Hemorrhoids spell trouble. Sitting, lying down, and walking can be such a big ordeal when you have these swollen rectal veins. But nature has something in store even for these so-called piles such as the use of Cayenne pepper (Capsicum). This condition is quite common in first world countries since people tend to live life on the fast lane every single day. Many people in developed countries live on coffee, powdered donuts, and fast food. These items have low nutritional value; they are rich in bad cholesterol and poor in fiber. A diet that is poor in fiber is one of the reasons why a person develops hemorrhoids. Fiber or roughage as nutritionists call it facilitates in smoother peristalsis in the digestive tract, which in turn results in easier passing of stools.
Normal bowel movement doesn’t require a lot of pressure, but with constipation, you really have to strain a little harder to pass out stools. Straining causes excessive pressure to the anal and rectal veins and after some time, they become swollen and painful, resulting into varicose veins in the rectum or hemorrhoids.
The latin name of cayenne pepper is capsicum (C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. pubescens) from the solanaceae family. Its common names are: cayenne pepper, guinea spice, cow-horn pepper, aleva, bird pepper, red pepper and chilli pepper.
Utilizing Cayenne pepper (Capsicum) provide relief from constipation, the irritating sensation brought about by piles, and it also stops further swelling of the rectal varicose veins. This nature’s gift has curative properties that help to maintain the integrity of the body’s blood vessels and strengthens them to withstand pressure. Itching and stinging pain caused by hemorrhoids is not a welcome feeling; it is uncomfortable especially when you are in public places. Cayenne helps to soothe pruritus and pain on the bum. The chemicals in the pepper supply important nutrients to the cells of cardiac muscles for better blood circulation and cardiac output.
To summarize it all, choosing Cayenne pepper (Capsicum) to cure hemorrhoids has more to do with blood circulation and relief from congestion of blood in the swollen rectal veins. There are two ways to use the natural remedy to ease the symptoms of hemorrhoids. You can apply it topically as an ointment or brew it as tea or a hot drink. The swelling caused by piles can be relieved quickly by applying cayenne pepper extract, ointment, or lotion directly on the inflamed area. The application may leave a stinging or burning sensation to the affected area but it will get rid of the swelling in just minutes. So if you can stand pain on your bum because of the pepper application then you can go with the topical method. Remember, cayenne is pepper and even if it doesn’t belong directly to the Tabasco and jalapeno families, it’s still hot. But don’t worry, it won’t irritate or cause your swollen varicosities to rupture, it soothes them. The side effect is the unpleasant sensation though.
As for oral use, a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper would simply do. The taste may be warm to sizzling hot when it reaches your throat so you can add lemon juice to the drink to mask the unpleasant taste. If you can’t stand the spicy taste, try drinking milk or eat dairy products like ice cream or yoghurt after your cayenne concoction. The proteins found in dairy products break down the spicy enzymes of the pepper so you don’t have to endure excessive spiciness. See and feel the difference cayenne pepper can make in just a few days!