Cayenne pepper provides a vast array of health, medicinal and practical benefits that every prepper should know about. It is abundant, cheap and can be stored for long periods of time without losing potency. Let’s examine some interesting ways that you can use this powerful substance to your advantage, and you will never go without maintaining a stockpile again.
Blood Clotting and Wound Healing
Cayenne pepper contains properties that promote clotting and wound healing, and it should be included in every first aid kit and medicine cabinet. You can apply a generous coating of powder directly to a bleeding wound or mix it with water to create a paste and it will immediately go to work. While the patient will experience an uncomfortable burning sensation for a few seconds after application, the pepper interacts with the body to equalize blood pressure while also accelerating the clotting process. It also acts as an antiseptic along with promoting skin and tissue regeneration.
Pain Relief
Applying cayenne pepper directly to sore joints and muscles can provide immediate pain relief. It is best to mix the pepper with some water to promote adhesion and gently rub it into the affected area. It works wonders for those with arthritis and diabetic nerve pain as well. It can also help to reduce the pain associated with certain headaches. Simply apply a small amount of pepper to the outer edge of the nostrils and gently inhale.
Skin Conditions
Cayenne pepper, when used consistently, has been attributed to reducing the symptoms of psoriasis and other skin maladies. However, the results vary from person to person. It also is a popular remedy for treating rashes, soothing insect bites and helping to promote the healing of blisters. The best advice is to try it as an option and wait to see what happens. If it works, great. If not, then it is highly unlikely that it will do any harm or aggravate problems.
Expectorant
You can use cayenne pepper to clear airways and nasal passages when facing allergies, a cold or other source of congestion. Gently breathing in some of the powder through the nose can produce immediate relief. Eating some pepper will help to clear the lungs by promoting coughing and opening up airways within a few seconds after ingestion.
Pepper Spray
One of the most common uses for cayenne pepper is in the form of pepper spray. The capsaicin in the pepper is a very potent irritant that can produce blinding pain, excessive tearing and blurred vision upon contact. It is also the main ingredient in many commercial self-defense sprays. However, you can easily make your own by taking finely ground powder, mixing it with water and a little bit of oil before storing it in a spray bottle. Shake vigorously and spray in the face of an attacker to provide you with an opportunity to escape.
Cayenne pepper is also thought to cure digestive issues, regulate blood pressure and sugar, boost metabolism and enhance the immune system. It can also warm cold feet by sprinkling some power into socks. These are just a few examples of an abundance of practical uses for cayenne pepper. Stock it, cook with it and apply it when necessary, and see for yourself why this is one of the most versatile remedies around.
