Allergy Remedies With Pepper

Cayenne pepper is an herb made from the dried pods of chili peppers and has been used orally and topically for medicinal purposes for at least 9,000 years. The curative properties of cayenne pepper are contained in the chemical, capsaicin, that is found in the stem. Cayenne pepper has antibacterial and antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system. It helps to reduce allergic symptoms by its anti-inflammatory properties that desensitize the nasal airways when exposed to allergens and aid in breaking-up and loosening mucus formation.

Cooking

• Include cayenne pepper in your meals to receive its allergy-protective benefits. You can purchase either the whole cayenne pepper or cayenne pepper powder for cooking. Keep in mind that the redder the pepper, the hotter the flavor. Check the label of the powdered cayenne pepper to determine its heat.

  Add cayenne pepper to Mexican main dishes, such as fajitas, enchiladas, tacos and burritos. Use cayenne pepper in meat marinades, or as a rub on fish or chicken. Sprinkle it into egg and omelet dishes, and add to dips and salad dressings. Include cayenne pepper in soups, stews and curries. Use it in flour and breadcrumb mixtures for fried foods. You can also substitute cayenne pepper for black pepper.

Tea

• Drink herbal tea containing the immune-stimulating benefits of cayenne pepper. Buy cayenne pepper powder in bulk at a health food store. Start with a mild powder until you get used to the taste.

  To prepare the cayenne pepper tea, add 1/8 of a tsp. to hot water and stir. For a sweeter flavor, add 1 tsp. of honey. Drink while hot.

  Eat a piece of bread or other solid food after drinking cayenne pepper tea to help lessen the feeling of heat in your mouth.

Gargle

• Make a cayenne pepper gargle to help loosen clogged sinuses and dissolve mucus associated with allergies. Gargling with cayenne pepper also helps relieve the pain and inflammation from a sore throat. Be careful not to use too much cayenne pepper; it can make a sore throat worse. Start with 1/8 tsp. of cayenne pepper added to a glass of warm water, and gargle.

  Any burning from the cayenne pepper gargle should subside within a few minutes.

Supplements

• You can also take one 100 to 500mg of powdered cayenne pepper in capsule form each day.