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Scientific Name: Capsicum Annuum
Capsicum Frutescens (Cayenne)
AKA: Cayenne, Africa pepper, American pepper, bird pepper, capsicum, chili pepper, cockspur pepper, goat's pepper, pod pepper, red pepper, chilies, chili pepper, garden pepper, African red pepper, American red pepper, Spanish pepper, Zanzibar pepper, capsicum
Parts Used: Fruit pods - dried and fresh
Active Compounds: When applied topically, the capsaicin in cayenne depletes the neurotransmitters, which relay pain signals to the brain. Although the relief is only temporary, this powerful antioxidant has other values, such as helping to reduce platelet stickiness.
Background: Cayenne originated in the tropics of the Americas and was introduced to the West in the 16th century, but it is now grown throughout tropical regions in India and Africa as well. It has been used medicinally for centuries and enjoyed by millions as a flavorful spice. People living in hot climates reportedly consume Cayenne because it helps lower the body temperature because the capsaicin stimulates the cooling center of the hypothalamus.
Harvested during the peak summer months, it is then dried in the shade or used as a fresh fruit. Cayenne has various levels of potency - ranging from the mild Paprika to hotter versions of the fruit. Its primary constituents are: Capsaicin, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Volatile Oil, and Steroidal saponins in the seeds.
Applications: Warming stimulant/Analgesic
Cayenne has been traditionally and in modern times used to treat the gastrointestinal tract and circulatory system. It's well-known as a counter-irritant, in that it irritates one area (such as numbing the nerves that lie beneath the skin) to take away the original pain (such as backaches).
Pain Relief: African Bird Pepper can be used topically or consumed to treat various ailments. When used topically, the capsaicin depletes the body's neurotransmitters that result in a pain sensation.
It has been successfully used to treat arthritis, psoriasis, amputation pain, mastectomy pain, herpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and cluster headaches. It has also proven beneficial to treat mouth sores resulting from chemotherapy and has given relief to diabetics suffering from diabetic neuropathy.
Antioxidant: Cayenne contain carotene molecules that have potent antioxidant elements.
Digestion: African Bird Pepper can be taken orally to aid in digestion and prevent gas because it stimulates digestive juices. When Cayenne is present in the digestive tract, it helps prevent or rid the body of infection in that area.
Cardiovascular: Cayenne reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which reduce your chances of developing atherosclerosis. Test studies show that when large amounts of cayenne are consumed, there is a much lower rate of cardiovascular disease.
When applied topically, it acts as a warming stimulant and increases blood flow to the hands and feet and the the primary central organs of the body. Some people who complain of constantly cold feet put a powdered version of Cayenne in their socks to warm up their feet. Angelica Root also acts as a warming agent helping increase blood circulation in the system.
Description:
African Bird Pepper can grow up to 3 feet tall, alone or in pairs or trios. The white and yellow flowers bloom between April and September, and the plant's leaves are ovate. It has a woody stem and branches that hold the leaves and multiple fruit pods that come in shades of red or yellow.
Dosage:
Powder: Consume a pinch of powder by mixing with 25 ml lemon juice, warm water, and honey.
Tincture: Mix 20 drops with 100 ml willow bark tincture and take 1 tsp per day with water to treat arthritis.
Infused Oil: Chop 100 g Cayenne and mix with 500 ml oil. After simmering, this can be used as a massage oil to relieve pain.
Cream: Use a cream that contains 0.025-0.075% capsaicin and make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after each use. Slight burning may be felt at first, but should decrease with every use.
Safety:
Not recommended for anyone who suffers from avid indigestion or peptic ulcers. Do not use medicinally if pregnant or breastfeeding. Wash hands thoroughly and avoid eyes or cuts when handling cayenne.
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