Capsicum annuum (Cayenne) & Sudden Cardiac Arrest

As a doc who loves to treat the heart, this is my #1 choice when I administer herbs. It will likely show up in some dosage in nearly every cardiovascular formula.

Hot Chili Peppers have the following cardiovascular actions, and in the appropriate medical dose, will help, not harm you (even when you have gastric ulcers):

• Reduce inflammation*

• Stop spasm*

• Reduce cholesterol

• Reduce pain*

• Regulate blood pressure*

• Regulate heart rhythm*

• Stop ischemia (cell death from loss of blood to the part, esp heart muscle)*

• Breaks down clots, but will also stop bleeding (crazy, right?!!)

• Opens up blood vessels*

• Overall heart tonifier (better than Hawthorne, in my opinion)

*Actions needed at the onset of SCA.

Common symptoms of SCA:

At first, episodes of-

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Heart palpitations

• Rapid or irregular heartbeats

• Unexplained wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Weakness, Fainting or near fainting

• Lightheadedness or dizziness

This is when you want to call 911! While you wait for the ambulance… If you have some Capsicum tincture put 2 droppers full (about 60 drops) in an ounce of water, and drink it. Keep a regular size shot glass on hand, so you don’t have to figure out an ounce. I keep a one ounce bottle in my office, my home, and my truck. If you have powdered or crushed hot chili peppers put 1 tsp in a cup of boiled water, and drink once it is steeped and cool enough that the water won’t scald your throat. It will be a little spicy, but who the hell cares, because you could be dying. If the above symptoms are ignored, then there will be-

• Sudden collapse

• No pulse

• No breathing

• Loss of consciousness

If you haven’t already- TAKE A CPR COURSE, because a person in this state will need you. Every second counts! DefibThis! (take the CPR AED AHA course) American Heart Association Red Cross Capsicum can still be administered by rubbing the tincture on the person's inner wrist, or putting a few drops on their tongue. Only do that, if you have someone to help with the chest compressions. Chest compressions come first! The best idea is, if you have a history of heart disease yourself, or in your family, just drink 4 oz of the tea every day. HOWEVER, if you are on medication for your heart, or have issues with easy bruising or bleeding, go see your friendly, neighborhood ND first. They can make sure the remedy doesn’t increase your bleeding times by monitoring labs regularly. Ah, ah, ah, ah, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive...