Cayenne pepper 90K HU - powder

Related Article: Cayenne in a Nutshell

"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... read on

Excerpts from the book Practical Herbalism

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:

Indicated Usages - External:

Related Article: The Amazing Cayenne

Years ago, while living in the U.P. of Michigan, a friend introduced me to cayenne. I was born and raised in the Caribbean; so you can imagine how I felt living less than an hour from Lake Superior. Since hot peppers are not a part of my culture (that’s Central America), cayenne and I didn’t have a history together; but, we sure hit it off right away.

Warm at Last

The first noticeable benefit from taking a few cayenne capsules with my meals was how they made me more resistant to the miserably cold winters. After no time at all, it was as if I had grown up in the area. I started wearing fewer layers during outdoor activities. I’m not entirely sure how it worked, but it probably had something to do with the improved circulation. I also found that adding the powder into my shoes made a vast difference when rather inactive out in the cold. Yes, it does stain your socks so I reserved that little weapon for special occasions. Oh, one day I decided to rub some cayenne and olive oil directly on my feet. Wow! That felt like the ground was warm the entire time I was outside. Only one problem though, that warmth lasted about 3 days and made it difficult to sleep as my feet felt too warm while the rest of my body was just right... read on

Excerpts from the book Nutritional Herbology

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.

Related Article: Great Birth!

Wow! It’s amazing how much one little person can turn your lives upside down in just one week! Contractions started at 3:00 AM Monday morning, February 13th, letting us know the beginning of the end of the pregnancy was near. They were bearable from 3:00 AM until about 2:00 PM, so Joy was able to get some more sleep, do chores around the house and work on herb orders.

I can count with one hand the amount of families that we know of in this community that have had their children outside the home. That was one of the pluses of this community that I considered when I moved here. A number of our non-Amish friends had recommended that we try the “Bradley Method” (Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way). After reading the book, we thought we should give it a shot and so for a number of months before the birth, Joy worked on the exercises, stretches, etc. recommended in the book. After seeing her deal with all her contractions, we were both convinced that the Bradley method works... read on

Related Remedy: The Best Decoction for Colds and Flu

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: It should be kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, dry, and cool place.

Questions?: Check out Frequently Asked Questions.