nice decoration as they dry. When dry, you can use them one at a time as a seasoning or as a medicine. Just remove the seeds, chop the skins up in the blender and sprinkle a little of the powder in your chili or rice dishes , or mix with water and make a very dilute solution of pepper water and drink at the onset of any cold or flu.

A word of caution must be given about handling these hot peppers, once you touch them you need to scrub your hands so as not to rub them in your eyes or on delicate skin tissue. Also when you chop them in a blender, DO NOT BREATHE IN THE POWDER! Let the dust settle before you open the lid.

I hope you know by now that Sage is not just for stuffing a turkey. Salvia Officinalis takes its name from the Latin, meaning "to be well, "or "to save". Sage is considered a cure-all, especially for throat and lung disorders. It is a remarkable remedy for the mind and is known as a memory enhancing Herb. The elderly would benefit very well from a cup of sage tea twice a day to keep the mind and memory sharp. Sage tea is also a wonder for all digestive ailments including obesity. The Bedouins were known to scrub their teeth with a sage leaf every day to remove stains and keep the gums in good health.

Sage likes the sun and a little bit drier conditions; however it is hearty in the Herb garden and pest resistant. You can place your leaves flat, in a basket, place them in a well ventilated moderately sunny, window and use them all winter long as needed for teas, (one teaspoon per cup of water.) Use for seasoning turkey stuffing, or savory broths, and soups. Use for a gargle with warm water for a sore throat. Trying to loose a few pounds? Try adding to your water bottle some sage and fennel water, it will help. Just make a tonic by putting water in the sun for several hours with sage and fennel leaves, or pour hot, not boiling water over the leaves and let it steep just for an hour. You will have a lovely, gentle weight loss tonic.

For colds, sore throats and an overall tonic, as well as some of the most savory dishes in the northwest, these two herbs take the prize!!

All My Relations,
Catherine Warner