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Importance of Cayenne Pepper

birdlvr466

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Spice of the Month-Cayenne/capsicum



Botanical name: Capsicum frutenscens
Family name: solanaceae or Nightshade

Active component: capsaicin, plant oil



Cayenne is a small shrub with alternate and oval to lanceolate leaves; this plant is native to tropical America.

Cayenne has been used for thousands of years for both culinary and medicinal purposes in the American Tropics.

Cayenne is native to tropical America but is also now being cultivated in other parts of the world, in locations including Mexico, Italy, China and Southeast Asia.

Cayenne is known for its high vitamins A, C, iron, potassium and calcium. In addition it also contains some B complex, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur.

The amount of hotness in a pepper is determined by the amount of capsaicin (the chemical compound which stimulates the nerve endings in the skin). The Scoville scale is used to measure the amount of capsaicin in various peppers. The more capsaicin, the hotter the pepper is. Please see the attached link for more information on the Scoville scale.
http://www.chilipepper.com/TheScovilleScale/tabid/59/Default.aspx

So how can we use cayenne with our birds? Cayenne has been used for birds in shock due to an injury and has stabilized them immediately. Cayenne has also been used for birds that have had a stroke and pulled them out of it within ten minutes. After being administered daily the bird in this example never had a stroke again. Please see the attached link for case studies for illustrations http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/cayenne0801.htm

Cayenne is also known for its blood cleansing properties, fending off disease and to also equalize blood circulation. It also strengthens the heart action but at the same time it does not increase blood pressure. It is known to prevent heart attacks and stroke. Cayenne also has antibacterial properties.

Cayenne must be used raw or in powder form to be effective. When cooked, it can become an irritant to the digestive tract.

In summary Cayenne can be used for the following:
-To stop bleeding
-For a bird in shock due to an injury
-As a nutritional supplement for vitamins A, C, iron, potassium and calcium
-First Aid, internally and externally
-Digestive Tract, known to have antibiotic effect on bacteria
-Respiratory, known to reduce inflammation in lung tissues
-Pain, applied externally can desensitize nerve endings, thus reducing sensations of pain.

Always consult your Avian Veterinarian before using any of these remedies. The above information is a resource for you to research and speak to your avian veterinarian. Please see the following links that were used for resources in writing this article

http://www.holisticbirds.com/pages/cayenne0801.htm

Natural Avian Nutrition by Gudrun Maybaum
 

waterfaller1

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That is great info. I did not know it had to be used only in it's original state, not cooked! Thank you.;)
 

birdlady

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I also sprinkle it on the birds warm foods....thanks Pat for all the information.
 

akijoy

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Had no idea! Will have to grab a bottle at the store. Thanks!
 

birdlvr466

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I sprinkle it on their fresh foods a few times per week and also have some in my first aid kit.
 

waterfaller1

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I just bought some Organic and Organic cinnamon recently. I had no idea there were organic spices.
 

WingedVictory

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Cayenne is very good for emergency and non emergency use for birds. We use it in our birds foods all the time. Nothing stops bleeding faster than cayenne, may sometimes sting a little works very fast and the capsicum reduces pain and promotes healing. Here is one of many links for cayenne: http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/cayenne_pepper

gary
 

Gen120

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Oo, awesome write up, Pat!:dance4: I also put cayenne pepper in my fids birdy bread as well as their bean/rice mix too. Just be sure NOT to kiss your fids after they have eaten something with cayenne pepper on it, hehe!
 

GG.

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Cayenne is very good for emergency and non emergency use for birds. We use it in our birds foods all the time. Nothing stops bleeding faster than cayenne, may sometimes sting a little works very fast and the capsicum reduces pain and promotes healing. Here is one of many links for cayenne: http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/cayenne_pepper

gary
thanks for the link Gary - great info

I keep a bottle of this near the bird homes as well as in the kitchen

works great on people as well
 

tracie

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I love reading about this stuff. It helps all of be prepared in case of emergencies and nutritionally also. Thank you for posting.
 

Welshanne

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Are we talking about the cayenne pepper that we can buy in the Supermarkets or does it have to come from the health food shops for some reason?
My concern would be that after eating it my crew would peel my lips off after a kiss! been there and done that.:rofl:
 

drop

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Thanks for the post, Birdlvr. And for the great link, Gary. Cayenne is a staple in this house, for both human and bird.

My Grandma used to use this on us all the time for scrapes and cuts. I remember the first time I was so afraid it was going to burn like crazy, but it does not.

I don't hesitate to use it on myself to stop bleeding, but have never tried it for the birds (haven't had reason to yet). Good to know that is it okay.

Don't underestimate the "Cayenne Kiss of Death" after your bird eats the stuff. It can pack a punch. I am used to it on the lips from eating it myself, but the nose and the eyes, OMG.
 
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birdlvr466

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Yes Ann the kind you buy in the grocery store. Thanks Drop for sharing your experience too. :)
 

Thugluvgrl187

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awesome info!!!
 

Kristy

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You reminded me I am out of Cayenne Peppers.

I need to get some, my Ringneck is esp fond of eating them.
 

srtiels

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Cayenne is also a warming stimulant. I have used (extract) in in handfeeding formula for babies that are acting chilled and having digestive problems.

When combined with Gentian it can stimulate GI tract movement when a bird has GI stasis.
 

Nikki

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I sprinkle cayenne pepper on birds food. I also make a lemon/ACV/cayenne tonic every morning for me. I can eat cayenne on everything so it is just natural for me to give it my birdies. :)
 
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