Cayenne is hot stuff: prized and powerful
Get acquainted with this miracle herb with many life saving properties; research suggests it even promotes longevity
Botanical Name: Capsicum anuum
Family: Solanaceae - chilli pepper
Actions: Antimicrobial, analgesic, immunomodulator, carminative, expectoration inducer, antioxidant, diaphoretic, anti fungal, rubefacient, maintains blood circulation, digestive, metabolic stimulant, anti-irritant, reduce blood clots
Nutrients: Capsaicin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B vitamins, Vitamin E, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, carotenes, lutein
Taste: Hot, fruity
Plant Uses: Helps digestion, prevents blood clots, heart health, anticancer, stomach ulcers, treats psoriasis, relieves migraines, provide detox support, relieves joint and nerve pain, supports weight loss, anti-irritant, boost metabolism, fights colds and flu, antis-fungal properties, reduce allergies, boost immune system
Plant preparations: Herbal infusion, tincture, extract, capsule, food, poultice, oil, cream
Toxicities/warnings: Medications that slow blood clotting and act as an anticoagulant such as aspirin, warfarin, clopidrogel, diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen interact with cayenne pepper and should be avoided if you use cayenne pepper as a natural remedy. Do not use cayenne pepper before or after surgery as it increases blood flow. Do not use on children under the age of two. Be mindful not to get cayenne pepper in the eyes as it may burn.
Introduction
Cayenne is a perennial but frost sensitive shrub that grows to a height of one meter. It is covered with scarlet red conical fruit that contain white seeds (when fresh). Native to Central America, cayenne was brought to Europe in the seventeenth century by the Spanish. It is a mainstay of the cuisines of much of Latin America and the American southwest.
Cayenne pepper has been prized for thousands of years for its healing power. Herbalists from around the world recounts amazing results using cayenne pepper in smooth healing and in difficult health problems. But cayenne is not just an ancient healing remedy, recent clinical studies have just validated what herbalists have prized as a miracle herb for centuries. Time and again cayenne’s medicinal power has been validated.
Cayenne pepper is typically added to food in powdered or its natural form but the uses and benefits of this wonderful pepper go way beyond just use in the kitchen.
Benefits of Cayenne
Helps Digestion
Prevents Blood Clots
Anticancer
Heals stomach ulcers
Treats psoriasis
Relieves migraines
Provides Detox Support
Relieves Joint and Nerve Pain
Supports weight loss and boost metabolism
Fights Colds and Flu
Anti-fungal
Reduce allergies
Promotes longevity
Helps Digestion
Cayenne pepper produces saliva which is important for proper digestion as well as the prevention of bad breath. Consuming cayenne stimulates the salivary glands and the flow of enzyme production which is essential for our digestive system to function properly. Cayenne stimulates gastric juices which aid the body’s ability to metabolise food and toxins. (1)
Prevents Blood Clots and Promotes Heart Health
Blood clots are blockages in your arteries and blood vessels that limit the flow of blood through your circulatory system. Research has shown that cayenne promotes fibrinolytic activity and help prevent blood clots and heart attacks. Capsaicin in cayenne also helps clear arteries by removing lipid deposits and dilate arteries and blood vessels. (2)
There are many amazing testimonies of how cayenne has been used effectively to stop heart attacks. Cayenne extract is an extremely useful remedy to have near when this kind of emergency occurs. If you want to carry something in your first aid kit for heart attacks, carry cayenne extract. If a heart attack occurs, give 1 tsp of cayenne extract every 15 minutes until the crisis stops. If you don’t have cayenne extract, you can use 1tsp of cayenne in hot water every 15 minutes.
Cayenne is said to be unequaled for its ability to boost circulation and increase heart action. It has the ability to enhance cardiovascular activity whilst lowering blood pressure. It’s a natural stimulant without the negative side effects.
Anticancer
Studies in Loma Linda University in California have shown that capsaicin found in cayenne pepper prevents lung cancer in smokers as well as effectively treating other types of cancer such as prostate cancer. Capsaicin also reduces the liver’s production of p450, an enzyme necessary to activate environmental contaminants into having a carcinogenic effect. Cayenne pepper is able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the activation of new formations. (3)
Heals Stomach Ulcers
Cayenne is an anti-irritant that helps ease the pain of stomach ulcers. It inhibits acid secretion and stimulate alkali secretion such as gastric mucosal blood flow which promotes healing of ulcers. Some studies have found that it stimulates neurons in the stomach. Instead of reaching for NSAIDS medicine to relieve the pain of stomach ulcers, choose cayenne which eases pain and heals simultaneously. (4)
Drink 1/2 tsp of cayenne in hot water before a meal for extra protection. Add it to your dishes for delicious, nutritious and beneficial benefits.
Treats Psoriasis
Cayenne contains capsaicin which has been proven to bring relief when applied topically as a cream to psoriasis patients. Furthermore, cayenne is packed with vitamin A; just two teaspoons of cayenne give you your fill of daily vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for healthy skin and to fight all kinds of inflammation as well as foster healthy cell growth.
Relieves Migraines
Cayenne is useful in treating migraines by diverting pain away from the migraine area and letting the pain chemicals in the migraine nerve deplete, bringing relief. Its analgesic action relieves all types of headaches. (5)
Provides Detox Support
Due to cayenne pepper’s ability to stimulate circulation and eliminate acidity, research shows that not only does it increase body temperature but also restores the circulatory system by opening capillaries, in addition to regulating blood sugar and therefore aiding in the removal of toxins out of the body.
Relieves Joint and Nerve Pain
Cayenne powder has powerful pain relieving properties when applied to the skin. It reduces the chemical P that carries pain messages to the brain, making it relieving and a strong pain killer remedy for joint and nerve pain, lower back injuries, conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have found cayenne pepper relieves pain after surgeries such as mastectomy or an amputation. It is also effective to reduce pain in the nerves or legs from diabetes. (6)
Fights Colds and Flu
Cayenne helps break up mucus andraises the body temperature which aids in making us sweat; is filled with vitamin C, carotenoids and antioxidants that are all beneficial for fighting colds and flu.
Anti-fungal
Another amazing benefit of cayenne is that it kills fungus and prevents the formation of fungal pathogens. (7) Cayenne has been shown to kill Candida which when improperly balanced in our bodies produce many complications such as hormone imbalance, joint pain, digestive issues and a weakened immune system.
Reduces Allergies
Cayenne is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent effectively reducing a variety of allergies.
Promotes Longevity
Research suggests that people who regularly eat cayenne pepper have a 14 percent chance of living longer than those who don’t. Further research shows this might be due to cayenne’s lifesaving abilities in reducing cancer, heart and respiratory problems. (8)
Preparations and uses
Cayenne & Hot Water
Prepare a delicious infusion by adding 1/2 teaspoon (or as much as you can bear) of cayenne powder to one cup of boiling water. Stir, let it infuse for 5 minutes and enjoy. Great to drink before meals, or add a squeeze of lemon to it and drink as needed.
Cayenne Tincture (Extract)
Prepare a tincture by adding 1/2 of cayenne peppers to 2/3 parts vodka (40% alcohol) in clean mason jar and place a label with the date and ingredients on the lid. Let it sit in a dark cupboard for 6 - 8 weeks, occasionally giving it a gentle shake. After 6 - 8 weeks, strain out the tincture and bottle it. Add a teaspoon of tincture / add a few drops to water or juice and drink 3 to 4 times daily. Tinctures have a long shelf life of between 4 - 6 years.
Food
Use cayenne pepper powder or fruit to prepare your favourite dishes; sprinkle on salads, infuse it in an olive oil to drizzle over pizza or salad. Additionally add cayenne as a base with garlic and oil for many dishes. Getting acquainted with cayenne and all its applications in the kitchen will reward you with many health benefits.
Poultice (Compress)
Fold some kitchen paper and rub olive oil on it, not too much oil but just enough for the cayenne to stick. Now sprinkle cayenne over the area. Place a piece of plastic wrap at the back of the kitchen roll and place over the affected area such as lower back, ankles, knees or anywhere joint pain is present. Secure the poultice by wrapping it with bandage and ensuring it stays warm.
This will bring blood flow to the affected area and relief pain however, it will also get hot. Keep the poultice on for several hours and repeat if needed.
Final Thoughts
As you can see cayenne pepper is one of the most prized and powerful remedies to have in your herbal remedy cupboard and an excellent ingredient in the kitchen. There are other attributes of cayenne which we have not listed in this article. New studies continuously emerge proving its exceptional benefits to health. What a wonderful herb and what a wide variety of applications!
I started Pilgrim’s Well with the intention to write health informative articles that will benefit the reader and inspire a wealth of knowledge about the amazing natural ingredients available to us. It is my true hope that those who read these articles will consider the powerful benefits of these God given ingredients and perhaps consider choosing natural ways of improving one’s health instead of turning to medications which are full of damaging side effects and detrimental to our wellbeing in the long run. Psalm 104:14 states that herbs are for the service of men, and indeed what a wonderful service are these herbs for us in their abundance of healing properties. Praise God who gave us these powerful remedies! I hope this publication blesses you with a well of information that can be put to good use.
Please consider sharing these articles if you find them helpful. You can always write to me with any feedback or questions.
Thank you for reading!
References
Disclaimer
The information contained in this ARTICLE is for interest and educational purposes only, and is in no way a prescription or substitute for professional/medical help. We assume no responsibility for the way you choose to implement this information. Be sure to consult your medical healthcare provider(s) before making any health changes or decisions.