Remember back in the computer lab at school and the best day of your life was when you got to play Oregon Trail?
It was better than recess, getting string cheese in your lunch box, or receiving an invitation to Bobby’s birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. There was simply no other game like it.
But like all childhood thrills, it was a game of real-life that taught kids about the perils of making the treacherous journey out West. Braving the cold temperatures, fear of starvation, and of course dysentery. Somebody always died of dysentery.
What is dysentery?
Dysentery is the inflammation of the intestine causing diarrhea with blood. Pretty awful!
How do chili peppers help with diarrhea?
Chili peppers are anti-inflammatory and contain an element called Capsaicin which is a powerful agent to help kill the toxic bacteria that cause diarrhea.
Other ways chili peppers could have helped settlers on The Oregon Trail
Pain relief, sinus relief, and congestion prevent stomach ulcers, warming cold feet, help with insomnia, relief from migraines.
Here’s a tea the settlers could have made during their journey to improve their digestive system.
Oregon Trail No-Dysentery Tea
• Boil 2 cups of water
• stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes
• remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes
• drink 1/4 cup every 30 minutes for relief
If you plan on traveling the Oregon Trail, make sure you take a bottle of Mad Dog 357 Hot Sauce for extra protection.
