Following their discovery by Columbus in 1492 and the subsequent distribution around the world, they were soon used as a natural medicine by the cultures that adopted them. Why, because 500 hundred years ago the only medicines were those that could be sourced from the local environment, or traded from another environment. There was very little distinction between food and medicine. This is something we are now starting to understand more and as a result we are seeing a reversion to natural medicines and therapies.

Modern medicine and science is now starting to validate many of the anecdotal health properties assigned to chillies and discover a number of potential new uses as well. These range from treatments for arthritis and circulatory disorders through to potential cures for heart disease and cancer.

In the next few pages we'll review historical and current knowledge on a number of issues and how chillies may be used as a cure or preventative.

While I am not a medical practitioner of any type, and do not pretend to have that level of knowledge, I hold a Bachelor Of Science degree with Honours (Flinders University, 1991) and have worked for two years as a St Johns Ambulance officer, trained to Emergency Care & Transport certification. As a result I can at least sort out the facts from the hype and present you with solid information for you to discuss with your medical advisor.

OK, lets get started.

Chillies are inherently healthy. Fresh chillies are a good source of vitamins A, B1,B2, B3, C, and E and also contain calcium, iron, phosphorus and potassium. They are also high in antioxidants. The value of capsaicin (the heat compound in chillies) as an aid to increasing circulation and boosting the metabolism is well known and acknowledged by modern medicine as well.

First, A Bit Of Science

Capsaicin produces much of it's beneficial effects on the human body primarily by interacting with neuropeptides; incomplete proteins in the body that perform a number of different functions.

There are three well studied neuropeptides that interact with capsaicin and these are calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neurokinin A (NKA), and substance P.

These neuropeptides are produced when capsaicin sensitive nerves are stimulated by the presence of capsaicin. The neuropeptides transmit signals to the brain resulting in a physical reaction - pain is one of these results, i.e. the heat you feel when you eat chillies.

While we discuss the pain relieving aspects of these neuropeptides in our arthritis article, they produce other effects in various parts of the body.

Now, with respect to circulatory problems, this is where things start to get interesting.

One result that these neuropeptides do cause is a process called vasodilation which is a dilation (or opening up) of the blood vessels. This subsequently results in our blood flowing through our body at a faster rate without increasing the blood pressure.

It is this increased availability of blood throughout the body that results in higher levels of energy in people who have regular doses of chilli. Dick Quinn in his amazing book Left For Dead, used chilli powder to cure himself of heart disease and also recorded vastly elevated levels of energy and warmer extremities as a result.

As documented by Dave DeWitt et al, in The Healing Powers Of Peppers, a study group in Wisconsin recorded impressive results from a group of volunteers. Out of 124 people experiencing cold, stiff or swollen extremities, 85% experienced a definite improvement. 2% reported complete relief.

How To Use Chilli For Circulatory Problems

In all of the above reported studies, people took capsules filled with chilli powder or chilli powder and herbs. This avoids the hot taste for people who do not like it, and of course allowed for blind studies where people did not know whether they were given chilli or a placebo.

These are available from some online health store and pharmacies in most countries. A simple Google search should locate a good source for you. Generally they come in different heat levels and the basic process is to start at the lower levels and work your way up as your tolerance increases.

As with everything else we discuss under this Chillies & Your Health section, please consult with your medical advisor before using any sort of new treatment.

Nigel publishes a monthly newsletter covering all aspects of chillies that is FREE to subscribers. You can subscribe at http://www.chillies-down-under.com and receive the full Grow Your Own Chillies eBook as a free gift. Nigel Laubsch is one of the world's leading chilli experts and has grown studied and cooked with chillies for over 20 years. Much of his experience was gained traveling through Indonesia, China and Fiji. In 2005 Nigel presented the world's first Chilli Sauce Appreciation course at the University of Western Australia and has received rave reviews for the innovative content. He also hold a Bachelor Of Science degree with Honours (Flinders University, 1991) and has worked for two years as a St Johns Ambulance officer, trained to Emergency Care & Transport certification. As a result he is ideally positioned to discuss and advise all aspects of chillies and their use.