Cayenne Pepper Herb

Cayenne Pepper Herb

First used in Latin America, cayenne is now grown in many areas of the world and is a common seasoning and remedy. Healers have used cayenne for hundreds of years to treat many disorders including stomach pain, cramping, bloating, and disorders of the circulatory system.

A Brief History of Cayenne

Cayenne has been popular for millennia as an herbal remedy for helping soothe maladies of the gastrointestinal system like pain, gas, or cramps, and problems of circulation. In the modern world, many people ingest cayenne to stimulate circulation. Others use cayenne externally to reduce irritation and soothe the pain that comes with rheumatism or arthritis.

One of the active components of cayenne is capsaicin, which can help treat fibromylagia. It works in a similar way that it helps people who have arthritis. In order to treat fibromylagia, cayenne is used to make a lotion that is massaged directly into aching joints or muscles. But caution should be used when cayenne is applied externally because it creates a burning feeling, and you should always avoid getting it in your eyes.

Studies have shown that cayenne can also be effective in easing migraine pain. When used in this way, cayenne is made into a salve that is applied to the interior of the nostrils. This can cause stinging or pain in some situations.

Active Ingredients

The most effective ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin, which is very strong. Capsaicin is what makes cayenne so effective in treating pain, discomfort, or itching. It has also been shown to increase the body’s ability to release certain neurotransmitters which reduce pain, though this effect is not permanent. It can also decrease the tackiness of platelets, and cayenne can be a powerful antioxidant.

Using Cayenne for Weight Control

Research has shown that many elements of cayenne can stimulate the body’s production of heat, which also increases the rate of the body’s metabolism, which is how the body processes fats and carbohydrates. Studies have also shown that cayenne stimulates production of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which suppress appetite when combined. Many health professionals and dieticians recommend supplementing diet and exercise with 6-10 grams of cayenne per meal or 28 grams of cayenne per day in order to suppress hunger and decrease the number of calories that are turned into fat during meals.

General Dosage Recommendations

Cayenne, when used for medicinal purposes, is most often made into a salve containing 0.025-0.075% capsaicin, which is applied directly to the skin. This can cause a burning feeling when it is first used, but the sensation will subsist with each use. The salve should never be applied to cuts, scrapes, or broken skin since it can be extremely painful.

A mixture using cayenne can be taken in a dose of 0.3-1 ml up to three times a day.

Side Effects

Aside from the burning sensation when the salve is first used, cayenne is usually quite safe. Cayenne should never touch the eyes, as this can be extremely painful and has few side effects. Ingesting cayenne for a long period of time may lead to ulcers.