Cayenne red pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a type of chili pepper that originated in South America, specifically in the region that is now French Guiana. The pepper takes its name from the city of Cayenne, which is the capital of French Guiana.

The indigenous people of South America have been using cayenne red pepper in their cooking for thousands of years. It was later introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus during his voyage to the Americas in 1493. From there, it quickly spread to other parts of the world and became a popular spice in many different cuisines.

In addition to its use as a spice, cayenne red pepper has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. It was believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments including arthritis, toothaches, and digestive issues.

Today, cayenne red pepper is widely cultivated around the world and is a staple in many different types of cuisine, including Mexican, Indian, and African.

Cayenne is rich in Vitamins C, A, B and G. It is an excellent source of Vitamin E. In Szent-Gyorgi’s Nobel Prize winning research on Vitamin C in 1937, he had been using a substance, obtained from adrenal glands, that he suspected to be Vitamin C. When he could no longer obtain this substance, on a hunch he tried to use Paprika peppers for his work, and found them a rich source of this substance, later to be called Vitamin C. Capsicum also contains Calcium, Phosphorus, and Iron.

Cayenne pepper is a spicy pepper that contains capsaicin, a compound that may have various health benefits these benefits may include:

• Relieving pain and inflammation
• Managing weight and boosting metabolism
• Treating colds and congestion
• Protecting the nervous system
• Providing antioxidants and vitamins

Use of Cayenne Pepper for various health aliments.

Allergies:

Cayenne pepper has natural anti-inflammatory properties which experts suggest help to prevent familiar allergic symptoms such as skin irritation and sneezing. Cayenne pepper can also help prevent the allergic response to food allergies like those caused by leaky gut syndrome.

People with leaky gut experience inflammation caused by microbes and particles breaking into the intestines. Cayenne pepper can help relieve the discomfort and inflammation caused.

Arthritis:

The anti-inflammatory effect occurs within 24 hours. The anti-inflammatory action is attributed by the effect of capsaicin on substance P in the nervous system =derived chemical (a peptide) released in the spinal cord as well as from the peripheral nerve endings. The neuropeptide has several proinflammatory actions and is released in higher quantiles from pain transmission nerves (the sensory afferent nerve fiber terminals). located in knee and ankle joints where majority of arthritic swealing usually appears.

Blood clots:

Cayenne pepper protects against clot formation by creating an increase in fibrinolytic (clot dissolving) activity of red blood cells. It helps to dilate the arteries which in turn improves the flow of blood and can help prevent heart attacks and clotting.

Bowel Diseases:

The neurotransmitter called substance P is released from the peripheral Nerons (those outside the brain and spinal cord) which transmit pain signals to the brain, this in turn, will assist with the regulation the response of the immune system to damaged tissue.

Brusies:

Cayenne pepper when made into an ointment with Rosemary applied topically to injured area of the skin and muscle to help reduce pain and swelling.

Cancer:

Cayenne pepper may be mutagenic (causing abnormal changes in cells) the fiery component of capsicum can protect the body against cell mutations. When used with plant chlorophyll, its mutagenic properties are suppressed. High levels of capsaicin could help prevent the formation of tumors caused by tobacco in the lungs.

Digestive:

Cayenne pepper has excellent natural anti-irritant abilities which gives it the potential to treat numerous internal irritations including stomach ulcers, stomach upset, coughs and diarrhea. It stimulates the production of saliva which is vital for good digestion while it also stimulates the flow of digestive enzymes which help your body to break down food more effectively. Basically, cayenne pepper can help relieve heartburn, indigestion and ease stomach pain and bloating.

Migraine /headache relief:

The heat that they produce can stimulate pain responses in other areas of the body which means that the brain pays less attention to the pain caused by your migraine or headache. 

Cold and Influenza:

Cayenne pepper is packed full of antioxidants like flavonoids and beta carotene. These natural antioxidants as well as the vitamin c content of the peppers can help boost the immune system making it more effective against common illnesses like the flu or cold. It can also help relieve congestion by clearing out excess mucus from the respiratory system.

Rosemarie

Naturopath, Herbalist ,Iridoligist , Equine herbalist and Iridoligst.

Th health benefits of Cayenne .

John Heinerman ,PH.D.

1987 by John Heinermann PH.D

printed in USA.