Solanaceae

Names: Capsicum, Chili or Chili Pepper, Hot Pepper, Tabasco Pepper.

Habitat: Tropical America and Africa and widely cultivated.

Collection: The fruit should be harvested when fully ripe and dried in the shade.


Part Used: The fruit.

Constituents:

• Capsaicin.

• Carotenoids; capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene.

• Steroidal saponins known as capsicidins, in seed and root.
  

Indications: Cayenne is the most useful of the systemic stimulants. Its timulates blood flow, strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. A general tonic, it is also specific for both circulatory and digestive system. It may be used in flatulent dyspepsia and colic. If there is insufficient peripheral circulation, leading to cold hands and feet and possibly chilblains, Cayenne may be used, also for debility and for warding off colds. Externally it is used as a rubefacient in problems like lumbago and rheumatic pains. As an ointment it helps unbroken chilblains, as long as it is used in moderation! As a gargle in laryngitis it combines well with Myrrh. This combination is also a good antiseptic wash.

King’s Dispensatory describes it thus: Capsicum is a pure, energetic, permanent stimulant, producing in large doses vomiting, purging, pains in the stomach and bowels, heat and inflammation of the stomach, giddiness, a species of intoxication and an enfeebled condition of the nervous power. The infusionis much used in colds, catarrh, hoarseness, etc. In atonicdyspepsia and catarrhal gastritis it stimulates the nerves of the stomach, promotes the secretion of the digestive juices, and assists peristaltic motion. As an internal remedy some have advanced the theory that it is destroyed during digestion. Perhaps, when ingested with food, this may be partially true, but, if so, how do we account for its remarkable activity in sustaining the nervous system when given in delirium tremens and the power it has in steadying the patient and promoting sound sleep? That its effects are partly due to its stimulating action upon the gastric membranes is unquestionable, but its entire effects can not be due to this cause alone. The same may be said of its action in congestive intermittent and remittent fevers. Some thought to attribute its action in congestive chill to its effect upon the solar plexus. It forms an excellent addition to quinine in intermittents, where there is a deficiency of gastric susceptibility and it has been asserted that but 1/2 the quinine will be needed when combined with Capsicum.

Capsicum meets the debility of young and old, but is particularly useful in the elderly, when the body-heat is low, vitality depressed and reaction sluggish. Tired, painful muscles, stiffened joints and relaxation of any part are common conditions in the elderly that are, in a measure, rectified by Capsicum. Homeopathists suggest its use in pneumonia when abscesses threaten. Flatulence in dyspeptic states may be dispelled by capsicum.

Externally, the infusion and tincture have been found valuable as astimulating gargle in the ulcerated throat of scarlatina; also as a counter-irritant, as an application to indolent ulcers, in chronic ophthalmia and in chronic or indolent ulceration of the cornea. If usedearly in tonsillitis, with relaxation, it may abort the trouble, but ifit does not, its use should be discontinued until the active inflammation has subsided. Hoarseness, from atony of the vocal cords, is relieved by it, and it is a remedy for relaxed uvula. It enters into various tinctures and linaments. The concentrated tincture of capsicum has been highly recommended in the treatment of chilblains and toothache. In the former, a piece of sponge of flannel must be saturated with it, and rubbed well over the seat of the chilblain, until a strong tingling and electrical feeling is produced.This application should be continued daily, until the disease is removed; relief will be experienced on the very first application and frequently there will be a total removal of the disease after the second or third application. This, however, will depend upon the severity of the case.

Powdered Capsicum, sprinkled inside the stockings, was a favorite prescription with Prof. Scudder for cold feet. This medicine possesses an extraordinary power in removing congestion by its action upon the nerves and circulation; if the skin is not broken.

Specific Indications and uses; – Marked depression and debility; atonic dyspepsia of drunkards; delirium tremens; colic, with abdominal distension; congestive chills; cold extremities, with blanched lips and small, weak pulse; congestion, with capillary atony; tongue dry and harsh, and buccal and salivary secretions scanty, in fevers; chronic haemorrhoids, from relaxation.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1/2-1 teaspoonful of Cayenne and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. A tablespoonful of this infusion should be mixed with hot water and drunk when needed.

Tincture: take 0.25-1 ml of the tincture three times a day or when needed.

Citations from the Medline database for the genus Capsicum

CayenneBuzzanca G Laterza S [Clinical trial with an antirheumatic ointment]

Clin Ter 1977 Oct 15;83(1):71-83 (Published in Italian)Coleridge HM Coleridge JC Luck JC Pulmonary afferent fibres of small diameter stimulated by capsaicin and byhyperinflation of the lungs.

J Physiol (Lond) 1965 Jul;179(2):248-62Collier HO McDonald-Gibson WJ Saeed SA Letter: Stimulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis by capsaicin, ethanol, andtyramine.

Lancet 1975 Mar 22;1(7908):702de Smet PA A multidisciplinary overview of intoxicating snuff rituals in the western hemisphere.

J Ethnopharmacol 1985 Mar;13(1):3-49Desai HG Venugopalan K Philipose M Zaveri MP Kalro RH Antia FP Effect of red chilli powder on gastric mucosal barrier and acidsecretion.

Indian J Med Res 1977 Sep;66(3):440-8Escobar CH [Relationship between habitual consumption of chile and the presence of submucous fibrosis]

Rev ADM 1988 Nov-Dec;45(6):369-72 (Published in Spanish)Gabor M Endrenyi F [Changes in capillary resistance in inflammation caused by red paprika (Capsicum annum L. Solanaceae)]

Orv Hetil 1970 Aug 2;111(31):1818-9 (Published in Hungarian)Gill E [Percutaneous treatment of functional and organic cardialgia]

Med Welt 1974 Dec 13;25(50):2127-9 (Published in German)Glatzel H [Treatment of dyspeptic disorders with spice extracts]

Hippokrates 1969 Dec 15;40(23):916-9 (Published in German)Glatzel H [Blood circulation effectiveness of natural spices]

Med Klin 1967 Dec 22;62(51):1987-9 (Published in German)Glatzel H [Spice therapy of dyspeptic disorders. Experiences with a combination of spice extracts]

Z Allgemeinmed 1973 Oct 31;49(30):1456-60 (Published in German)Glatzel H Hackenberg K [Radiologic studies on the effect of capsicum spice and mustard on the motility and secretion of the digestive tract]

Dtsch Z Verdau Stoffwechselkr 1966 Dec;26(3):113-21(Published in German)Glatzel H Ruberg-Schweer M [Modification of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis by common spices]

Med Klin 1967 Jul 14;62(28):1086-8 (Published in German)Glatzel H Ruberg-Schweer M Regional influence on cutaneous blood flow effected by oral spice intake.

Nutr Dieta Eur Rev Nutr Diet 1968;10(3):194-214Govindarajan VS Capsicum–production, technology, chemistry, and quality. Part III.Chemistry of the color, aroma, and pungency stimuli.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1986;24(3):245-355Hartwell JL Plants used against cancer. A survey.

Lloydia 1971 Jun;34(2):204-55Henkin R Cooling the burn from hot peppers.

JAMA 1991 Nov 20;266(19):2766Henry CJ Emery B Effect of spiced food on metabolic rate.

Hum Nutr Clin Nutr 1986 Mar;40(2):165-8Horowitz M Wishart J Maddox A Russo A The effect of chilli on gastrointestinal transit.

J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1992 Jan-Feb;7(1):52-6Hot peppers and substance P [editorial]Lancet 1983 May 28;1(8335):1198Jancso N Jancso-Gabor A Szolcsanyi J Direct evidence for neurogenic inflammation and its prevention bydenervation and by pretreatment with capsaicin.

Br J Pharmacol 1967 Sep;31(1):138-51Johnson LP Girma B Zenabett HL Wondemu M Worku S The effect of red pepper on gastric secretion in Ethiopia.

Ethiop Med J 1978 Jul;16(3):111-3 Ketusinh O Dhorranintra B Juengjaroen K Influence of capsicum solution on gastric acidities. A preliminary report.

Am J Proctol 1966 Dec;17(6):511-5Klemm C [Clinical experiences with an anti-rheumatic ointment treatment (Exrheudon-ointment)]

Z Allgemeinmed 1973 Aug 10;49(22):1049-52 (Published in German)Kumar N Vij JC Sarin SK Anand BS Do chillies influence healing of duodenal ulcer?

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1984 Jun 16;288(6433):1803-4Lawless H Stevens DA Effects of oral chemical irritation on taste.

Physiol Behav 1984 Jun;32(6):995-8Lembeck F Columbus, Capsicum and capsaicin: past, present and future.

Acta Physiol Hung 1987;69(3-4):265-73Makara GB Stark E Mihaly K Sites at which formalin and capsaicin act to stimulate corticotropin secretion.

Can J Physiol Pharmacol 1967 Jul;45(4):669-74Meyer-Bahlburg HF Pilot studies on stimulant effects of capsicum spices.

Nutr Metab 1972;14(4):245-54Myers
BM Smith JL Graham DY Effect of red pepper and black pepper on the stomach.

Am J Gastroenterol 1987 Mar;82(3):211-4Ogston D Nutritional influences on the fibrinolytic system.

Proc Nutr Soc 1985 Sep;44(3):379-84Rozin P Ebert L Schull J Some like it hot: a temporal analysis of hedonic responses to chilipepper.

Appetite 1982 Mar;3(1):13-22Saber MS
Antimicrobial substances in certain members of Solanaceae. IV. Detection of active principles in pepper plant.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Parasitenkd Infektionskr Hyg 1976;131(2):110-2Solanke TF The effect of red pepper (Capsicum frutescens) on gastric acidsecretion.

J Surg Res 1973 Dec;15(6):385-90Sreenivasan VR Boese RA Identification of lachrymators.

J Forensic Sci 1970
Jul;15(3):433-42Viranuvatti V Kalayasiri C Chearani O Plengvanit U Effects of capsicum solution on human gastric mucosa as observed gastroscopically.

Am J Gastroenterol 1972 Sep;58(3):225-32Visudhiphan S Poolsuppasit S Piboonnukarintr O Tumliang S The relationship between high fibrinolytic activity and daily capsicum ingestion in Thais.

Am J Clin Nutr 1982 Jun;35(6):1452-8
Wasantapruek S Poolsuppasit S Pibolnukarintr O Letter: Enhanced fibriolytic activity after capsicum ingestion.

N Engl J Med 1974 May 30;290(22):1259-60Webb-Peploe MM Brender D Shepherd JT Vascular responses to stimulation of receptors in muscle by capsaicin.

Am J Physiol 1972 Jan;222(1):189-95

Part Used : Rhizome and root.

Constituents :
Active constituents largely unknown, however it is known to contain:

• Volatile oil with esters of cinnamic acid, methoxycinnamic
  acid and dimethoxycinnamic acid
  
• Saponins
  
• Mannitol, dextrose, tannin etc.

Actions :
Cholagogue, hepatic, laxative, diaphoretic, anti-spasmodic.

Indications : Black Root is used as a reliever of liver congestion
and for an inflamed gall-bladder (cholecystitis). When jaundice is due to liver congestion, also use Black Root, as it will help
whenever there is any sign of liver problems. Chronic constipation can often be due to aliver dysfunction, in which case this
herb is also ideal.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a “mild relaxing hepatic for torpid and congestive conditions, influencing
the liver assisting the secretion of bile. It also cleanses the alimentary tract of viscid mucus and stimulates peristalsis” They give the following
specific indications :hepatitis, cholecystitis, chronic hepatic torpor, non-obstructive jaundice, to clear the
bowels in febrile states, haemorrhoids and skin eruptions.

Ellingwood considered it specific for ”
malaise from malarial influence, great lassitude and torpor, gloominess or mental despondency.” He states that it “has no superior and
is certainly under-estimated”. In addition he recommends it for the following pathologies :malarial conditions, to tone the
gastro-intestinal canal andstimulate the glandular organs, jaundice.

Kings Dispensatory describes its specific
indications and uses as “Drowsiness, dizziness, and mental depression, with tenderness and heavy pain in the hepatic region, the tongue is
coated markedly white, the skin is yellow, there is a bitter taste, cold extremities, nausea and dull frontal headache; thirst, with inability to drink;
restlessness, with insomnia; diarrhea, with half-digested passages, or clay-colored evacuations; enfeebled portal circulation, with lassitude and
gloomy and depressed mental state.”

Combinations : Black Root will combine well with Barberry and Dandelion Rt. For
hemorrhoids combine with Stone Root

Preparations & Dosage : Decoction: put l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb in a
cup of cold water and bring to the boil. Simmer for l0 minutes. Take one cup three times a day. Tincture: take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a
day.

The herb (and spice) cayenne is the ripe fruits (called peppers) of a blend
of varieties of Capsicum annuum var. minimum and small-fruited
varieties of C. fructescens from the nightshade family.

History of Use

The origins of this herb, now used as food and medicine in most countries
of the world, is uncertain. Cayenne was not mentioned in writings from ancient Egypt (1500 BC), Greece (455 BC to 50 BC), Rome (25 BC to 150 AD), Persia (13th century), India and China, so historians claim Cayenne peppers originated from the Americas, most likely from the banks of the Amazon. It is impossible for modern botanists to say where cayenne grew in some ancient time as a wild plant, because it has been domesticated and widely cultivated for so many centuries. Thus, we are content today to enjoy its fruits without being sure of its true origin and much of its history, though it is likely that
cayenne went to India and China as early as the 14th or 15th century, and
began to be cultivated in Europe in the 16th century.

Today, cayenne is as popular as ever as a food, and modern science has continued to support its use as a healing herb with a number of well-designed clinical and laboratory studies. It’s world-wide acceptance as an effective medicine is supported by ts official status in the Pharmacopoeias of Austria, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Switzerland and Belgium.

Popular and Folk Uses

As anyone knows who has eaten a very spicy meal at a Thai or Mexican restaurant, Capsicum at first causes a strong burning sensation of the lips and mouth, followed by a sense of warmth spreading to the stomach and intestines.

Casein-containing foods (such as milk) can quickly lessen the burning feeling
of cayenne on the lips and mouth, probably because the heat-producing compounds of cayenne are fat-soluble and are taken up and removed from the local area.

Not only do people of warm climates love cayenne in spicy dishes, but as
a folk remedy for weak digestion and loss of appetite accompanied by gas
and sluggish elimination, and as a stimulant to the circulation and the
powers of resistance to help ward of colds and flus.

Cayenne is a favorite with herbalists from many countries, and in the U.S.,
it was the “number two” favorite remedy of Samuel Thompson of
the early 1800s, who started a popular herbal multi-level marketing extravaganza with his patent formulas–sort of a 19th century Herbal Life. He used it especially for helping to ward off and even expel the contagion of serious infectious diseases. It was also a favorite of the well-known Dr. Christopher, a Mormon herbalist who traversed the country in the 1960s and 70s, helping to bring herbal medicine back into American consciousness. In the late 70s, I remember watching him in a dynamic Seattle lecture, to the amazement of onlookers, put cayenne directly into his eyes as a healing and clearing remedy (don’t try this at home folks!). He was enthusiastic about its use for numerous complaints, including as a styptic to help stop the bleeding
of cuts.

Today, cayenne is one of the most-often used herbal remedies and is commonly recommended by herbalists for increasing circulation in people with cold hands and feet, as a metabolic stimulant for people with sluggish metabolisms who are overweight, as a warming stimulant with other herbs such as garlic and ginger for protecting against colds and upper respiratory tract infections, and externally as a liniment or in ointments for sore muscles, arthritis, rheumatism, low back pain, strains, sprains, bruises and neuralgia.

Scientific Investigations and Medical Uses

The most important active ingredient in cayenne are components of a pungent oleoresin, most importantly, capsaicin, but also a number of other related compounds. Capsaicin Cayenne is also rich in carotenoids (orange and red coloring compounds), which are receiving current interest for their cancer-protective and strong anti-oxidant properties, as well as a number of vitamins (especially A and C).

There has been some discussion about whether cayenne, if it is used excessively, can irritate or even cause ulceration of the intestinal tract. In reviewing the modern scientific literature, studies agree that cayenne not only does not harm the intestinal mucosa (the protective covering), but on the contrary, can speed healing–though some people seem to be more sensitive to the irritating effect than others. In one study, daily consumption of meals containing 3 grams of chili powder did not worsen patients with duodenal ulcers who were also taking antacids. A recent study, using a video camera threaded into the digestive tract, found no visible damage to the mucosa of the stomach or upper small intestine of 12 healthy volunteers who consumed 30 grams of jalapeno peppers. When the subjects were given a meal containing 2 grams of aspirin, multiple gastric ulcers were seen in 11 out of the 12.

In animal studies, cayenne has actually shown a protective effect on the
gastric mucosa, prompting some researchers to call for further human studies.

One of the more interesting effects of cayenne (or capsaicin) is its proven
enhancement of the metabolic rate and thermogenesis. Preliminary studies
suggest that capsaicin or cayenne may increase the burning of fat in the
body.

There is also an indication from laboratory studies that capsaicin can slow
fat absorption from the small intestine. Although more work needs to be
done before its effectiveness in weight loss programs can be proven, products are currently being developed and a few are already available in health food stores.

Capsaicin has received tremendous attention as a topical analgesic for relieving the pain that often accompanies herpes zoster (shingles) outbreaks and other skin ailments. Capsaicin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication and is commonly recommended by doctors under the trade name ZostrixÆ for this purpose, as well as for controlling pain from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Studies show that capsaicin may block the feeling of pain by depleting and then blocking the production of “substance P,” which is thought to be the main chemical messenger of pain from the peripheral sensory nerves to the brain. It may also be involved with the release of inflammatory substances in affected joints of arthritis.

Because capsaicin is very alcohol-soluble, tincture of cayenne may be effective as a home-remedy for the relief of mild pain. Although I recommend seeking the advice of a qualified health professional for shingles or arthritis
before attempting to self-medicate with cayenne, I have found the tincture,
or ointments or salves that contain it are often effective for relieving
mild to moderate muscle aches or pains. The preparations should be applied
consistently at least 3 or 4 times daily (up to 5 or 6 times) for up to
2 weeks, or even a month before they are effective. After 4 or 5 months
of pain relief, up to 50% of the people who use a capsaicin product may
not experience further pain. For those that do, treatment can be continued.
A few drops of a tincture of cayenne was recommended in the British 19th
century medical press as a sure remedy for a toothache.

Redness and a burning sensation sometimes accompanies the application, but this usually disappears after two or three weeks. After control of the pain
is achieved, the cayenne preparation has to be used continuously for continued relief to occur. Clinical studies indicate that up to 80% of the volunteers who use a capsaicin cream experience some measure of relief, which is significantly better than placebo groups. Watch for any irritation or redness of the skin locally, which might indicate an individual sensitivity to cayenne, and make sure to keep all cayenne and capsaicin preparations away from the eyes. In this case, use less often or consult a qualified health care practitioner for guidance. Unlike mustard, which can blister and burn the skin, cayenne, even in its most powerful forms will not cause these undesirable side-effects. Finally, there is some recent evidence to suggest that capsaicin-containing preparations may be useful for treating psoriasis.

In the food industry, cayenne is used in numerous foods and beverages besides hot sauces and condiments, including alcoholic beverages, meat products, candy, baked goods, puddings, and frozen dairy desserts (cayenne ice-cream anyone?).

The next time you enjoy a spicy Thai dinner, think of all the additional
benefits from mother nature’s food pharmacy that accompany the warm glow
of a satisfying meal.

References Consulted

Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia (3oth ed., 1993).

The Physician’s Desk Reference (47th ed., 1993).

Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations, 1988.

Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, 1980.

United States Pharmacopeia, Complete Drug Reference, 1993.

A Modern Herbal (Grieve), 1930.

• Take tonics regularly for at least 3 months, on up to 9 months (a usual
  course for moderate deficiencies) or even for years with chronic or severe
  deficiencies (AIDS).
  
• Tonics are not suitable for people with excess conditions, such as robust
  individuals who have a stimulating diet with atherosclerosis.
  
• Tonics are warming, so excess amounts must be avoided during the acute
  phases of pathological heat-type infections–or use sparingly with cool,
  heat-clearing herbs, such as oregon grape root.
  
• Tonics are often sticky and moistening (rehmannia), so they should be
  used cautiously with damp, stagnant spleen conditions (add aromatic, pungent
  herbs like atractylodes or ginger to counteract this tendency) and with
  overweight people.
  

Shu di huang   rehmannia rt           ht, liv, ki    fatigue, poor sleep, chronic fatigue,

               (prepared)                            infertility, impotence

He shou wu     Polygonum              liv, ki        weak heart, palpitations, involuntary

               multiflorum rt                        seminal emission

Dang gui       Angelica sinensis rt   ht, liv, sp    menstual imbalances, infertility,

                                                     constipation during menstruation,

                                                     menstrual pain

Bai shao*      Peonia alba rt         liv            pain, excessive menstual bleeding

**P.

                                                     californica avail. Santa Lucia mts.,

                                                     south; P. alba is a common ornamental

Gou qi zi      Lycium fr              liv, ki        increases production of sperm and

                                                     blood, supports vision

Nettles lf*                           liv, ki        prostatitis, fatigue, poor sperm

                                                     production, scanty menstrual flow

Yellow                                   liv, li        constipation, poor fat digestion, low

dock

root*                                           hematocrit during pregnancy

Spirulina*                            liv, ki, ht    low hematocrit, protein deficiency in

                                                     vegetarians, low sperm count

Sea                                   ki, ht, liv    slow metabolism, overweight,

vegetation*                                          neurasthenia, weakness due to anemia

Ren shen      ginseng rt             lu, sp        fatigue, poor appetite, poor digestion,

                                                   heart palpitations, low sex drive,

                                                   impotence, infertility

Dang shen*    codonopsis rt          lu, sp        painful digestion, weakness, fatigue, low

                                                   semen production, low appetite

Bellflower*   Campanula sp.          lu, sp        American species with large, sweet roots

                                                   may be a substitute for codonopsis

Tai zhi shen  Pseudostellaria rt     sp, lu        improves digestion, low appetite, mental

                                                   fatigue, neurasthenia

Huang qi*     Astragalus rt          sp, lu        cancer, cysts, weakness, diarrhea, poor

                                                   appetite with fatigue

Shan yao      Dioscorea rt           sp, lu        poor appetite, digestion, diarrhea with

                                                   weakness, cough with weakness, seminal

                                                   emission, frequent urination with weakness

Bai shu       Atractylodis alba rt   sp, st        diarrhea, poor digestion, fatigue, low

                                                   appetite, mental fatigue, water retention,

                                                   nausea, fetal restlessness

Da zao*       Zizypus fr             sp            harmonizes other herbs, poor appetite,

                                                   digestion, anxiety, sleeplessness **red

                                                   Chinese dates can be grown

Gan cao*      licorice rt            all 12        pathogenic heat, ulcers, controls cough,

                                                   swellings, boils, palpitations, toxicity

                                                   during pregnancy **Glycyrrhiza lepidota is

                                                   wild American sp.

Huang jing    Polygonatum rz         sp, lu        strengthens sperm, debility, weakness, dry

                                                   cough, thirst**P. pubescens common

                                                   East-coast sp.

Maltose*      Saccharum granorum     sp, lu, st    pain, coughs, poor digestion with weakness

                                                   **substitute barley malt, brown rice syrup

Yams*

baked,  Ipoema batatas         sp            poor appetite, fatigue, spontaneous

dried                                              sweating, anorexia, mental lassitude

Eryngo, sea   Eryngium sp.           sp, st, lu    baked, honeyed roots make an excellent Qi

holly*                                             tonic for the lungs and digestion; species

                                                   available locally; western substitute for

                                                   atractylodes

Sha shen        Glehnia rt            lu, ki       pain, edema, colds, pathogenic heatXi

                                                   yang shen

American*       Panax quinquefolium   lu, st       dry cough with deficiency heat, weakness

ginseng         rt                                 due to stress, sugar addiction

Tian men dong*  Asparagus rt (A.      lu, ki       cough with fatigue, weakness, neurasthenia

                filicinus)

Mai men dong    Ophiopogon rt         lu, st, ht   coughs, thirst, lung weakness with

                                                   general fatigue, constipation, blood

                                                   sugar irregularity

Shi hu          Dendrobium hb         st, lu, ki   thirst, fevers, weakness due to sexual

                                                   excess, low back pain, weak knees

Bai he          Lilium bulb           lu, ht       low-grade fever, restlessness,

                                                   sleeplessness, heart palpitations

Shang ji sheng  Loranthus rm          li, ki       uterine bleeding during pregnancy,

                                                   restless fetus, dry skin, brittle hair,

                                                   weak bones

Han lian cao*   Eclipta hb            li, ki       dizziness, vertigo, graying of hair,

                                                   excessive menstrual bleeding

Nu zhen zi*     Ligustrum fr          li, ki       fatigue, weakness due to excessive sexual

                                                   activity, dizziness, tinnitis, spots in

                                                   front of eyes; common ornamental, widely

                                                   avail.

Hei zhi ma*     black sesame sm       li, ki       weakness, severe illness recovery,

                                                   headaches, menstrual constipation

Bai mu er*      Tremella fb           lu, st, ki   dryness, lung heat conditions, dry cough,

                                                   scanty menstruation, low semen output

Yams*           baked, sliced, dried  lu, sp, ki   yin deficiency, fatigue, poor digestion

• Poor circulation due to coronary heart disease.
  
• Raynaud’s disease (disorder that affects the flow of blood to the fingers and sometimes to the toes).
  
• Frostbite.
  
• Working with vibrating equipment (like a jackhammer)
  
• A side effect of taking certain medications.
  
• An underlying disease affecting blood flow in the tiny blood vessels of the skin. (Women smokers may be prone to this last condition).
  
• Stress.
  

• Fingers or toes turning pale white or blue, then red, in response to cold.
  
• Tingling or numbness.
  
• Pain during the white phase of discoloration.
  

If wearing gloves and wool socks and staying indoors where it’s warm is a nuisance or doesn’t help, try these other warm-up tips:

• Don’t smoke. It impairs circulation.
  
• Avoid caffeine. It constricts blood vessels.
  
• Avoid handling cold objects. Use ice tongs to pick up ice cubes, for instance.
  
• With fingers outstretched, swing your arms in large circles, like a baseball pitcher warming up for a game. This may increase blood flow to the fingers. (Skip this tip if you have bursitis or back problems).
  
• Do not wear footwear that is tight-fitting.
  
• Wiggle your toes. It may help keep them warm as a result of increased blood flow.
  
• Practice a relaxation technique, such as biofeedback.
  

Questions to Ask

Have your hands or feet had prolonged exposure to subfreezing temperatures which may have resulted in frostbite? (Frostbite symptoms are tingling and redness followed by paleness (white or bluish appearance) and numbness of affected areas).
Do your hands or feet turn pale, then blue then red, get painful and numb when exposed to the cold or stress?