Capsicum, more familiarly known as cayenne pepper, potentiates all other herbs. This champion blood cleanser improves circulation, benefits the kidneys, lungs, spleen, pancreas, heart, and stomach. Cayenne has been used as a digestive aid and is one of the herbalist’s specifics against nausea. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it is helpful in rheumatism, arthritis, and migraines. Cayenne even quickly relieves common cold symptoms.

Externally, cayenne has been used to good effect in ointments and salves for centuries. As a rubefacient, it produces penetrating heat to bring relief to aching muscles and painful joints.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

The Capsicum family includes cayenne peppers, red and green chillies, paprika, and bell peppers. Hot peppers, including cayenne, put forth small and slender fruits. The heat and medicinal properties are housed in the seeds.

HISTORICAL NOTES

Historically, cayenne is considered an excellent digestive aid because it stimulates the production of gastric juices, improves metabolism, and relieves gas. An old herbal suggests that when cayenne is rubbed into the scalp, it causes bald spots to sprout hair.

SCIENTIFIC FINDINGSHerbal Beauty

Peppers in general are rich in bioflavonoids and are considered very nutritious. The stimulating effect of cayenne comes from the hot, stinging sensation the muncher experiences upon biting into the hot pepper. According to researchers at UCLA, the sting and burning of the mucous membranes of the mouth trigger the release of endorphins, the brain chemicals that relieve pain and cause a mild euphoria. It has also been reported that capsicum is a neurotransmitter and, as such, is very effective against pain. Studies indicate that cayenne has been used successfully against “cluster” type migraines. Because it is a vasodilator, capsicum has also been used in the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Of even more interest, a study published in the Journal of Bioscience in 1987 reported that lab animals fed a diet high in cayenne experienced a significant reduction in “bad” cholesterol.

TRADITIONAL USE

Internal. Prepare a healing tea using 1 rounded teaspoon of herb per cup. Take 1 to 3 cups daily for 3 days only. Do not use cayenne on a continuing basis. To take advantage of its catalytic action, add a quarter cup of cayenne tea to any other healing tea.

External. As an ingredient in ointments, liniments, and salves, cayenne warms deep down to help relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritic joints or overused muscles.

CONSIDERATIONS

Treat cayenne with great respect. It should not be used by anyone with a hiatus hernia or any gastrointestinal problems; it’s just too strong for internal membranes that are already irritated. High doses taken internally can cause gastroenteritis and kidney damage.

You should know that this hot herb can now be purchased according to the number of heat units the preparation contains. For example, 30,000 to 40,000 heat units is considered mild, while 90,000 heat units is mighty hot. Consult your herbalist or staff in your health-food store for more information.

Don’t use an ointment that contains cayenne on broken skin (or hemmorrhoids). Although it warms and soothes, prolonged use of cayenne can irritate the skin. Use with care.

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