Neuralgia (Greek neuron, 'nerve' + algos, 'pain') is pain in the distribution of a nerve or nerves, as in intercostal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

Under the general heading of neuralgia are trigeminal neuralgia (TN), atypical trigeminal neuralgia (ATN), occipital neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia and postherpetic neuralgia (caused by shingles or herpes). The term neuralgia is also used to refer to pain associated with sciatica and brachial plexopathy.

neuralgia

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Danewort, but also known as dwarf elder and dane weed, is an herb that has been well known since ancient times.&nbsp;It is also described by the ancient Greek healer Dioscorides in his De Materia Medica, where many of its therapeutic applications are listed <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1].</a>

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The plant is widely used in Bulgarian traditional medicine to this day and is popular mostly as a powerful immunostimulant. However, some of its parts contain poisonous substances and we should always use it with caution.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort

How to recognize the danewort

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_0

Sambucus ebulus is a common species at our latitudes.&nbsp;You will find it almost everywhere - around roads, in bushes, in fields, around rivers. It spreads quite quickly and occupies large areas, which can suffocate the surrounding plants and is often referred to as a weed.

How-to-recognize-the-danewort_0_1

The plant is shruby, reaching up to2 meters. The stem is branched at its top and has a white and soft core. It blooms in July and August in white (or in rare cases pink), and the fruits are spherical, dark violet in color and facing upwards.

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It should not be confused with another famous representative of the family - elderberry.&nbsp;Unlike the elderberry, this species is woody, blooms in May and June and the fruits fall like bunches down. From its flowers is prepared the favorite of young and old elderberry syrup.

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Read more in the article the <a href="../../eng/p/top_10_medicinal_herbs_in_europe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Medicinal Herbs in Europe</a>

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort

Bioactive composition and collection of danewort

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Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_1

The healing properties of the plant are due to the many bioactive compounds it contains. It is rich in anthocyanins, phytosterols, flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, tanines, lectins and others. The plant also contains the plant antioxidant quercetin.

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Perhaps the most used part of the herb is its fruits. They&nbsp;accumulate sugars, fiber, minerals and vitamins <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_systematic_review_on_the_sambuci_fructus_effect_and_efficacy_profiles_19548290" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2]</a>. In addition, the fruit has a rich chemical composition that contributes to their strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties.&nbsp;Here we must pay attention to one feature - unripe green fruits are poisonous. They contain the substance sambunigrin, which decomposes as they mature and significantly reduces its concentration. For this reason, we need to collect only well-ripened blue-violet fruits.

Bioactive-composition-and-collection-of-danewort_1_3

Nature has found its own way to warn us - the taste of unripe fruit is very bitter, while in those ready for consumption, it becomes sweet, although even then it remains an unpleasant aftertaste. Once collected, they should be dried very well and stored in a paper bag in a cool and ventilated place.

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In addition to the fruits, the other parts of the plant are used - the roots, leaves and flowers. The roots are taken out, washed and cut into pieces. Once well dried, they can be stored.

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The flowers and leaves are also collected, dried and then kept in a dry place.

Use-of-dane-weed

Use of dane weed

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Dane weed has been used as food and healing tool for millennia <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Biological_Effects_and_Clinical_Applications_of_Dwarf_Elder_Sambucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.3]</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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In Persian folk medicine, the herb was used as an analgesic (suppresses pain) in various painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system such as joint pain, dislocations and fractures.&nbsp;It has been used topically for bites, burns, sore throats, diseases of the female reproductive system and others.

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In Romania, dane wort is used for the treatment of colds and rheumatic pains.

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In Turkey, the herb bears the nickname " the mother healer". This is by no means accidental and is due to its many&nbsp; applications. Externally it is applied to bites, wounds, eczema, rheumatic pains. Its internal use is also not foreign in these lands. Danewort is often taken in gastrointestinal irritations, hemorrhoids and as a diuretic agent.

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Last but not least, elderberry is an important part of Bulgarian traditional medicine.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">difficulty urinating</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">kidney problems</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">liver problems</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">gastrointestinal disorders</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">exhaustion</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">anemia</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">metabolic diseases</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">wounds and bites</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">viral diseases</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">rheumatoid arthritis</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">neuralgia</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">lack of appetite</li>
</ul>

What-does-science-say

What does science say

What-does-science-say_3_0

Of course, the herb does not go unnoticed by modern science. Some of its researched properties include:

What-does-science-say_3_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="../p/kakvi_sa_polzitie_ot_antioksidantitie_za_zdravieto_i_koi_khrani_sa_nai_boghati_na_tiakh_0376155d_ea0c_4218_8ed2_114aed9f37c5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidant activity</a> - it is due to the high content of polyphenols in the plant, which have the property to protect against the harmful <a href="https://www.phcog.com/article.asp?issn=0973-1296;year=2009;volume=5;issue=19;spage=213;epage=218;aulast=Ebrahimzadeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>effects of free radicals. Of greatest importance in this case are anthocyanins <a href="https://www.phcog.com/article.asp?issn=0973-1296;year=2009;volume=5;issue=19;spage=213;epage=218;aulast=Ebrahimzadeh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>, which are more abundant in elderberry than in other anthocyanin-containing plants.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">antimicrobial activity - there are studies that show the depressing effect of elderberry extracts against bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Biological_Effects_and_Clinical_Applications_of_Dwarf_Elder_Sambucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551mbucus_ebulus_L_A_Review_28397551" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.3]. </a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><a href="../p/bilki_v_pomoshch_na_stradashchitie_ot_avtoimunni_zaboliavaniia_i_transplantiranitie_patsiienti_3e10fd84_0336_4afa_a40c_d95d46603aef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-inflammatory activity</a> - Elderberry shows suppressive activity against some mediators of inflammation, which confirms the meaning of the use of the herb in chronic inflammatory diseases <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029555/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&nbsp;[ref.1]</a>. Here we can mention ursolic acid, which exhibits such an effect.</li>
</ul>

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These are just some of the studied properties of elderberry. The scientific literature on the subject is rich, but for the purposes of this article we will no longer ding on them.

How-to-use-the-herb

How to use the herb

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As mentioned above, elderberry is most popular in Bulgaria with its immunostimulating function.&nbsp;For this effect, a sugar extract of the fruit is prepared:

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Mix water, fruit and sugar in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. It is best to leave the mixture at room temperature for 10-14 days without boiling it, so as not to lose its healing properties. It can then be stored in the refrigerator. Take 1 teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach.

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Tea from flowers:

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You can prepare a decoction by pouring 2 tablespoons of flower with 400 ml of boiling water. The decoction sits for 1 hour under a lid.

Contraindications

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The herb should be used with caution. Immature fruits should not be eaten because they are poisonous. Other parts of the plant are also considered poisonous, but in heat treatment, can be consumed in limited quantities. For this reason, be sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the exact dosage before use.

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Excessive use can lead to diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing and even death.

Danewort - a Useful Herb with Which We Must Be Careful

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 Danewort - a Useful Herb with Which We Must Be Careful

Силвия Маринова

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Pain is probably the number one sensation we want to get rid of as soon as possible. A lot of people suffer from chronic pain that does not respond to medication, or the medicine itself has adverse effects. Often the cause of pain is inflammatory processes.&nbsp;

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In this article, we will consider the types of pain and herbs that have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, especially in neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Types-of-Pain

Types of Pain

Types-of-Pain_0_0

Pain is different, depending on its origin and character [<a href="https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/analgesic-and-anti-inflammatory-herbs-a-potential-source-of-modern-medicine/?view=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]:

Types-of-Pain_0_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Somatic pain: it is caused by the activation of pain receptors on the surface of the body or in musculoskeletal tissue, which can be caused by a combination of factors such as abnormalities, inflammation, recurrent trauma, excessive activity, vigorous stretching and contractions due to paralysis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Visceral pain: it is associated with damage to internal organs and is the most common form of pain, it is the result of the activation of pain receptors in the chest, abdomen or pelvis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neuropathic pain: caused by an injury or malfunction of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, the sensation can be burning, tingling, pricking.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acute pain: the result of tissue damage or injury, which usually disappears when the injury is treated or the cause of the pain is removed. It is short-lived and usually manifests itself in ways that can be easily described and monitored.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Chronic pain: this pain is more subjective and lasts more than three months. Treatment of chronic pain is a great challenge for doctors, as it changes the quality of life of the patient.</li>
</ul>

Types-of-Pain_0_2

Sweet-Flag-(Acorus-calamus)

Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)

Sweet-Flag-(Acorus-calamus)_1_0

Sweet flag, also known as calamus, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective action. It is used to treat inflammatory diseases in traditional Indian medicine.

Sweet-Flag-(Acorus-calamus)_1_1

Sweet flag aqueous-alcohol extract has been successfully used to relieve neuropathic pain in rats. These effects may be due to numerous mechanisms: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, calcium-inhibiting and neuroprotective action.

Sweet-Flag-(Acorus-calamus)_1_2

What are the benefits of antioxidants for health and which foods are richest to them

Tarragon-(Artemisia-dracunculus)

Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)

Tarragon-(Artemisia-dracunculus)_2_0

Tarragon is also known as estragon. It has an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Tarragon-(Artemisia-dracunculus)_2_1

There is evidence that it can help sufferers of neuropathic pain caused by a prediabetic condition or obesity.

Tarragon-(Artemisia-dracunculus)_2_2

Obesity and overweight - are there effective herbs against them

Tarragon-(Artemisia-dracunculus)_2_3

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_3_0

The main active substance in turmeric is curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_3_1

It may relieve pain in osteoarthritis and neuropathic pain.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_3_2

Due to its anti-inflammatory action, curcumin can be effective against inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and suppress symptoms such as joint swelling and morning stiffness. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Review_of_Anti_Inflammatory_Herbal_Medicines_27247570" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_3_3

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_4_0

Saffron is grown in Iran, India and Greece. It is traditionally used as a spice and to treat bronchospasm, insomnia, asthma, menstrual problems, pain relief and cardiovascular disorders.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_4_1

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_4_2

Aqueous and alcohol extracts of saffron have analgesic effects, including in neuropathic pain. And stamens have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_4_3

Russian-Olive-(Elaeagnus-angustifolia)

Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Russian-Olive-(Elaeagnus-angustifolia)_5_0

It is also known as silver berry, oleaster, or wild olive. In Iranian traditional medicine, the fruits of Russian olive are used to relieve pain in rheumatoid arthritis. They have anti-inflammatory action and relax muscles. Probably these effects are due to flavonoids, which are contained in the fruits of the tree.

Russian-Olive-(Elaeagnus-angustifolia)_5_1

According to one study, extract from the plant relieves osteoarthritis pain as successful as ibuprofen, without adverse side effects. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Efficacy_of_Elaeagnus_Angustifolia_extract_in_the_treatment_of_knee_osteoarthritis_a_randomized_controlled_trial_27330526" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Rosemary-(Rosmarinus-officinalis)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary-(Rosmarinus-officinalis)_6_0

Rosemary has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and can relieve pain in sufferers of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Holy-Basil-(Ocimum-tenuiflorum)

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Holy-Basil-(Ocimum-tenuiflorum)_7_0

The holy basil is also known as tulsi or Ocimum sanctum.

Holy-Basil-(Ocimum-tenuiflorum)_7_1

In Ayurveda it is recommended for the treatment of arthritis and painful eye diseases. Its analgesic effect is also confirmed in laboratory animal studies, and it is believed that the decrease in neuropathic pain that the herb demonstrates is due to the saponins in it.

Holy-Basil-(Ocimum-tenuiflorum)_7_2

Borage-(Borago-officinalis)

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage-(Borago-officinalis)_8_0

Borage is also known as starflower. It has anti-inflammatory effect and its seed oil&nbsp;can help those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis by suppressing the synthesis of inflammation-related tumor necrotizing factor alpha (TNF-α).

Borage-(Borago-officinalis)_8_1

According to some clinical trials, borage seed oil also has a beneficial effect in sufferers of atopic dermatitis.

Borage-(Borago-officinalis)_8_2

Borage-(Borago-officinalis)_8_3

It is contraindicated in pregnancy, as it can cause an abortion.

Chanka-Piedra-(Phyllanthus-amarus)

Chanka Piedra (Phyllanthus amarus)

Chanka-Piedra-(Phyllanthus-amarus)_9_0

Several species of the tropical genus Phyllanthus are widely used in traditional medicine to treat a host of diseases, including influenza, diabetes, jaundice and bladder stones. Chanka piedra demonstrates analgesic action in neuropathic pain, probably due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Chanka-Piedra-(Phyllanthus-amarus)_9_1

Black-Cumin-(Nigella-sativa)

Black Cumin (Nigella sativa)

Black-Cumin-(Nigella-sativa)_10_0

Black cumin is rich in oils, and in the essential oil of the herb the active substance thymoquinone is detected.

Black-Cumin-(Nigella-sativa)_10_1

Black cumin and timoquinone have been found to have an antioxidant and analgesic effect, but they also have a beneficial effect in diabetes sufferers, as they cause a significant decrease in increased glucose in the blood and a decrease in insulin concentration. And diabetes is a common cause of neuropathy.

Black-Cumin-(Nigella-sativa)_10_2

5 herbs useful for diabetics and people at risk of the disease

Sage-(Salvia-officinalis)

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Sage-(Salvia-officinalis)_11_0

Sage can be used to relieve headaches and neuropathic pain. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Sage-(Salvia-officinalis)_11_1

The active substance in it - salvigenin, has a strong analgesic effect, similar to morphine.

Sage-(Salvia-officinalis)_11_2

Substances-of-Plant-Origin-With-an-Analgesic-Effect

Substances of Plant Origin With an Analgesic Effect

Substances-of-Plant-Origin-With-an-Analgesic-Effect_12_0

There are isolated and specific substances from medicinal plants, which in themselves have an analgesic effect. These are:

Substances-of-Plant-Origin-With-an-Analgesic-Effect_12_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol (THC/CBD) - from cannabis (Cannabis sativa);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Quercetin - from various fruits and vegetables, onions, apples, tea and cabbage;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lappaconitine - from Aconitum;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">DA-9801 - from Discorea;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">TJ-107 (Goshajinkigan) - a drug containing 10 medicinal herbs, which is usually prescribed to improve the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, for example, feeling cold and paresthesia/dysesthesia (tingling, atypical sensations on the skin, not corresponding to irritation);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Naringin - from grapes and citrus fruits;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Incarvillateine - from the Chinese herb Incarvillea sinensis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Koumine - from Gelsemium.</li>
</ul>

Substances-of-Plant-Origin-With-an-Analgesic-Effect_12_2

Herbs have great potential in the fight against pain and inflammation. Of course, it is good to start their use after consulting a doctor, and depending on the type of pain and the causes of it&nbsp;since they are numerous, and each of the listed herbs has its own unique mechanism of action, which would manifest itself in specific cases, and in others - not.

11 Herbs With Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effect

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 11 Herbs With Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Effect

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Many people never miss the opportunity to add something hot to their meal. There is some thrill in checking how hot you can bear. It is no coincidence that the participants in the hot-pepper contests face this challenge.

Mike Jack is a multiple world record holder in the category. The record for the fastest eating of three hot peppers Carolina Reaper, which he set, has not been broken for six years - the Canadian achieved it in just 9.72 seconds! [<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2021/2/man-eats-three-carolina-reaper-chillies-in-under-10-seconds-647404" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

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Carolina Reaper is a variety of Capsicum chinense chilli pepper, which itself holds a Guinness Record for the hottest pepper in the world, followed by Trinidad Scorpion 'Butch T'.

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The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies

The secret ingredient of chillies

The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies_0_0

Chillies owe their effect to a compound called capsaicin, which can help control inflammation and other harmful processes in the body associated with the accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries (<a href="/p/bilki_za_zdravo_srtsie_chast_1_bdd3a061_589a_402f_846f_042cbc215d6e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">atherosclerosis</a>), for example. In this article you will find out what other positive health effects they have.

The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies_0_1

Capsaicin, as the main active compound of chillies, has numerous beneficial properties for the human body, including pain relief due to inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis and vasomotor rhinitis.

The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies_0_2

In addition, several preclinical studies have shown that capsaicin can suppress different types of cancer in humans by generating reactive oxygen species and increasing apoptosis (programmed cell death - in this case - of cancer cells).

The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies_0_3

The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies_0_4

Capsaicin demonstrates significant <a href="/p/kakvo_priedstavliavat_svobodnitie_radikali_i_antioksidantitie_6be12349_ec85_47d4_bcb8_0c265fb59dd4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">antioxidant properties</a> and it is assumed that this compound may find use in the prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies_0_5

Read more:

The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies_0_6

<a href="/p/altskhaimier_i_diemientsiia_6_bilki_koito_pomaghat_sporied_kitaiskata_traditsionna_mieditsina_c66a2085_1e30_40d8_9347_9fa3d0ac5bd2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Alzheimer's and dementia: 6 herbs that help according to Chinese traditional medicine</a>

The-secret-ingredient-of-chillies_0_7

<a href="/p/kakvi_sa_polzitie_ot_antioksidantitie_za_zdravieto_i_koi_khrani_sa_nai_boghati_na_tiakh_0376155d_ea0c_4218_8ed2_114aed9f37c5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">What are the health benefits of antioxidants and which foods are richest to them</a>

Cardiovascular-system-benefits-from-chili-peppers

Cardiovascular system benefits from chili peppers

Cardiovascular-system-benefits-from-chili-peppers_1_0

According to a 2019 study, people who regularly eat chillies have a one-third lower risk of death caused by cardiovascular disease. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/chili_pepper_consumption_and_mortality_in_italian_adults_31856971" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

neuralgia

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