The medicinal values of Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)/ Hot Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a spice and a herb with very unique properties.

Cayenne contain active ingredients like;

Capsaicin,
carotenoids,
vitamin C,
flavonoids,
steroidal saponins,
volatile oils

Its has an exciting flavor, and a magical ability to sustain a sense of well-being.

Cayenne is one of the favorite herbs for both medicinal and culinary purposes.

Its unique ability of warming the system, thus, gets blood circulating through cold fingers, toes, and other extremities and gives an overall sense of warmth.

It’s an excellent analgesic, often used topically to relieve pain.

And no herb works better to relieve congestion.

Medicinal Properties of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne is a warming circulatory stimulant, a safe and effective tonic for the heart, and an excellent digestive aid.
One of its active ingredients, capsaicin, stimulates circulation throughout the body and assists in digestion by stimulating the release of both saliva and stomach enzymes.
Capsaicin also signals the brain to release endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones.
And capsaicin has proved so effective as a topical pain reliever for arthritis, bursitis, and muscle and joint aches that it’s the active ingredient in several over-the-counter pain-relief creams.
Rich in vitamins A and C, cayenne can aid and support the immune system, which is one of the reasons it’s so useful in formulas for colds and flus.
Cayenne pepper is good for the immune system, helping the body fight infections and allergies.
Boosts skin and hair health.
Cayenne pepper contains antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin and hair and can offer protection from damage and premature aging.
Cayenne also has a long history of use as a heart herb.
According to Dr. John Christopher, a well-known and much-beloved herbalist of the mid-twentieth century, cayenne is good, both as first aid for a heart attack and as a tonic to strengthen the heart.
Recent scientific studies done in the United States and India show that cayenne lowers cholesterol and may help reduce the severity of heart disease.

How to use cayenne in cold treatment.

One way for keeping a cold at bay or getting over one more quickly, is to used cayenne to prepare cold capsules.
These Cold Care Capsules are easy to make but pack a big punch.
Take the half hour or so that’s required to make a batch, and keep it on hand for the cold season.

Get the following;

1 part echinacea root powder
1 part goldenseal root powder (organically cultivated)
½ part marsh mallow root powder
½ part cayenne powder (depending on your heat- tolerance level)
“00” gelatin or vegetable capsules

Preparing the capsules

Mix the powders together in a small bowl.
Scoop the powder into each end of a capsule, packing tight, and recap.
It takes only a few minutes to cap 50 to 75 capsules.
Store the capsules in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

How to use the capsules

At the first sign of a cold or flu coming on, take 2 capsules every 2 to 3 hours until the symptoms subside, or up to 9 capsules a day.
This is a high dose and should not be continued for longer than 2 to 3 days, at which time you should decrease the dose to 2 capsules three times a day

Precautions to take when handling Cayenne

Cayenne as a herb is hot, if for no other reason, you should use it cautiously.
When handled directly, compounds in the Chile can burn the skin, especially for those who have fair or sensitive skin;
If that’s the case for you, wear gloves when working with cayenne.
Don’t touch your eyes after handling cayenne, as it will sting.
Cayenne is a strong stimulant and can cause stomach convulsions if taken in large amounts.
The most important thing is to use appropriate dosages.
Small amounts go a long way when using cayenne.