This is a fruit that is used the world over to add flavor to different cuisines. It is Capsicum annuum, commonly known as cayenne pepper.
In homeopathy, it is used for people who are lethargic, averse to exercise, alcoholics. They have a tendency to reminisce about the past and are known to be couch potatoes. People who need homeopathic Capsicum have burning pains with a feeling of coldness, constrictive sensation in the chest with difficulty in breathing. They have frequent urinary infections, digestive troubles, and muscle aches and pains. They are worse from the cold and always better from heat.
Many symptoms of homeopathic Capsicum are similar to those of a heart attack, making it one of the top remedies to be used in heart disease. Homeopathic dilutions of Capsicum may be used as a cardiotonic, or heart stimulant, when the symptoms match.
When it is eaten as part of your diet, capsicum decreases free radical damage which slows the degenerative ageing process and supports healthy functioning of the arteries and the whole cardiovascular system. Some research says that cayenne peppers regulate blood sugar levels, and increase the body's capacity to burn calories, thereby helping in weight loss. The capsaicin component of Capsicum is also a well-known pain-reliever.
Many cultures around the world use cayenne peppers in their cuisines, and chilli sauce or chutney or pickle is a prized recipe in many cultures.
How do you like your chillies?
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| Plantago major |
The next time you step out of your house, keep an eye out for this plant. It is a very commonly seen plant. It grows just about everywhere as a weed, between the cracks in the sidewalk, in gravel, in grassy surfaces. It is Plantago major.
It is commonly called Plantain, and it has immense medicinal value. Poultices made from the leaves are used to promote wound healing, because the leaves contain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial compounds. It also has astringent properties and it prevents loss of fluids from the body by contacting tissues. This makes it useful in diarrhea.
In homeopathy, the tincture of Plantago major is used to relieve toothache caused due to caries. The tincture, when applied with cotton wool, also relieves teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold. In other potencies, it is useful to relieve headache that is caused by toothache, diarrhea. It is especially useful for people with nicotine addiction by creating an aversion to tobacco, and by relieving the symptoms of insomnia and depression caused due to tobacco addiction.
Such a common little plant, and so many uses!
Photo credit: Frank Vincentz
Continuing the Homeopathy in Your Garden Series, the second plant remedy you are going to get introduced to is Gelsimium. It is commonly known as Yellow Jessamine or Trumpet flower.
Gelsimium is native to Southeastern United States and is also called Carolina flower. It is the State Flower of South Carolina.
The root of this plant is used to make the homeopathic remedy Gelsimium sempervirens. Homeopathic Gelsimium is used for a range of symptoms like headache, flu, diarrhea, weakness of nerves, giddiness, anxiety, etc.
You can click on the highlighted text to read more about how to use Gelsimium for the flu or influenza.
Does this plant grow anywhere near you?
Have you ever wondered about the sources of homeopathic remedies? What are they made of? Many homeopathic remedies are made from plants. Remedies are also made from animal, mineral, and other sources.
The flower in the picture is calendula, commonly known as marigold.
Calendula is one of the remedies used for injuries because it promotes wound healing. It contains flavonoids which have anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Homeopathic Calendula has also been used in the treatment of various types of cancer, and the after-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Do you remember eating marigold flowers as a child? You might not have known its benefits then, but you do now!
I have also shared videos of how homeopathic remedies are made in a previous post. (You can find the videos by clicking on the highlighted text.)
Stay subscribed to learn more about the different kinds of plants that are used in homeopathy!
