CAPSICUM/CAYENNE PEPPER
Capsicum Frutescens
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COMMON NAMES: Chilies, guinea pepper, goat pepper, bird pepper, red pepper.
Cayenne pepper is in the same nightshade family as the tomato, eggplant, cucumber and bell or sweet pepper. All the different species have about the same medicinal and nutritional use, although they differ in taste and pungency. Peppers are rated in spiciness from 1 to 120 and the Mexican jalapeno, hot to our taste, is rated a mere 15.
Cayenne has a long history of medicinal use. The Indians of tropical America were the first to eat and cultivate wild cayenne. Around 5000 B.C. they started to plant them, making them the first cultivated crop in the Americas. The Incas of Peru valued chilies more than any other crop, next to maize. Aztec Emperor Montezuma feasted on them daily and they were used in their mouths like candy. Smoke from burning peppers was used as a non-toxic but very powerful gas against the Spanish conquistadors.
The use of Cayenne among the Indians was first recorded by Dr. Chanca, who sailed with Columbus in 1494. They brought it back with them and the pepper was introduced to Europe, Asia, India and Africa. It was well received and flourished in the tropical climates, becoming an integral part of their cuisine. By the 19th Century, Cayenne was well established as a medicine, useful for a host of diseases, from arthritis to heart ailments. Ripe Cayenne pepper in rich in vitamin A, B, C, calcium, iron, sodium, phosphorus, potassium and protein.
Cayenne is the most useful of the systemic stimulants. It stimulates blood flow, strengthens and feeds the cell structure of the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves so they will regain elasticity. A general tonic, it is also specific for both circulatory and digestive systems. It may be used in flatulent dyspepsia and colic. It is also good for the kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen and stomach. If there is insufficient peripheral circulation, leading to cold hands and feet and possibly chilblains, Cayenne can also be used for debility and for warding off colds. Capsicum meets the debility of young and old, but it is particularly useful in the elderly, when body-heat is low, vitality is depressed and reaction is sluggish. Tired, painful muscles, stiffened joints and relaxation of any part which are common conditions in the elderly are, in a measure, rectified by Capsicum.
Red capsicum is one of the best sources for vitamins A and C. Vitamin K, B6 and maganese are also present. The amount of vitamin C present may be four to six times that found in an orange. Provitamins E, P, B1, B2 and B3 have also been identified as components.
The Medical Uses Of Capsicum
Antibiotic - Capsicum is known for its antibiotic properties, since it helps the body to build up its immune system. In Africa, children are given pepper at an early age to increase their stamina and resistance to flu and viral infections. African women use diluted Capsicum as a douche to kill and prevent vaginal infections.
Arthritis - Used as an herbal liniment for pain and sprains due to arthritis, rheumatism, gout and lumbago.
Asthma - Taken internally as a tea, Cayenne is used for coughs, colds, and breaking up mucus congestion.
Blood Pressure - Cayenne will normalize blood pressure and steady nerves.
Cuts and Wounds - Powdered or fresh Cayenne can be applied to open cuts and wounds to stop bleeding, kill pain and prevent infection while promoting healing. In Cuba, Cayenne is crushed and applied to external ulcers and sores. The leaves are used to as a poultice to draw out boils. Cayenne tea is also an effective remedy for hemorrhoids.
Dental Hygiene - The ashes of burnt Cayenne peppers can be used to whiten teeth and remove plaque.
Heart - Cayenne pepper is a very effective heart tonic especially for older folks. In the case of heart attack, a teaspoon of Capsicum to a cup of boiling water taken internally will bring the patient back to consciousness.
Internal Hemorrhaging - A teaspoon full in a glass of warm water will stop internal bleeding in the uterus, lungs and other internal organs.
Insect Repellent - Powered Cayenne sprinkled in cracks and crevices will keep away mice, rats, and insects.
Seasickness - Cayenne in a bowl of soup or tea prevents motion sickness.
Ulcers - Contrary to the popular belief that spicy food aggravates ulcers, Cayenne pepper in combination with comfrey root will heal all types of ulcers.
Yellow Fever - In the West Indies and Africa, Cayenne has been used for decades as a cure for yellow fever and other types of serious fevers.
A little Cayenne pepper should be added to all herbal teas since it acts as a carrier and increases their healing and medicinal nature.
1. Rashan Abdul Hakim, Basic Herbs and Healing, 1989.