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CAYENNE Capsicum annuum

Also Known As: Capsicum, Red Pepper, Goat's Pepper, Guinea Pepper, Garden Pepper, African Bird Pepper, Cayenne, Paprika

This aromatic spice has been used both for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is considered one of the best stimulants in the herb kingdom, and is traditionally used to improve circulation and as a digestive aid.

Common use: Poor circulation; digestive disorders (gas, upset stomach, nausea); breaks up mucous congestion from respiratory system; colds; bronchitis; sinus congestion; improves metabolism; infection; increases effectiveness of herbal blends.

Cayenne is a circulatory tonic that is believed to be beneficial for normalizing blood pressure, problems relating to poor circulation such as chills and cold hands & feet, as well as for strengthening the heart- the main organ for circulation of blood. Like most spices, Cayenne reportedly aids digestion by stimulating the secretion of saliva and the digestive juices. It is even suggested as a possible aid for lowering cholesterol. In other applications, Cayenne is used for relieving the mucous congestion of a cold; and a gargle for sore throats is said to numb the pain, clear away the mucus and acts as a natural antiseptic.

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History: Indigenous to Mexico & Central America, the dried fruit of the Capsicum species is cultivated in the warmer areas of world, such as Africa & India. Cayenne was used by Native Americans for its stimulating properties. It was noted in the Dispensary of the USA as a "powerful local stimulant, producing when swallowed, a sense of heat in the stomach and a general glow over the body without narcotic effect."

Current Traditional Use

Circulatory Tonic: Today, the above mentioned use as a circulatory stimulant is the most popular application of Cayenne. In fact, it's recognized by many in the field of herbal medicine as one of- if not the best stimulant in the herbal kingdom. It strengthens the circulatory system and is especially beneficial for the heart. Consequently, Cayenne is used for a number of conditions relating to poor circulation including: varicose veins, cold hands & feet, as well for the prevention of blood clots.

Digestive Aid: Like most spices, Cayenne promotes the flow of gastric juices so necessary for the break down & proper digestion of carbohydrates and other nutrients. It can be found in many herbal digestive combinations aiding gas, upset stomach and other gastrointestinal complaints. Cayenne also improves the metabolism.

Ulcers: Interestingly, Cayenne is often recommended for effectively treating stomach & intestinal ulcers. While the prevailing belief is that spicy foods damage the stomach and contribute to ulcers, one reference cites the result of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association which concluded that "ingestion of highly spiced meals by normal individuals is not associated with gastrointestinal damage."

In this regard, Cayenne is said to stimulate the production of mucous in the stomach, which in turn then coats the walls of the intestines, soothing & protecting ulcers. (For this purpose, herbal author Laurel Dewey recommends using the powdered herb or 1 capsule during meals - not the cooked or raw fruit). Like most herbs, unless otherwise specified, Cayenne is best taken with meals, rather than on an empty stomach. (See Cautions & Warnings below).

Pain: Anyone who has benefited from over-the-counter creams such as Zostrix or Axsain has experienced the pain-relieving effect of Capsaicin, Cayenne's active ingredient. External preparations have been used successfully for years to relieve muscle & joint pain, backaches & shingles. Reports cited in the PDR For Herbal Medicines and other references indicate that Capsaicin helps block the transmission of the chemical that transports pain message to the brain. Internally, Cayenne or other capsaicin-containing preparations are being suggested for headaches, including migraines & cluster headaches.

Tea: Pour one cup of boiling water over 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful of herbs and allow to steep 4 to 7 minutes; strain. Adults only, drink 1 to 2 cups daily; one before breakfast and/or one at bedtime. If desired, add honey and/or lemon to suit taste.

To prepare as "instant" tea: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoonful of herbal powder. Adults only, drink 1 to 2 cups daily; one before breakfast and/or one at bedtime. If desired, add honey and/or lemon to suit taste.

Capsules: Take as an addition to the daily diet. Take 1 or 2 capsules three times daily with water at mealtimes.

Culinary Use: Use in curries, chili powders, and to basically spice up any dish.

Cautions and Warnings: Using Cayenne internally may cause gastrointestinal irritation in some sensitive individuals, especially if taken in large quantities and over an extended period of time.