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Cayenne pepper |
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| Cayenne is a shrub that grows in subtropical and tropical climates. The plant is native to tropical areas of America and is cultivated throughout the world in tropic and subtropic climate zones. Cayenne is a member of the genus Capsicum. Other species of this genus include Tabasco peppers, African peppers, Mexican chili peppers, bell peppers, pimentoes, paprikas, and bird peppers. Cayenne is often referred to as chili, which is the Aztec name for cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper is a very hot red powder used to flavour dishes, its name comes from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. For centuries, cayenne pepper has been used both as a spice for foods in many cultures around the world and as a traditional medicine, especially by Native Americans. Native Americans have used cayenne as a food and as a medicine for stomach aches, cramping pains, gas, and disorders of the circulatory system for 9,000 years. |
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Active constituents of cayenne |
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| Capsaicin is the most active ingredient in cayenne. Capsaicin depletes substance P, a chemical that sends pain signals to the brain from the local nervous system. Substance P is believed to be the primary chemical mediator of pain impulses from the periphery to the brain. When there is a lack of substance P, the sensation of pain diminishes because it cannot reach the brain. Capsaicin also stimulates circulation and alters body temperature. This substance also has proven to activate inflammatory mediators in psoriasis and the cream was able to reduce the scaling, redness, and thickness of the lesions. Other constituents of cayenne are vitamin C and vitamin E and carotenoids. |
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Medicinal uses and health benefits of cayenne |
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| Cayenne has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, diuretic, analgesic, expectorant, and diaphoretic properties. Cayenne is
used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions, including weak digestion, chronic pain, shingles, heart disease, sore throats, headaches, high cholesterol levels, poor circulation, and toothache. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper has very powerful pain-relieving properties when applied to the surface of the skin. Applied topically, cayenne cream eases pain by providing diversionary discomfort and by depleting the body's supply of substance P. External preparations are used to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation and to relieve symptoms of bursitis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and nerve pain that often follows shingles. Cayenne cream or ointment is particularly effective in easing the joint discomfort of arthritis. Applying cayenne cream to irritated areas may help psoriasis sufferers.
Cayenne is the most useful of the systemic stimulants. It stimulates blood flow, strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. Cayenne is used to regulate blood flow and to strengthen the heart, arteries and capillaries. Cayenne is been used as an overall digestive aid and is considered to improve the entire circulatory system and act as one of the best stimulants. When taken internally, cayenne soothes the digestive tract and stimulates the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. These secretions contain substances that help digest food. Cayenne is also used to relieve constipation as it stimulates gastric secretions, thereby activating a sluggish gastrointestinal tract. Cayenne can be an effective remedy for relieving congestion and coughs. It acts to thin mucus, thus improving the flow of body fluids. It is also used to boost energy and relieve stress-related fatigue and depression. Cayenne has a revitalizing effect on both the mind and body, dispelling tiredness, lethargy, and depression, mainly by opening passageways and dilating blood vessels. Cayenne may reduce the risk of heart attacks. It has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and the risk of blood clots. |
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Dosage and administration of cayenne |
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| Cayenne is available in capsule and liquid form for internal use. For external use, there are a variety of creams and gels containing 0.025% to 0.075% capsaicin. Capsaicin cream may be applied directly to the affected area three or four times for two to three weeks before the effects are felt, to treat shingles, psoriasis, arthritis, or toothache. Capsaicin may be taken in capsules (30 to 120 mg, three times daily), or as an infusion (a tea) by adding 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of powder to a cup of boiling water, to treat digestive problems. To ease gas and stomach cramps or to help promote digestion, a tea may be made by adding 0.25 tsp of cayenne to 1 cup of hot water. Chewing on a hot pepper may provide temporary relief from toothache. |
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Side effects, precautions, interactions |
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| Cayenne should not be used by children under two years of age. Topical cayenne ointments should not be used for more than two consecutive days in children. Capsaicin cream may cause an itching, burning sensation on the skin, but these symptoms tend to subside quickly. Capsaicin capsules may cause stomach irritation. Applying too much cayenne cream may produce coughing, sneezing, teary eyes and a scratchy throat. Large internal doses of cayenne may produce vomiting and/or stomach pain. Using capsaicin cream on the skin may increase the risk of cough associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. |
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The main health properties in cayenne come from a chemical called capsaicin. This is the chemical that gives pepper its heat. Capsaicin acts to relieve pain and reduce platelet thickness. Cayenne also contains Vitamins C and E and carotenoids. Vitabase Cayenne capsules are taken internally and may aid in several areas. As a digestive aid, cayenne helps soothe the digestive tract. It also stimulates the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. The increase in fluid release may also help relieve constipation. Click here for more information.