For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Cayenne Pepper - Capsicum Annuum

It can be used both internally and externally.

Here are some well known uses for Cayenne.

• Opens and strongly stimulates circulatory

• Known as a heart tonic because it normalizes and strengthens cardiovascular system

• Regulates blood flow in the body

• Considered a blood pressure equalizer – both hypertension (high) and hypotension (low)

• Reduces blood clots due to simulative circulatory properties

• Lowers cholesterol

• Varicose veins

• Traditional asthma remedy

• Promotes secretions from the mucous membranes (helps push out mucus)

• May help pneumonia

• Useful for bronchitis

• Good general remedy for colds because it fights viral infections

• Gargle with a tea for sore throats or tonsillitis

• Warms cold hands and feet

• Promotes sweating

• Used for rheumatism

• Commonly used for arthritis

• Will stop bleeding (hemostat) and nosebleeds

• Known to stimulate digestion – People with cold and stagnant digestion have a difficult time transforming food into nutrients. This condition is indicated when tongue is swollen, wet, with possible heavy white coating. There is likely bloating, gas, belching, loss of appetite and loose stools with undigested food.

• Increases appetite due to digestive stimulating properties

• Used to relieve constipation

• For expelling worms and parasites

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Raynaud’s disease

• May be useful for Parkinson’s disease, convulsions, and paralysis

• Useful for diabetics because it regulates blood sugar levels

• Shingles

• Migraine headaches

• Used externally on weak nerve force or painful area and muscle weakness

• For frostbite, sprinkle a small amount of powder on socks to prevent frostbite

• For shock, heart attack or trauma use 1 dropper full of the tincture under the tongue. For heart attacks it works by opening the peripheral capillaries and increasing circulation to the extremities of the body while reducing the pressure of the heart.

• For wounds and sores, especially old ones

• May help with weight loss because the body’s thermal burn is increased

Systems Supported: Brain, Cardiovascular, Circulatory, Digestion, Nerves, Respiratory, Skin.

Minerals/Vitamins: Potassium, manganese, vitamin A, B2, B6, C and E.

Plant Properties: Analgesic, Antiseptic (anti-microbial), Anti-fungal, Antioxidant, Carminative, Coagulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Hemostat, Hypotensive, Rubefacient, Stimulant, Styptic, Tonic, Vulnerary

Castor Oil - Ricinus Communis

May help heal wounds

Castor oil has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that may help speed wound healing, especially when it's combined with other ingredients. Venelex, which contains castor oil and balsam Peru, is an ointment used to treat skin and pressure wounds.

The oil may help to prevent infection by keeping the wounds moist, while the ricinoleic acid reduces inflammation. 

Don't use castor oil on minor cuts or burns at home. It's recommended for wound care only in doctor's offices and hospitals.

Castor oil benefits for skin

Because it's rich in fatty acids, castor oil has moisturizing effects. You can find it in many commercial beauty products. You can also use it in its natural form, which is free of perfumes and dyes. Because it can be irritating to skin, try diluting it with another neutral oil.

Some people think castor oil's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing effects could help fight acne. But there's no research evidence to back this up.

Castor oil for hair growth

Castor oil is sometimes marketed as a treatment for dry scalp, hair growth, and dandruff. It may moisturize your scalp and hair. But there's no science to back up claims that it treats dandruff or promotes hair growth.

In fact, using castor oil in your hair could cause a rare condition called felting, which is when your hair becomes so tangled it has to be cut off.

Are there benefits to putting castor oil in your belly button?

This idea is based on an Ayurvedic treatment that suggests a Pochote gland near your naval can absorb things like essential oils through your belly button. But there's no scientific evidence that this gland exists. So there's likely no advantage to putting castor oil in your belly button. But it probably won't hurt you,  either.

Frankincense - Boswellia carterii

Frankincense originates from a small scraggly but hardy tree indigenous to the Middle East, which is small with abundant pinnacle leaves and white or pale pink flowers. The resin begins as a fragrant sticky milky-white liquid that flows from the trunk of the tree when cut. The dried tears are collected, and the resin is then distilled, producing the precious oil.

The resin is known as olibanum, derived from the Arabic al-luban or 'that which results from milking', referring to the milky sap. It is used as incense, and has been traded for 5,000 years. Widely used in ancient Egypt, it was one of the ingredients used in the holy oil described in the Talmud. Frankincense was brought back to Europe by Frankish Crusaders (Frank-incense), and the oil is still highly prized today in the perfumery industry, and widely used in the manufacturing of skin-care products.

Besides its intoxicatingly smooth, and relaxing aroma, Frankincense carterii has a knack for charming users with its many therapeutic properties. This essential oil is helpful in promoting overall skin health, such as reducing the appearance of mature skin and scars due to its ability to repair skin cells. Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil is also widely used for helping to reduce minor pain and inflammation related to headaches and general muscle tension. It can provide respiratory support, as well, helping to clear congestion and mucous to facilitate easy breathing. Frankincense is a safe, gentle oil that is a great choice for people with sensitive systems, including children and the elderly.

Emotionally and energetically, Frankincense Carterii Oil encourages emotional healing, support reflection, and introspection, and bring peace and calm, especially during meditation. It has a deep, rich, grounding aroma which touts the ability to quiet the mind, support focus, and encourage tranquility.