Herbs and Spices: Health Benefits, Allergies & Uses

Herbs and spices like cayenne and ginger offer therapeutic benefits for everything from weight loss to heart health. However, understanding spice allergies and toxicities, such as those associated with nutmeg and paprika, is vital for safety.

How to Consume Cayenne Pepper

Published Aug,17 2011 | By Julie Hampton

Cayenne pepper consists of ground red chili flakes, and is unrelated to black pepper. The hot spice contains the key ingredient capsaicin that delivers the heat in cayenne pepper. The spice originated in South and Central America thousands of year ago.

Cold Remedy With Cayenne Pepper & Lemon

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Julie Hampton

The common cold lasts up to two weeks, and may be caused by nearly 100 different viruses, according to MayoClinic.com. Two food items commonly used to treat cold symptoms include cayenne pepper and lemon. Used together or alone, these may decrease symptoms such as congestion, sore throat and fever.

Julie Hampton has worked as a professional freelance writer since 1999 for various newspapers and websites including "The Florida Sun" and "Pensacola News Journal." She served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and nurse for over six years and recently worked as the Community Relations Director for a health center. Hampton studied journalism and communications at the University of West Florida.