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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas Cayenne
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedFruits Description of Plant(s) and CultureA very hot pepper, cayenne is a perennial plant in its native tropical America but is annual when cultivated outside tropical zones. Growing to a height of 3 feet or more, its glabrous stem is woody at the bottom and branched near the top. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, entire, and petioled. The drooping, white to yellow glowers grow alone or in pairs or threes between April and September. The ripe fruit, or pepper, is a many-seeded pod with a leathery outside in various shades of red or yellow. Cayenne pepper (capsicum frutescens, var. longum) comes from the ground, dried ripe red pepper pods of a small tropical shrub. This ground red pepper, combined with yeast and flour, is baked into a hard cake, which is then ground into the finished spice. Used in curries and chili powders; in small amounts added to bland foods like eggs and cream sauce. It has no odor and its taste is hot and acrid. Paprika (capsicum frutescens) comes from the cayenne pepper. Different varieties of paprika vary in quality and pungency; some of the best come from Hungary. Uses include: goulashes, and to add color and flavor to many bland, savory dishes. Other varieties: Long red cayenne (C. annum), also called Manchi-phalam
in Sanskrit; Jalapeno, Anaheim, Hungarian Wax, Purple Venuzuetan. Where FoundFrom the Greek kapto, "I bite", capsicum is a biting plant. The best
comes from Africa, Asia, and South America. It is produced in good
quality in the Southern States, especially those that lie beyond the
southern line of Tennessee. Grow in West Indies, Hungary, East Indies,
Central America. Medicinal PropertiesAppetizer, antiseptic, febrifuge, antibacterial, carminative, diaphoretic,
rubefacient, condiment, nerve tonic, digestive, irritant, sialagogue
(stimulates secretion of saliva), stimulant, and tonic (cayenne is
usually mixed with other herbs in medicinal doses) Biochemical InformationAlkaloids, apsaicine, capsacutin, capsaicin, capsanthine, capsico
PABA, fatty acids, flavonoids, sugars, carotene, volatile oil, and
vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and C Legends, Myths and StoriesNative to northeastern coastal areas of South America, these red hot peppers have been used in folk medicine since 7,000 BC. The hot red cayenne chili arrived in the West from India in 1548 and was known as Ginnie pepper. Gerard describes it as "extreme hot and dry, even in the fourth degree," and he recommended it for a skin infection commonly known then as the King's Evil. Cayenne was popular with the 19th century physiomedicalists who used its warming properties for chills, rheumatism, and depression. The Herbalist Almanac states that if paprika is fed to yellow canary birds, their plumage turns red. Paprika also improves the coloration of hatchery reared trout. It is also called pimiento; but should not be confused with allspice, also called pimento. (Note difference in spelling). Contrary to popular belief, hot, spicy food may actually be good for your health; if it contains liberal amounts of cayenne, also known as capsicum. Cayenne is also very nutritious; peppers in general contain iron, phosphorous, calcium, B-complex and more vitamin C than oranges. According to Dr. Irwin Ziment of the UCLA School of Medicine, the hot, stinging sensation that follows biting into a chili pepper triggers the release of endorphins by the brain, chemicals that relieve pain and can cause a mild euphoria. Elevated triglycerides (over 190 mg) are a major risk factor for heart disease in women. The 1987 study published in the Journal of Bioscience states that rats fed a diet high in cayenne experienced a significant reduction in blood triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol. Capsaicin, a compound found in cayenne that gives the spice its "kick", is an anti-inflammatory. The incidence of blood clots in countries that routinely use curry
in their cuisines is much lower than in the United States. Herbs such
as turmeric, garlic, cayenne, usual ingredients in curry powder, are
believed to help prevent platelets from sticking together and forming
dangerous blood clots that could result in heart attacks and stroke. UsesA stimulating stomachic. A catalyst for all herbs. Improves circulation, aids digestion by stimulating gastric juices, stimulates the appetite, reduces inflammation, is a mild stimulant or tonic, improves metabolism, relieves gas, colds, chills, and stops bleeding from ulcers. Good for the kidneys, lungs, spleen, pancreas, heart, and stomach. Taken for nausea, scrofula, swollen lymph glands, rheumatism, arthritis, and pleurisy. Use with lobelia for nerves. Recently, cayenne has been used successfully to treat patients with cluster headaches, a particularly painful type of headache. Used externally, cayenne liniment can soothe the stiffness and pain of rheumatism and arthritis. Can be used as a general stimulant to build up resistance at the beginning of a cold, tonsilitis, laryngitis, hoarseness, shingles. It can be taken as an infusion for stomach and bowel pains or cramps. Small quantities of the fresh fruit or the powder will stimulate appetite, expels worms. For external use, cayenne is made into plasters or liniment or the tincture is applied to increase blood flow to areas afflicted with rheumatism, arthritis, pleuritis, or pericarditis. Said to increase fertility and delay senility. In West India a remedy for scarlatina. Wards off seasickness. While red pepper smarts a little, it can be put in an open wound,
either in a fresh wound or an old ulcer, and it is very healing instead
of irritating; but black pepper, mustard, and vinegar are irritating
to an open wound and do not promote healing. Formulas or DosagesInfusion: use 1/2 to 1 tsp. pepper per cup of boiling water. Take warm, 1 tbsp at a time. Powder: for acute conditions, take 3-10 grains, for chronic conditions 1-3 grains. Arthritis poultice: Add 3 oz. mixture to boiling water to make a paste. Spread the paste on a cloth and apply to the affected area. Kloss's liniment: Put this mixture in a quart of rubbing alcohol (do not take internally). Let it stand for a week or 10 days, shaking every day. This can be used wherever a liniment is used or needed. (heals wounds, bruises, sprains, scalds, burns, and sunburns. Apply freely. In pyorrhea, rinse mouth with liniment or apply liniment on both sides of the gums with a little cotton, Q-tip, or gauze. To stimulate vitality: combine equal parts of cayenne pepper
and ginger root powders. A half to 1 tsp. may be taken 2 or 3 times
daily to stimulate circulation, vitality, and digestion and to prevent
illness. Nutrient ContentSugars, carotene, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C How SoldPowder, tincture, tablet, teas, liniment, and capsules. Capsules: take 1 capsule 1 to 3 times daily. Tea: a cup of tea can be taken for stomach cramps or a cold
on a daily basis. Prepared teas are available, or make it from dried
herb. WarningProlonged application to the skin can cause dermatitis and raise blisters. Excessive consumption can cause gastroenteritis and kidney or liver damage. Avoid touching the eyes, genitalia, or any cuts after handling fresh chilies. If taken internally, do not exceed recommended doses. High doses taken internally can cause gastroenteritis and kidney damage. Cayenne can be irritating to hemorrhoids. Should not be used by people with gastrointestinal problems. Never apply cayenne ointment or liniment to broken skin. The seeds can be toxic, so do not use them. Avoid therapeutic doses of cayenne during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Bibliography
Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition
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Africa
pepper
Back to Eden
, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.