Chili Pepper, Red (Capsicum Annuum) Ground Herb

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Red Chili Pepper (Capsicum Annuum) Ground Herb HERB COMMON NAME :  Chili Pepper HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :  Capsicum Annuum OTHER NAMES :  FAMILY :  Solanaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Fire Planet: Mars Day: Tuesday Direction: South Zodiac Sign: Aries Chakra: 1st Root Chakra (Muladhara) Energy: Yang Gender: Masculine Rune: Sowillo Tarot: The Emperor Tarot Deity or God / Goddess Association: Ares, Mars   Parts Used:  Fruit Description:  Chili peppers are fruits in the same nightshade family as eggplant and tomato. Most North and South American varieties are represented by the species Capsicum annuum, which also includes bell peppers, jalapeños, poblanos and cayenne. The amount of “heat” in each of these peppers varies in intensity depending on specific type and how and when they are harvested. The primary agent in chili peppers is capsaicin, a compound that protects the plant from fungal disease, insects and herbivores. Birds, however, are unaffected by this chemical, even though capsaicin is often added to birdseed to keep squirrels from eating it. Capsaicin targets and bonds to a receptor in sensory neurons called the capsaicin receptor. When stimulated, these receptors permit specialized molecules called cations to permeate cells, which modifies the electrical charge of the cell. When this event is signaled to the brain, it is interpreted as pain and burning sensations at the site. This is why capsaicin is used in pepper spray; when it reaches the membranes of the eyes and lungs, the burning effect is immediate. Cayenne and chili peppers are used in the kitchen to add a spicy kick to foods, often in chili and eggs. Psychologists equate the tendency to “like it hot” with thrill-seeking behavior that permits the sensation of danger without really compromising physical safety. The technical term for this is “constrained risk,” a strategy employed while watching a horror movie, skydiving, riding a roller coaster, or daring to bite into a hot pepper. Chili peppers have also been used to treat many medical issues. People swear by the effects on a cold or sore throat. The pepper is thought to help boost immunity. A drink is sometimes made with chili or cayenne pepper, along with lemon juice, water, and maple syrup (like a spicy lemonade). This is believed to help a sore throat. Cayenne and chili peppers are also believed to keep the blood circulating efficiently in the body. The hot peppers are sometimes applied to frostbite and gangrene to help draw blood to the affected areas. Some people have even been known to put it in the bottom of their shoes in order to keep feet warm on an icy day. Hot peppers are also said to help your blood absorb other herbs more efficiently. If you have a minor wound that’s bleeding, applying cayenne or chili pepper directly is said to help to stop the bleeding quickly. It is also believed to be a disinfectant to prevent infections from germs. You should be aware that hot peppers come in differing degrees of heat. To make your own crushed hot chili peppers, preheat oven to 250 degrees/broil. Put dried hot peppers into oven in a pan or on a sheet of tin foil. Roast until the peppers just start to darken (about 5 minutes). Let cool and put in blender. Crush to desired size. All dried forms may also be ground into a powder. Store dried peppers or powder in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Historical Uses:  antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, general tonic, analgesic, carminative, antispasmodic, muscle spasms, diaphoretic, antiseptic, rubefacient, hemostatic, gastric stimulant, carminative, counter-irritant, disinfectant, fever, infection, blood circulation, frostbite, cold hands and feet, peripheral numbness, gangrene, immune boosting, cold, rheumatism, sore throat, stopping bleeding Mystical Attributes:  If you feel your mate is looking for greener pastures, buy two large dried chili peppers.  Cross them and tie together with a red or pink ribbon.  Place this beneath your pillow and this should help keep fidelity in your relationship. If you’ve been cursed, scatter red pepper around your house to break the spell, banish, and reverse negativity.  Ground and mixed with salt (called Red Salt), cayenne lends potent protection. Combined with black pepper, it can ward off wrong-doers, unwelcome visitors, and enemies. Red pepper is also used in love powders to enflame the beloved, or to ensure that the love you find will be spicy. When dried and flakes or ground, cayenne pepper is used in hexing, revenge, attracting bad luck, and crossing spells. Mystical Intentions:  cheating lover, bring back a lover, fidelity, infidelity, hex breaking, curse breaking, spell breaking, banishing, negative energy, love spells, love potions, desire, passion, sex magic, reversing spells, protection, warding off evil, ward off unwelcome visitors, protection from enemies, hexing, cursing, revenge, vengeance, war magic, reversing evil spells Taste & Smell:  hot and spicy Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Capsicum annuum is a domesticated species of the plant genus Capsicum, a member of the nightshade family native to southern North America and northern South America. It is an upright perennial or annual shrub that grows to heights less than 1 m tall. The plant produces with small, white, pendent (hanging) flowers and elongated, yellow, orange or red fruits (berries). Its flowers help distinguish the plant from other types of domesticated peppers; rather than appearing in groups the flowers are solitary, and its filaments (thread-like stalks supporting the anther) are not purple. Capsicum annuum can be difficult to separate from the cultivated C. chinense and C. frutescens and their morphological features can overlap. These three species share the same ancestral gene pool and are sometimes called the ‘annuum-chinense-frutescens complex’. The varieties and cultivars of Capsicum annuum are classified on the basis of their fruit shapes. There are so many different kinds (several thousand) that nobody knows exactly how many there are. More and more local variants are appearing in cultivation across the world because existing varieties cross-pollinate easily. Chili pepper plants prefer full sun in a warm climate, these plants are mostly perennial in sub-tropical and tropical regions; however, they are usually grown as annuals in temperate climates. Prefers warm, moist, nutrient-rich soil. Start seeds indoors and sow ¼ inch deep, 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost. You can pre-soak seeds in warm water overnight prior to planting. After planting, keep moist and warm in a sunny location. Good results are also achieved by putting plastic cling wrap over the containers to create a hothouse environment. Remove when seedlings emerge. Harvest when peppers are red for hottest flavor and if you plan to crush or grind them after drying. You can harvest and use the pepper fresh, when it’s green, but the flavor may not be as hot. To dry, use a threaded sewing needle (can use thread or fishing line) to string hot peppers through the stem. Hang in full sun. To freeze, first wash thoroughly and let air dry or pat dry. Remove the stem but leave the seeds in. The peppers can either be frozen in containers or plastic bags and they will taste “fresh” any time you eat them. Contraindications & Toxicity: Topical application may cause burning, stinging, erythema, heat, pain, and with prolonged use may cause permanent loss of sensory nerve function in the area of application. Symptoms of internal toxicity include: heartburn, anal burning, gastric erosions. Internal toxicity may occur if Capsicum is ingested in quantities greater than the therapeutic doses away from food. External adverse effects may occur if Capsicum extracts highly concentrated in capsaicin are applied for a prolonged period of time and may cause mild to moderate burning when first applied. When used internally, may cause active duodenal ulcer, GERD, acute diarrhea, acute cholelithiasis. Avoid contact with eyes and/or mucosal membranes. May potentiate anticoagulants.   Constituents: Capsaicinoids (mainly capsaicin) Carotenoids (capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene, lutein) Ascorbic acid Tocopherols Steroidal saponins (capsicidins) in seeds and root Vitamin A     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. No items we sell are for internal use and should never be ingested for any reason. Some may also not be safe for topical application, or even be safe to touch while unprotected. Always use proper safety precautions when using our products. We will not be held responsible for illness, injury, or death from the use of any product. PRODUCT IS NOT A TREATMENT. This product has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. CAUTION : Do not use ANY product if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if allergic to any ingredients. Prior to use, consult with your professional health-care provider to ensure safe use and understand effects that ingredients may cause relative to safety, personal conditions, and medication interactions which may be harmful. FOR ADULT USE ONLY. By purchasing, you confirm that you are over 18 years of age. Keep out of reach of children and pets. 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