Benefits of Cayenne Pepper

Many of the beneficial properties of cayenne peppers come from the same compound that makes them hot – a phytochemical known as capsaicin. We feel capsaicin hot because it tricks heat-sensitive pain receptors in our body into thinking they have been exposed to something hot. 

Cayenne Pepper Benefits

• Metabolism & Weight Loss –– Cayenne may reduce our appetite and boost our metabolism to help support weight loss. Studies have shown that cayenne pepper increased diet-induced thermogenesis and lipid oxidation when added to food and so it may assist with weight loss.

• Digestive Aid – Cayenne stimulates saliva and digestive enzyme production so our body is primed for healthy digestion, which helps our body absorb more nutrients from the foods we eat.

• Heart & Blood Health – Cayenne helps promote healthy circulation and cardiovascular function.

• Detox Support – Cayenne stimulates circulation and helps the digestive system clear out toxins.

• Muscle and Joint Support – Cayenne is sometimes used topically in ointments to stimulate blood flood to muscles and joints.

• Immune Health Support – Cayenne provides antioxidants and healthy vitamins and minerals that support immune health.

• Great Source of Vitamin A – Cayenne is an excellent source of vitamin A (1 tsp provides 44% of the recommended daily value). 

• Skin Health - As cayenne pepper contains antioxidant vitamin C and vitamin A, making it an excellent choice for supporting skin health. Also, when applied topically, cayenne may stimulate blood flow and help get our skin glowing.

• Aches and Itching - Cayenne pepper or capsaicin is sometimes added to topical skin creams and applied to areas that ache or itch. Used in this way, cayenne may provide warming effects and increased blood flow to the areas where applied, plus it might help block some signal transmissions to our brain.

A Guide to Tea

Black tea
It is created by rolling the leaves and allowing them to oxidize. The resulting flavor is bold, hearty and slightly bitter. Black tea has the most caffeine of all the tea types with 40-60 mg, about half as much as a cup of coffee.

White tea
White tea has mild, subtly sweet and delicate flavor. With a small caffeine content (10-15 mg), it can be enjoyed throughout the day.

Green tea
Green tea is produced mostly in China and Japan today, but it is enjoyed by people around the world for its smooth and fresh taste as well as its many health benefits, for example, assisting in weight loss goals and maintaining stable energy levels.

Herbal tea
Herbal teas are made today with dried fruits, herbs and flowers. They are preferred by many for being caffeine free. Rooibos and mate are two of the popular types of herbal tea.

Oolong
While only 2 percent of all tea consumption worldwide is from oolong tea, oolong has been linked to benefits such as increasing metabolism. This delicate, sweet and smooth tea has been around since the 16^th century. The fermentation and oxidation processes of oolong tea give the leaves a yellow surface with a reddish edge.

Pu’erh (Pu’er)
Pu’erh (pu’er) tea has been cultivated in China since the Han Dynasty (25-220 CE). This aged tea can be made black or green depending on the leaves. It offers a rich and earthy flavor. It contains one-third the amount of caffeine as coffee.

Yerba Maté  With just 35 mg of caffeine (one-third the amount in coffee), yerba maté has bold, coffee-like flavor. Most of this unique tea comes from Argentina today where it is harvest, blanched, dried, aged and milled or cut.

Rooibos
A form of herbal tea, rooibos tea is caffeine free and has a lighter flavor due to a lack of fermentation. Try it with fruit or cinnamon.

Loose-Leaf vs. Tea Bags 
Loose-leaf tea generally offers a fuller, richer flavor with the best possible benefit. Each 8 ounce cup needs 1-2 teaspoons of leaves. Some tea bags are also made with bleached paper material that can damage tea quality and so it depends on how bagged teas are made and the type of paper being used.

Preparation
When preparing tea, make sure to use cold, fresh water when beginning to brew the tea. Also, never re-boil old water.

Some teas require being brewed/steeped at a boiling temperature while other flavors would be ruined at such high temperatures. Black, herbal, oolong, pu’erh, yerba maté and rooibos teas should be brought to a boil whereas green and white teas should not. And most teas need at least three minutes to obtain the right flavor. Over-steeping can cause some teas to taste bitter and undesirable. Herbal and rooibos teas steep the longest.

The Best Herbs for Sexual Health

Herbal tonics and natural aphrodisiacs have been used to support sexual well-being throughout history. Generations of men and women alike have turned to these natural solutions to ignite their passions, heighten senses and invigorate sexual experiences.

Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is from the Eurycoma Longifolia plant, which is native to Southeast Asia. Both the root and bark of this plant are traditionally used to enhance sexual stimulation. Studies suggest that chemicals in the root of the plant may help encourage physical arousal and it may provide other sexual-support benefits as well.

Maca
Maca is a plant native to the Andes Mountains in Central Peru. Locals there have cultivated it for thousands of years as a vegetable. The roots contain essential fatty acids and amino acids, among other nutrients. Both men and women use Maca to enhance sexual desire and encourage reproductive health, as well as to promote physical stamina.

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is used traditionally in Ayurvedic, Indian, Unami and African practices for a variety of benefits, including its potential ability to calm the mind. Reduced stress and anxiousness is a plus for everyone looking to relax after a long day and connect with a partner.

Tribulus 
Tribulus is a plant native to many warm climates. It produces spine-covered fruit, which is used along with the root and leaves. Tribulus is used by both women and men to support sexual function and reproductive health.This herb is a time-honored libido enhancer and provides testosterone support.

Yohimbe
Herbalists use the bark of this African-native plant for both male and female sexual excitement and health. A chemical in Yohimbe may increase blood flow and nerve impulses, encouraging arousal.

Testofen 
Testofen is also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract or fenugreek and it comes from a plant in the clover family and is native to the Mediterranean region.Traditionally, it’s been used to support reproductive health.

Horny Goat Weed 
Horny goat weed offers powerful sexual support for men. It contains substances that may help increase blood flow and boost arousal and sexual function. 

Besides herbs, we may also need other things to have sexual health:

Oysters
Although they are not herbs, oysters have long been lauded as a natural aphrodisiac. Oysters are highly nutritious and unusually high in zinc. Zinc has a unique relationship with testosterone production and may positively influence male sexual health.

Hydrate for Health
Our body needs water, and lots of it, to stay healthy and function properly. It may sound basic, but hydration really matters. It can have a significant impact on our well-being and sexual health.

Get Enough Sleep 
No one performs their best on too little sleep, sexually or otherwise. Sleep gives our body and mind a chance to rest, recover and prepare for the new day ahead.