Chronic constipation is a common health challenge, especially for children. There is never just one method that works when treating constipation, especially in children. Lifestyle changes can help, especially when eating a high fiber, fruit-rich, high fluid intake diet. Many mothers become desperate to look for natural remedies for constipation. Constipation remedies vary from probiotics to magnesium, and even herbal solutions. This article will review the use of cayenne. Some solutions can be helpful and some can be harmful. Make sure that you check with your holistic doctor prior to trying any natural remedies. This article is only for education and exploration and should not substitute healthcare advice.
Cayenne is one of the natural remedies for constipation that is effective in producing peristalsis in your colon and aids digestion. It can be used regularly at every meal and when needed for constipation remedies. Cayenne pepper is known to help thin the blood. So, it is good for improving blood circulation. Obviously, if you are on blood thinners check with your physician before trying this out.
Cayenne is available in capsules of different strengths, from 5,000 heat units (HU) to 100,000 and even higher. Please note, that this dosage is a suggestion and should not be used on children. In fact, we seldom want to use this remedy for children. In addition, cayenne when used with other herbs helps to deliver these herbs more efficiently to where they are needed in the body.
As one of the constipation remedies, start with one capsule of 40,000 HU and always take it after you eat. When using these particular natural remedies for constipation you may feel a hot or slight warming feeling in the upper stomach and that ís when you know it’s working. The feeling maybe like when you get heartburn. This warming sensation will pass as your body gets used to you using cayenne. However, if you find it too uncomfortable, lower the dose till you can better cope with the cayenne. There is no point taking something to deal with an uncomfortable situation if it is just going to cause another, so be sensible and just build up slowly.
Do not use cayenne seeds, as they can be toxic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding do not take cayenne supplements until you have cleared this with your doctor- no exceptions.
Use cayenne only as directed on its container and only in capsules
Some say that Cayenne has the ability to block the ulcer producing effect of NSAIDs in addition to being one of the constipation remedies. It also has been shown to increase the body’s absorption of theophylline, a drug used to treat asthma. However, we cannot answer that here, so always check with your integrative doctor if you want to cayenne and are taking medications.
In his book, Left for Dead, Dick Quinn tells how Cayenne pepper saved his life after coronary bypass surgery failed to restore it.
In this book, Shannon Quinn says,
‘One of the most effective stimulants, mostly, cayenne targets the digestive and the circulatory system. Cayenne regulates blood pressure, strengthens the pulse, feeds the heart, lowers cholesterol, and thins the blood. It cleanses the circulatory system, heals ulcers, stops hemorrhaging, speeds healing of wounds, rebuilds damaged tissue, eases congestion, aids digestion, regulates elimination, relieves arthritis and rheumatism, prevents the spread of infection, and numbs the pain.’
Of course, these are other people’s experiences and yours may well be different. Always use the recommended dose shown on the bottle of cayenne you use. Especially if you are using this as one of the constipation remedies.
You can also add cayenne pepper to other foods. Add cayenne to soups, salads, and other foods you like.
In soups or salads break open a cayenne capsule and mix it in. You can add 1 – 2 capsules but first, start with 1/4 or 1/2 capsules so you can get used to the hot taste. As stated earlier start slowly.
There is a potential that if you use constipation home remedies and choose this one you might see results. It definitely has the power to eliminate constipation and keep you regular and has many other benefits, especially for your heart. Just start slow, go steady and ensure you are cleared to take it by a doctor.
Capsaicin is the active component in chili peppers which has diverse effects. However, the use of capsaicin in intestinal motility is still largely controversial. There is a study aimed to investigate the effect of capsaicin on intestinal motility disorder and related mechanisms that I will review.
A rat subject who presented with intestinal motility disorders was both showing both constipation as well as diarrhea. The Capsaicin showed dual effects on intestinal motility both relaxing and contracting the jejunum by inducing stimulus. The effects were investigated by the use of Western Blotting, Whole-Cell Patch Clamp, and qRT-PCR. Results showed that various muscle motor neurons in the enteric nervous system were positively impacted by the capsaicin. In conclusion, the results showed a positive treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders.
Therefore, it seems this could be positive when used with humans. Personally, this is not the first herb that I would reach for when helping a person overcome constipation. Typically, I encourage lifestyle changes first such as water, increased fiber, stress management, and then the use of herbal interventions. When choosing the proper herbal intervention, it is important to review the person’s health history, labs, and medication list to ensure there are no contraindications present. If you would like to evaluate if this remedy could work for you, please reach out for a consultation.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26011134/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291444/
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