Overview

Cayenne has been in use for thousands of years, and people have known that it has more benefits than just being able to add a tasty “bite” to certain foods. Also known as red pepper, cayenne is an herb that adds flavor to food, relieves pain, helps the digestion, stimulates the appetite, revs up the metabolism – and it even can be used as a crime deterrent! Though it may seem a little surprising that such a small item can do so many things, one taste of this powerful herb will convince you. It packs a spicy punch when added to food or drink, and it’s not for those who like their foods mild; but it is this very “punch” that makes it work so well as a pain reliever.

What gives cayenne its unique qualities, and its heat, is a natural substance contained in it called “Capsaicin.” Capsaicin is sometimes known as an irritant, because when it comes in contact with the skin or the inside of the mouth or throat, it produces a burning feeling. When used as an ingredient in a topical ointment, it can relieve Muscle and joint pain by concentrating heat on the area and over-stimulating the nerves so they go temporarily numb. Since it is considered a “thermogenic,” ingesting Capsaicin can rev up the metabolism, causing the body to burn calories at a higher rate. It thins mucus naturally, which makes it an effective decongestant. It is used as an ingredient in “pepper spray,” which, if sprayed into the eyes of an attacker, will cause intense burning, usually rendering the attacker temporarily helpless because of the pain.

When you use cayenne as a food additive or in natural ointments for pain, you are using something that has been proven over many years to not only be a taste enhancer for certain foods, but also something that can enhance your health.

Plant Description

The cayenne plant thrives in tropical and semi-tropical areas, so it is most often found in places like South America (where it was first grown), certain areas of Africa, and India. The plant grows to be about two to six feet tall and is fairly bushy. The peppers that grow on the cayenne plant are long and narrow, and start off red. If left on the plant for a long time, they can turn orange and yellow. Cayenne peppers are usually cultivated when they are red, and they can be eaten fresh, but for many purposes they are dried before use.

What’s it made of?

The main ingredient in cayenne is Capsaicin, but cayenne peppers also contain other important substances. Cayenne contains vitamin C, which is a proven immune system enhancer; vitamin A, good for eyesight and the skin; vitamin B, essential for a healthy nervous system; calcium, which is essential for strong bones, as well as a healthy nervous system; and potassium, essential for heart health.

Available forms

Cayenne can come in many forms, depending on your individual needs. Some people munch on whole cayenne peppers as snacks, though it is a safe assumption that there are few people who can actually withstand that much heat in their mouths and throats. Cayenne peppers are often cooked and mashed or strained for use in hot sauces. Cayenne peppers are used to flavor hot dishes such as chili, or they are chopped and used for garnishes in other dishes, such as tostadas. Most people see cayenne after it has been dried and ground into a powder. It is this powder that is most often seen in jars on spice racks. The powder is used to add spice to all sorts of dishes.

Cayenne powder can come in capsule form when used for medicinal purposes, or the powder or juices from cayenne peppers can be mixed with topical creams for external use.

How to take it

When used for eating or flavoring foods, the important word to remember when it comes to cayenne is “sparingly.” A little cayenne goes a very long way when it comes to spicing up a dish, so when using it as a flavor enhancer, start out with just a bit, and then add more carefully if you feel that you need to.

In capsule form, cayenne should be taken according to your doctor’s or nutritionist’s directions, or the directions on the package the capsules came in. Cayenne powder can also be added to liquids such as teas or health drinks. When cayenne is in a topical cream, the cream should never be applied to open sores or burns, since the heating sensation caused by the cayenne would be much too painful. For joint or Muscle pain, a topical ointment containing cayenne should be applied directly to the painful area. In some instances, the cream may be cleaned off the area once it has numbed it; in other instances, the cream is kept on to keep the area heated.

Precautions

Cayenne should not be given to children under the age of two years, either internally or externally. Some people are too sensitive to the Capsaicin in cayenne and can experience extreme mouth, throat, and stomach irritation if they ingest it. If you ingest cayenne and find that it causes you too much pain – especially Stomach pain – you should discontinue use until you consult your doctor or nutritionist. The same goes for applying cayenne externally; if it causes a rash, swelling, or an acute or chronic burning sensation, you should not continue using it until you’ve spoken with your doctor or nutritionist – you may be allergic. Always keep cayenne away from the eyes, as it can cause extreme irritation and redness. You should never apply a topical ointment containing cayenne after a hot bath or shower, or with other heating ointments or heating elements such as heating pads.

Possible interactions

Cayenne may possibly interact unfavorably with medications used to regulate Blood pressure, so if you are on one of these medications, you should consult your doctor before taking cayenne. It may also interact unfavorably with blood thinning medications. If you are taking theophylline, a medication used for Asthma, you shouldn’t use cayenne without consulting your doctor. Cayenne can increase the absorption of this medication, possibly causing it to become toxic.