Cayenne Capsicum: A Fiery Spice with Remarkable Health Benefits

(Capsicum)

Originally from South America, the cayenne plant is now used worldwide as a food and spice. Cayenne is very closely related to bell peppers, jalapeños, paprika, and other similar peppers. The fruit is used medicinally.

The potent, hot fruit of cayenne has been used as medicine for centuries. It was considered helpful by herbalists for various conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract, including stomach aches, cramping pains, and wind. Cayenne was frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. It is still traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic (a substance believed to improve circulation).

Applied topically to the skin, cayenne is a traditional remedy for rheumatic pains and arthritis.

What it does

Cayenne pepper contains 1.5% of an active constituent called capsaicin, which give it its hotness and irritant effects. Cayenne also contains volatile oils, carotenoids and Vitamins A & C, which account for its powerful anti-oxidant properties. Cayenne offers circulatory benefits by significantly reducing excessive blood clotting. It has been shown to regulate blood flow, strengthen the heart, arteries and capillaries.

Capsaicin may block the feeling of pain by depleting and then blocking the production of ‘substance P’, which is thought to be the main chemical messenger of pain from the peripheral sensory nerves to the brain. Cayenne’s influence on prostaglandin activity may also account for some of its anti-pain properties. The anti-pain effects are especially prominent with topical use.

Potential Uses

Cayenne capsicum is a member of the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. It is a small, red pepper that is native to Central and South America. Cayenne peppers are known for their intense heat, which is caused by the compound capsaicin.

Capsaicin has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:

• Reducing inflammation
• Boosting the immune system
• Improving digestion
• Relieving pain
• Promoting weight loss
• Protecting against heart disease
• Preventing cancer

Traditional Uses of Cayenne Capsicum

Cayenne capsicum has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Inflammation
• Arthritis
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Cold sores
• Sinuses
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Eczema
• Psoriasis

Treatment Potential of Cayenne Capsicum

Cayenne capsicum is currently being studied for its potential to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Pain
• Obesity
• Diabetes

How to Use Cayenne Capsicum

Cayenne capsicum can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Cooking: popular spice in many cuisines around the world. It can be added to soups, stews, curries, and marinades to add heat and flavor.
• Supplements:  is also available in supplement form. Cayenne supplements are typically taken in capsule or powder form.
• Topical creams:  can also be applied topically to relieve pain and inflammation. Cayenne creams are available at most drugstores.

Side Effects of Cayenne Capsicum

Cayenne capsicum is generally safe for most people to consume. However, some people may experience side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea. Cayenne pepper may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it regularly.

Recipes Using Cayenne Capsicum

Here are three step-by-step recipes for using cayenne capsicum at home:

Cayenne Pepper Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried cayenne pepper
• 1 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Steep the cayenne pepper in the hot water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Strain the tea and enjoy.

Cayenne Pepper Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cayenne pepper and cook for another minute.
4. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the cream or milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.

Cayenne Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve immediately.

Cautions

If you are taking the asthma medication theophylline, do not take cayenne as it increases absorption rates.

Do not take if you have gastritis, heartburn or ulcers. Do not use internally if you are taking anti-coagulant drugs such as warfarin or heparin without first consulting your doctor. Topically, cayenne cream should be kept well away from nose, eyes, mouth and any broken skin.

At the time of writing there were no well known negative drug interactions with cayenne.

Conclusion

Cayenne capsicum is generally safe for most people to consume, but it is important to talk to your doctor before taking it regularly.

It may reduce the damage caused to the stomach by aspirin and can be taken with aspirin, provided that you do not have a stomach ulcer.

Cayenne in both internal and external use can cause a warming, burning sensation when first used, but this usually reduces after a few days of use.