Contains aromatic resins that increase blood circulation, promote sweating, increase the production of digestive fluids and reduce muscle spasms. It has been used to treat flatulence, colic, ulcers, rheumatic arthritis, cold hands and feet and dropsy. 
The most common use of capsicum (cayenne) by the South Americans was as a condiment, since their vegetable diet made them develop flatulence (gas) that capsicum helped correct.
The most striking medicinal use of capsicum is as a catalyst herb in nearly every herbal combination conceivable. As a rule of thumb, capsicum is added to nearly all formulas except nervines. Its stimulant effects speed the circulation causing it to enhance digestion and absorption and thus the effectiveness of nearly any herbal formula.
Capsicum is used in this manner in formulas for pain relief of arthritis, female complaints, athletics, infections, heart, laxatives, diuretics, ulcers, thyroid balance, male tonic, and cleansing and respiratory ailments.
Samuel Thomson incorporated capsicum into his system of medicine. According to Thomson, illness is the result of loss of heat. Treatment of an illness required ridding the body of toxins and restoring the life heat. Capsicum was often his herb of choice because of its pungency.
Capsicum has also been used in poultices as an irritant and counter-irritant. Exposure to the pungent principle causes pain. Prolonged exposure deadens the nerves to any pain. Prolonged exposure to mucosa will make the mucosa insensitive to industrial pollution. As a condiment, capsicum stimulates the stomach to produce mucous which tends to sooth some intestinal ailments.
"Cayenne is possibly the single most wonderful, beneficial plant to grow and have on hand in case of emergencies." (Ingri Cassel, September Idaho Observer, 1999) That is quite a claim for this spicy pepper. Besides its ability to flavor foods, what is the medicinal value of cayenne?
First, cayenne pepper is effective as an astringent, so effective that some recommend the powder form be kept in first aid kits. “Miracle” stories tell about how hemorrhaging is stopped when the wound is sprinkled with cayenne powder. Some even claim it aids clotting even when drunk as a tea.
Cayenne has also been used as a treatment for stomach cramps, as a natural painkiller, and for temporary relief of joint pain. By gargling cayenne tea one is able to sooth a sore throat. However, for those who don’t like its spiciness, follow it with with some cold water or an ice cube. Cayenne acts as a catalyst, increasing the effectiveness of other herbs and supplements. The most common use of cayenne in South America is as a condiment. This is because their vegetable diet produces bowel gas that cayenne helps to correct. Cayenne is also used for pain relief of arthritis, for infections, female complaints, laxatives, ulcers, thyroid balance, as a male tonic, for system cleansing, and for respiratory ailments.
Cayenne is high in vitamins A, C, B complex, calcium, and potassium. This makes it useful in treating colds, sinus problems, and respiratory ailments. Others have used it for treating migraines, high blood pressure, chest pain, and athlete’s foot, even for putting you in a good mood. Note: since it is an effective blood thinner, don’t take cayenne before surgery.
Cayenne stimulates blood flow. The Utah Historical Quarterly, Vol. 10, 1942, p. 207 states, “Now the healing power of nature is in the blood and to accelerate the healing power of nature I am convinced that there is nothing that will do this like cayenne pepper; you will find it applicable in all cases of sickness.” This means cayenne is effective in treating gangrene, frostbite, and other circulatory problems as well. A rural doctor reported remarkable results with heart attack victim’s survival rate when he gave each one cayenne tea, one teaspoon in a cup of hot water. Many have used cayenne tea in conjunction with CPR following a heart attack. Chronic poor circulation can also be improved with three cups of cayenne tea each a day.
Try these two mixes for a flavorful and healthy drink: 1) fresh lemon, cayenne, and pure water (with a little maple syrup); and, 2) apple cider vinegar, molasses and cayenne. For quickest results, however, take cayenne as a tea or as a spice in foods. Its effectiveness begins in the mouth, stimulating circulation, digestion, and acting as a catalyst for other beneficial substances.
Capsicum (cayenne) has benefits for both the young and old, but is particularly useful in the elderly and the debilitated, when the body-heat is low, vitality depressed, and reaction sluggish.
This medicine possesses an extraordinary power in removing congestion by its action upon the nerves and circulation.
Tired, painful muscles, stiffened joints, poor circulation, and relaxation of any part are common conditions in the elderly that can be improved by Capsicum (cayenne).
Externally, the infusion and tincture have been found valuable as a stimulating astringent gargle for sore throat.
Powdered Capsicum (cayenne), sprinkled inside the stockings, was a favorite prescription of the Eclectics for cold feet, a practical use no doubt derived from an old folk remedy.
Indicated Usages - Internal:
| Arteriosclerosis | Arthritis |
| Asthma | Cold Extremities |
| Delirium Tremens | Depression |
| Dry Mouth | Heart Attack |
| Heart Disease (prevention) | Pain |
| Herpes, shingles | Stroke, CVA |
| Hemorrhage, Heavy Menstruation | Ulcers |
Indicated Usages - External:
| Arthritis, muscle pain | Laryngitis |
| Bleeding wounds (styptic) | Cold Extremities |
| Sore throat, Tonsillitis | Rheumatism |
| Pleurisy, Lung Congestion |
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Tid Bits You'll Want to Know:
Cautions: Cayenne should not be used internally on an empty stomach. Like most spices, it is potent and a little goes a long way. Nonetheless, we do go wild with it. This is probably our all time favorite herb.
Uses: We use cayenne powder in more applications than any other herb: teas, tinctures, massage oils, salves, capsules, food recipes, ice cream, etc. Like many other bulk herbs, we add it to many dishes (salads, meat dishes, soups, stews, etc.) in small amounts for added nutrition and fiber without affecting the flavor. Cayenne powder can be used to benefit men, women (including before, during or after pregnancy, and nursing) and children. It can be used as often as you would like.
Voice of Experience: When it comes to hemorrhaging, heart attack, shock, and so on, a cup of warm water with no more than a teaspoon of Cayenne is what we have used with great success. Of course, it is not a pleasant drink, but during such immediate and life threatening situations, it’s what we choose. Also, for oral health, we sprinkle some on the toothpaste on the toothbrush, almost daily, before brushing. It's reported to cure or, in our case, prevent many dental issues. It tastes great, too.
Storage: The nutrients in Cayenne powder are not very sensitive to air and light exposure. However, it should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, dry, and cool place. Refrigeration or freezing is not necessary. Properly stored, it is useful even after a few years.
Questions?: Check out Frequently Asked Questions about bulk herbs.
