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Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum)
All peppers have medicinal properties, but cayenne seems to have the strongest and what is used the most for medicinal purpose.
Capsicum annum
Family: Solanaceae - nightshare, tomato, peppers
Parts used: fruit
Analgesic
Antibacterial
Anti-Catarrhal
Anti-Inflammatory
Anti-Microbial
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Anti-Tumor
Anti-Ulcer
Astringent
Carminative
Hemostatic
Rubefacient
Stimulant
Styptic
Thermogenic
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Hot
Dry
Warming
Cardiovascular
Digestive
Uses
Circulation stimulant warms the body and extremities
Heart attack, stroke, shock (give victim 1 tsp powder mixed with 1 cup warm water or dropperful of tincture under tongue-this is great to have in an emergency first aid kit)
Heart tonic (supports arteries, blood vessels and heart)
Rebuilds vein structures and removes plaque from veins
Prevents blood clots, keeps blood flowing freely through the veins
Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing heart disease
Hemorrhage
Digestive aid; enhances digestion and absorption
Diarrhea related to infection
Muscle and joint pain (internal and external)
Cramps and menstrual pain
Sprains and strains
Ulcers
Asthma
Pain reliever (use topically)
Muscle pain and tenderness caused by fibromyalgia
Pain associated with shingles, chicken pox, and herpes
Headaches
Cold and flu
Sore throat, respiratory congestion, tonsillitis, laryngitis
Oral health to prevent and help with dental issues
Self-defense in pepper sprays and for pest control in the garden
Tea (use 1 tsp cayenne to 1 cup warm water)
Powder (sprinkle a small amount into slippers or shoes to warm cold feet)
Herbal oil
Food: add to meals
Cayenne likes a bright, sunny, and warm location.
Transplant into full sun after the last frost.
Prefers dry soil, requires little water.
Plant next to basil and cilantro, but stay away from sweet peppers, it will make them hot.
Use gloves when picking, pick the fruit when it is bright red.
For dehydrating and making powder, wash with warm water and dry completely. Remove stems (keeping those gloves on) and slice in half. Place on dehydrator tray and set the temp. between 135 – 145 for 8-12 hours.
Once dry, blend into a powder and store in a cool, dark location.
Caution
This is a perfectly safe herb but can be hot! Use appropriate dosages and watch for skin irritation. Not recommended for children under two and in small amounts for older children. Be careful when handling cayenne, it will burn, gloves are always recommended.
The New Healing Herbs
The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook
Practical Herbalism
The Herbal Drugstore
