Cayenne pepper (also known as chilli or red hot pepper), is the fruit of a shrubby, tropical plant originally native to South America. It is used as a food and spice world-wide and now cultivated in most tropical regions. Medicinally, Cayenne has been used extensively in folklore and recently in scientific studies for a variety of health disorders.
Medicinal Properties of Cayenne
Cayenne pepper contains an active constituent called capsaicin, which also accounts for its hotness and irritant effects. Cayenne contains around 1.5% of this potent compound. Cayenne also contains volatile oils, carotenoids and Vitamins A & C, which account for its powerful Antioxidant properties. Cayenne used orally reduces stickiness of blood platelets and reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Capsaicin is a powerful analgesic and counterirritant, and when used topically to the skin or mucous membranes, temporarily depletes, “substance P”, a nerve chemical which transmits pain impulses and activates inflammatory response.
Cayenne Herbal Remedies
Cayenne is often used for the following:
Orally:
Antioxidant protection
Atherosclerosis and circulatory health
Weight management – appetite reduction and increased fat metabolism
Topically:
Arthritis – most types
Cluster headaches and migraines – applied up the nostril by a doctor only
Diabetic neuropathy
Pain relief – backache, shingles, trigeminal neuralgia
Psoriasis
Cayenne may reduce the damage to the stomach caused by aspirin and can be taken at the same time, but not if you already have aspirin induced ulcers.
Cayenne is available as tablets, capsules, and tincture for internal use.
Cayenne creams and ointments are available for topical use only.
Side Effects of Cayenne
Cayenne in both internal and external use can cause a warming, burning sensation when first used, however this usually reduces after a few days of use.
Internally, Cayenne should not be used if you have the following conditions:
Gastritis
Heartburn
Ulcers
Topically, Cayenne should be kept well away from the eyes, nose, mouth and any area of broken skin such as cuts and grazes, as it will be very painful. It is therefore very important to always wash hands after applying cream or ointment.
When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Cayenne.
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