When I began studying naturopathic medicine at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, back in the late 1970s, renown herbalist Dr John Christopher came to speak at the college.  He shared his insight and experience on the master healing herb - Cayenne.  Besides its culinary use as a spice, Cayenne is a circulatory stimulant, that dilates arteries, and inhibits inflammation and clotting.  Dr Christopher reported his life experience that Cayenne can tremendously benefit during heart attacks.

I've not verified the benefit from personal experience with an actual heart attack victim, but my sense of the herb, and science indicates Doctor Christopher's experience is valid.  During a heart attack, typically the coronary arteries spasm and narrow, the artery lining is inflamed, and a clot forms that block the circulation to the heart muscle so that it dies unless circulation is restored.  Cayenne  has the needed actions to help.  It's anti-inflammatory, clot inhibiting and dilates blood vessels.

The typical dose would be a tsp of Cayenne powder stirred in hot water, steeped 1-2 minutes, and then swallowed. 

Cayenne was a key herb commonly used by the Thomsonian herbalists in the 1800s in the United States to treat many ailments.

Science now verifies many of its empirical, traditional uses.  For example, Capsacin, one of the main components of Cayenne, is used in non-prescription medicines for pain relief topically.

Remember Cayenne if ever you or another expeience a heart attack.  Dial 911 first, then give or take a dose of Cayenne tea.  It may save life, and it will do no harm.

That's naturopathic and holistic medicine's first principle:  First, do no harm.

For more information on Cayenne visit this link:

http://www.naturalnews.com/027238_capsaicin_heart_attack_cayenne.html