Preparation and dosage: Tincture: take 5 drops, 3 x daily in water or juice. Capsules: take 1-3 caps, 2 x daily. Tea: blend 1/4 tsp of the pepper powder into 1 cup water or juice. Drink 1-3 x daily. Also try replacing your black pepper with cayenne in spicing foods.

Cayenne 20,000 - 50,000 HU (Capsicum spp., including C. annuum, C. frutescens) Crushed Bulk

Family

Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)

Etymology

The genus name Capsicum derives from the Greek kapto, "to bite," in reference to the spicy flavor. The common name cayenne is taken from that of a French Guiana town of the same name on the northeast coast of South America.

Range of Appearance

Native to the Americas, cayenne has many varieties which can grow as annuals or perennials and as small herbs or small shrubs. The plant features simple five-lobed leaves and usually white flowers. The fruit is long, twisting, and red to orange-red. In the garden cayenne enjoys full sun and can tolerate dry conditions.

Parts Used

Fruit

Physiological Effects

Alterative, anthelmintic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, counterirritant, diaphoretic, expectorant, hemostatic, sialagogue, stimulant, thermogenic, tonic

Medicinal Uses

Cayenne stimulates the brain to secrete endorphins and improves circulation by preventing blood platelet aggregation. It helps to relieve pain, not only due to the endorphin release it stimulates but also when used topically (always in diluted form) by helping to block the transmission of substance P, a neuropeptide that transports pain messages to the brain. It also opens congested nasal passages. Cayenne is used in the treatment of arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, bleeding, chills, colds, cough, dysentery, flu, high cholesterol, migraine, and obesity. Applied topically, cayenne is very effective as a styptic for bleeding wounds. It (or an extract of one of its constituents, capsaicin) is a common ingredient in lotions and creams designed to relieve pain in arthritic joints, sprains, shingles, and bruises. Cayenne can also be prepared as a gargle to relieve sore throat.

Culinary Uses

Cayenne peppers are edible, though how edible they are depends on a person's tolerance for their heat. Cayenne is widely used as a seasoning.

Other Uses

Putting a bit of cayenne between your shoes and socks on a cold winter's day helps keep the feet warm.

Constituents

Beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, capsaicin, capsanthine

Contradictions

Avoid large doses during pregnancy and while nursing. Cayenne is not advised for people who sweat profusely and suddenly. When handling cayenne, keep away from eyes, and wash hands afterward. The seeds can be especially hot.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/