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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
!CAUTION! |
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When processing into a fine powder, wear eye protection, a mask over the mouth and nose, and wear gloves. The smallest particle on any mucous membrane surface can be extremely discomforting. EXCESS DOSES can lead to gastroenteritis and liver damage. Although overdoses are rare, they can result in a drop of body temperature which signals a life-threatening event and requires immediate medical intervention. Medicinal doses are NOT to be taken by infants, pregnant women, by those breast feeding, or by anyone with duodenal ulcers, cronic bowel disease, other gastro-intestinal problems, or weak kidneys. Should never be applied to open skin Capsicum oleoresin is subject to restrictions in some countries. SEEDS are even hotter than the flesh; DO NOT EAT! And be sure to wash hands well if you've touched them. Some people have an adverse reaction to Capsaicin when it is appled to the skin and experience pain, dizziness and rapid pulse; however, peppers soaked in vinegar for several hours are reported to neutralize this reaction. Also, eating the peppers with milk (or other fat) and alcohol (such as beer) is said to work. ALSO, do not keep a compess on the skin for long periods, or blistering may result. Contact treatments with the skin should not be longer than 2 days, then wait 2 weeks. DO NOT place cayenne directly on an open fire in a closed room; the irritating oil can initiate such violent sneezing spasms that blood vessels in the head can burst. |