CAPSICUM ANNUUM VAR. ANNUUM
RED PEPPER
The red pepper is also known variously as bell pepper, sweet pepper, and capsicum. It is one of five different types (grossum type) of Capsicum annuum var. annuum; the peppers from which the spices cayenne and chili are produced are longum peppers.
USES
Peppers increase perspiration and therefore have a cooling effect on the body.
They may be effective in the treatment of varicose veins, asthma, and digestive complaints.
Peppers reduce sensitivity to pain by irritating the tissues and increasing blood supply to the affected area, which then effectively numbs the pain.
Cayenne acts as a tonic for those suffering from tiredness and cold. It can also induce a feeling of well-being. It is an expectorant and has been effective in treating catarrh and sinus problems.
PROPERTIES
Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C (a fresh green pepper contains 10 percent vitamin C)
All peppers also contribute small amounts of iron and vitamin A: the largest amounts of vitamin A are found in fresh red peppers, while paprika and chili powder are also very rich in this vitamin
Peppers are a good source of potassium, and have low levels of sodium and fiber
CAUTION
Pungent peppers, such as chili peppers, may cause skin irritation and painful inflammation when used in excess or when in contact with the eyes and broken skin. The seeds are particularly powerful. Strong peppers may also temporarily irritate the urinary system as the oils are excreted in urine.
CITRUS LIMON
LEMON
Lemons are the most widely grown acid species belonging to the citrus group of fruit. They rank third among all citrus fruit in tonnage produced, and have been used for generations for their therapeutic properties. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, and have a cleansing effect on the digestive system. They have a wide range of therapeutic properties, making them the mainstay of any good home remedy chest. The leaves and the whole fruit may be used, according to requirements.
USES
Blood purifier, improves the body’s ability to expel toxins; useful for skin problems like acne and boils
Rich in vitamins B and C
Antifungal
Antacid
Antiseptic
Aids digestion
One of the most powerful natural styptics; use on cuts and grazes to stop bleeding
Antibacterial and antiviral properties. Lemons are excellent for halting the progression of infections
PROPERTIES
The high potassium content of lemons will encourage the heart action, so lemons are a useful tonic for anyone with heart problems.
Lemons are a natural insecticide and will discourage mosquitoes and flies.
Drink fresh lemon juice (lemon in hot water will do) to cleanse the system. For a lemon drink, boil 3 sliced lemons in 1 pt. (600ml) water, until the liquid is reduced by half. Add honey to taste.
Drink lemon juice in hot or warm water first thing in the morning as a liver tonic.
Lemon juice taken in hot water will ease stomach acidity; when drunk before going to bed, it may help to relieve cramp and “restless legs” syndrome.
CITRUS PARADISI
GRAPEFRUIT
The grapefruit is an evergreen tree, Citrus paradisi, of the Rutaceae family, and its fruit is the largest of the commercially grown citrus fruit. Like all citrus fruit, grapefruit is rich in vitamin C and potassium. Pink grapefruit is rich in vitamin A, and acts as a natural antioxidant. Grapefruit is an excellent cleanser for the digestive and urinary systems, and the peel has many therapeutic properties.
USES
Eat grapefruit seeds to rid the body of worms.
Grapefruit pith and membranes lower cholesterol in the blood.
Drinking grapefruit juice can encourage healthy skin; used in the treatment of acne for its mild exfoliating properties.
Grapefruit juice cleanses the kidneys and helps to eliminate toxins from the body.
Aromatherapy massage with grapefruit oil is invigorating and uplifting, and may help to treat depression.
Local massage, with a few drops of essential oil blended in a carrier oil, will relieve the severity of a headache.
Drinking grapefruit juice with iron supplements or foods rich in iron increases the absorption of iron in the body.
Detoxifies the liver, and can ease chronic liver conditions. May help to reduce the severity of a hangover.
PROPERTIES
Grapefruit cleanses the digestive and urinary systems, and is therefore often recommended by naturopaths
Reduces appetite
Aids in the breakdown of fats in the body
Strengthens the respiratory system and aids respiration
Invigorating tonic
Relieves symptoms of colds and flu
May help in the treatment of osteoarthritis
CUCUMIS SATIVIS
CUCUMBER
The cucumber, Cucumis sativis, is a vine fruit that can be eaten fresh or pickled. A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, it is related to melons and squash. Cucumbers were native to northwestern India but have long been distributed throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa. Cucumber is a popular vegetable, which has been widely used in folk medicine to reduce heat and inflammation. It is a rich source of vitamin C, and can be used externally to cool and cleanse.
USES
Drink cucumber juice or eat fresh cucumber to soothe heartburn or to improve an acid stomach.
Drink 3–5fl. oz. (100–150ml) of cucumber juice every two hours for a gastric or duodenal ulcer.
For strained or inflamed eyes, place a slice of cucumber on each eyelid to reduce swelling and soothe.
Apply fresh cucumber or cucumber juice to sunburned skin to cool it down.
Ground dried cucumber seeds are used to treat tapeworm.
Cucumber juice, drunk daily, may help to control eczema, arthritis, and gout.
Skin conditions respond to cucumber. Include fresh cucumber in your diet as much as possible.
Cucumber juice acts as a kidney tonic.
Use cucumber ointment on inflammed skin.
Fresh cucumber juice, or the whole raw vegetable, is a mild diuretic and is cleansing. Use to treat lung and chest infections, and to bring down fever.
PROPERTIES
Diuretic
Cooling
Cleansing, particularly