Cayenne Herbal Remedies
Cayenne primarily benefits the circulatory system, improving the movement of blood and the removal of toxins, invigorating and warming the circulation. It improves digestion, acts as a lung decongestant, and stops external bleeding. It is also used as a plaster or cream externally to increase circulation and reduce the pain of neuropathy. Commercial products which are standardized to the acrid active principle, capsaicin, can be purchased in natural food stores and drug stores. Capsaicin has demonstrated the ability to block the pain response. These preparations are recommended for relief of arthritis pain, sore muscles, carpal tunnel syndrome, and for treating shingles. They have also been used successfully for sores of oral mucositis that result from chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Cayenne has a taste of ACRID and a temperature of HOT.
Cayenne Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Cayenne Capsules | 1-4 capsules 2 x daily |
| Cayenne Ointment | apply externally |
Cayenne Reference Information
| Latin Name | Capsicum minimum |
| Other Names | African bird pepper |
| Part Used | Fruit |
| Herb Forms | Tinctures, capsules, homeopathic tablet, bulk herb, powder, ointments. |
| Affects | Blood, Digestive system, Integumentary system |
| Cautions | Use of cayenne internally may cause gastrointestinal irritation in some sensitive individuals, though this has been disputed by some laboratory studies. It is probably not common, unless the herb is taken in large quantities over a period of days or week |
| Botanical Info | A small perennial shrub with white flowers, and then green and finally red or yellow pods. Native of the Amazon. |
Supporting Research
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.