HERBALS PREVENTING CANCER: TURMERIC, CAYENNE PEPPER AND YARROW
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum minimum)
Turmeric is an amazing spice which exhibits strong cancer-preventing properties.
Turmeric’s active ingredients include curcuminoids, essential oils, turmerone, zingiberene, A-atlantone and curcumin. It is such a simple spice to use and can be added to meals to attain a delicious, powerful flavour. Chop turmeric finely, throw into your cooking and you will be endowed with all of turmeric’s incredible healing powers.
Turmeric is blessed with antibiotic properties and anti-inflammatory actions, and is a very powerful antioxidant. It protects our liver against many toxins, inhibits platelet-activating factor (major component of inflammation), strengthens gastric mucosa, prevents gastric lesions and also lowers blood cholesterol.
Turmeric also provides DNA protection against damage by carcinogens and is believed to inhibit the development of skin cancer. It is an anti-carcinogen, which neutralizes the cancer-causing compounds in tobacco smoke. Turmeric is the main ingredient in curry powder.
Cayenne, known as bird pepper, capsicum or chilli pepper, is the powder made from ground red chillies (the fruit of the plant). We all know the spicy taste of chilli and its wondrous ability to make us sweat. Cayenne is also a remarkable spice in increasing general body and peripheral circulation, and decreasing blood pressure. It also regulates the blood flow, equalizing and strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves.
Cayenne suppresses pain and causes the release of the ‘pleasure drugs’, endorphins. Large quantities of chilli can stimulate the development of cancer, yet small amounts are very healthy for cancer prevention.
What is the best way to take turmeric?
• Fresh – turmeric is best added fresh to cooking. Chop, dice or grate it and add to your
favourite healthy dishes. The rhizoma (underground stem) is the part used for healing.
• Powder — turmeric can also be obtained from a health food store.
What is the best way to take cayenne?
• Infusion – pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of cayenne and leave to infuse
for 10 minutes. A tablespoon of this infusion should be mixed with hot water and drunk as
needed.
• Tincture – take 0.25ml of the tincture 3 times daily or as needed.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
In old herbal texts yarrow was referred to as ‘cure of all ills’ and was used in many cases that seemed hopeless. Its potent blood cleansing ability helps to expel toxins from the body, eradicating unwanted illnesses.
Yarrow is an excellent remedy used to stop bleeding in the lungs, as it has astringent properties. Used together with calamus roots, it is believed by many folklore healers to heal lung cancer. The calamus roots should be chewed throughout the day and a cup of yarrow tea is sipped every morning and evening.
‘Yarrow acts directly on bone marrow, stimulating blood renewal, and can be helpful in bone marrow related disorders.
What is the best way to take yarrow?
• Infusion — pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 heaped teaspoon of yarrow, infuse for a short
time, then drink. Drink 2 to 3 cups per day. If feverish, you should drink hourly.
• Tincture – take 2 to 4ml of the tincture 3 times a day.
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