Hi Steven.

I have read about a lot of health benefits of cayenne pepper. That it heals stomac lining, is good for the heart; doctor claimed he gave it in warm water to a patient and stopped a heart attack. Also I read it could heal pyorrea on the gums. I have been trying it on my gums for a week, twice a day, because I have receding gums in some places. My gums feel softer and more stable.

I know you've said chili pepper is a night shade and not good. What do you think of cayenne pepper?

Regards,
Kathleen W.
Tucson AZ

Hi Kathleen,

No questions have come in for some time, so I haven't checked much. Now at last comes my answer. Of course, there can be near-term health benefits from many things that have harmful effects in the long run. All doctor-prescribed, conventional medications have toxic side effects, and this is what gives symptomatic relief. True healing is not the same as overcoming immediate symptoms.

Cayenne is dried chili, a night shade. This group of plants contains toxic substances, including solanine, a near relative of nicotine. Tobacco is a night shade. While symptomatic relief is nice (who wants to suffer?), it should not mislead us in the quest for true healing and health. That means going beyond the idea that any one substance or product can give us health.

SA

Hi Steven.

I'm now trying aloe vera on my gums straight from the plant. Hope there's not something bad that you know and I don't. It feels very good on the skin, and it heals skin cuts and red spots. I'm even eating it.

Thanks so much for getting back to me. After I wrote the letter, I kind of knew what you would say when I remembered cayenne was a night shade. I appreciate your insight and all the info. your web site provides.

Regards,
Kathleen

Hi again Kathleen,

It is fine to do the aloe vera cure on your gums. For great gum health, swish a tbsp of organic coconut oil in your mouth every day for about 15-20 min. Then spit it out and rinse your mouth with salt water or brush your teeth. Strong detox effect. You can do it more than once a day if you like it.

Good to know you like the website. I don't get many questions since I got the new first page. It seems to overwhelm the readers.

All the best!
SA

Thanks, Steven.

For years I have used bancha twig tea from Japan, and also dulce and seaweeds from there. Because these are no longer available, do you know where similar products can be found?

Kathleen

Hello Kathleen,

I get so few emails on this website that I have not looked at it for a couple of months. When I get my book written, I will put more time into the website.

Any tea with no caffeine will do to replace bancha. I like dandelion root tea. If you can't find any seaweed there, order it over the internet. The Seaweed Man is a good place to start.

Cheers!
SA