For most people, chili peppers are just an ingredient that adds flavor and seasoning, but in fact, chili peppers also hold an important position in traditional Chinese medicine. Chili peppers themselves are warm-natured foods rich in various nutrients, among which capsaicin is the most prominent. In addition, chili peppers can treat various diseases such as gastroenteritis, colds, and arthritis. This article will introduce the medicinal value and usage methods of chili peppers.
Nutritional Components of Chili Peppers
Chili peppers are rich in various nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Among these, capsaicin is the most prominent, being the main active component of chili peppers. Capsaicin is a stimulating substance that can stimulate nerve endings, causing a burning sensation in the skin and eyes.
Medicinal Value of Chili Peppers
1. Relieving Gastroenteritis
Capsaicin can stimulate the gastric mucosa to secrete mucus, thereby protecting the stomach wall and relieving the stimulation of gastric acid on the gastric mucosa, helping to treat gastroenteritis.
2. Relieving Cold Symptoms
Capsaicin has good diaphoretic effects, promoting the body's excretion of toxins and waste, helping to relieve cold symptoms.
3. Relieving Arthritis
Capsaicin can promote blood circulation, enhancing blood supply around joints, helping to relieve arthritis symptoms.
4. Enhancing Immunity
Capsaicin can stimulate the immune system, enhancing the body's resistance, thus preventing infections and diseases.
5. Improving Bad Breath
Chili peppers can stimulate salivary glands to secrete saliva, increasing saliva production in the mouth, helping to improve bad breath.
6. Relieving Pain
Capsaicin can relieve pain, having analgesic effects, helping to alleviate headaches, toothaches, and other painful symptoms.
7. Promoting Blood Circulation
Capsaicin can promote blood circulation, enhance vascular elasticity, lower blood pressure, helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
8. Antibacterial Effects
Capsaicin has certain antibacterial properties, capable of killing various bacteria and viruses, helping to prevent infections.
Usage Methods of Chili Peppers
1. External Application Method
Chop chili peppers into small pieces, add appropriate amount of vinegar or liquor to make a paste, apply externally to the affected area to relieve pain and swelling.
2. Foot Soak Method
Chop chili peppers into fine pieces, put them in hot water for foot soaking, which can promote blood circulation and relieve arthritis and foot pain.
3. Dietary Method
Eating chili peppers in moderation can regulate gastrointestinal function, prevent colds and bad breath. But note that excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
4. Inhalation Method
Drip chili powder or chili oil onto tissue paper and inhale through the respiratory tract to relieve cold and nasal congestion symptoms.
5. Fumigation Method
Drip chili powder or chili oil into hot water for fumigation to relieve cold and nasal congestion symptoms.
6. Tea Brewing Method
Chop chili peppers into fine pieces, add to boiling water to brew tea, which can relieve cold and headache symptoms.
7. Oral Consumption Method
Add chili powder or chili oil to boiling water for oral consumption to relieve cold and gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms.
Precautions
1. Excessive consumption of chili peppers may irritate the stomach and cause gastrointestinal discomfort, so consume in moderation.
2. Patients with gastric ulcers, stomach cancer, liver disease, etc., should use chili peppers cautiously.
3. When using external application method, avoid contact of chili paste with eyes, mouth, and other areas.
4. When using foot soak method, pay attention to water temperature to avoid scalding the skin.
5. When using inhalation and fumigation methods, avoid excessive inhalation of chili powder and oil to prevent irritation to the respiratory tract.
6. When using tea brewing and oral consumption methods, pay attention to dosage and usage methods to avoid overconsumption.
As a common food ingredient, chili peppers also hold an important position in traditional Chinese medicine. They are rich in various nutrients, especially capsaicin, which has multiple medicinal values. When using chili peppers, it is important to consume in moderation and choose appropriate usage methods. If adverse symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly.