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Source:
The cayenne plant grows to a height between
2-6 feet and produces long red peppers.
Cayenne was originally grown in Central and South America in pre-Columbian
times. The herb was cultivated in Mexico 7,000 years ago and in
Peru 4,000 years ago. Cayenne was brought to Europe in the fifteenth
century by Christopher Columbus. Today, Cayenne is common in tropical
regions around the world. Cayenne is a member of the genus Capsicum.
Other species of this genus include African peppers, Tabasco peppers,
Mexican chili peppers, bell peppers, pimentoes, paprikas, and bird
peppers. |
Traditional uses:
Cayenne pepper has been used as medicine for centuries. The herb was
prescribed for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including
stomachaches, gas and cramping. Cayenne pepper was also frequently
used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. Applied topically,
cayenne pepper was used as a remedy for arthritis and other rheumatic
pains.
Physiology:
The most active ingredient
is cayenne capsaicin, a molecule found in the white part of the rhine
of the pepper. This component of the pepper is what gives a pepper
its "heat". The capsaicin component of the pepper was thought
to evolve as defense mechanism for the pepper. The capsaicin component
is currently being studied for its ant-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Capsaicin is also thought to increase the metabolic rate thus providing
thermogenic weight loss properties via a process that is not exactly
understood. Capsaicin also has the
ability to deplete and then block the production of "Substance
P," which is thought to be the main chemical messenger of pain
from the peripheral sensory nerves to the brain.
Clinical
Studies:
Research has shown that Cayenne is responsible for a decrease in appetite
and in a similar study an increase in metabolism or thermogenic effect
in a Japanese women, Yoshioka M, St-Pierre S, Drapeau V, et al. Effects
of red pepper on appetite and energy intake. Br J Nutr 1999;82:115–23.,
Yoshioka M, St-Pierre S, Suzuki M, Tremblay A. Effects of red pepper
added to high-fat and high-carbohydrate meals on energy metabolism
and substrate utilization in Japanese women. Br J Nutr 1998;80:503–10.
In addition, there have been numerous studies involving
the analgesic effect of the capsaicin component of Cayenne pepper.
Clinical studies have shown that capsaicin is effective in blocking
Substance P, thus, blocking some of the pain associate with fibromylagia,
herpatc pain, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, diabetic foot pain,and
toothaches. Lynn B. Capsaicin. Actions on nociceptive C-fibers and
therapeutic potential. Pain 1990;41:61–9., Capsaicin study group.
Treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy with topical capsaicin. A
multicenter, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. The capaicin
study group. Arch Int Med 1991;151:2225–9.
Modern
day uses:
Today, Cayenne pepper is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist
for the following conditions:
Stephan, please place bullets in front of the following:
- Analgesic – the
herb can provide temporary relief of pain. Its analgesic effects
acts to distract the
sensory nerves from irritation or pain
to provide temporary relief. When there
is a lack of Substance P, the sensation of pain diminishes because
it cannot reach the brain. Non prescription creams such as Heat
or Zostrix contain capsaicin and are applied externally to treat
fibromylagia, herpatc pain, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, diabetic
foot pain, and toothaches.
- Digestive aide – Cayenne
is used as a digestive aide in India, East Indies, Mexico, Caribbean
and Africa. The herb soothes the digestive tract and stimulates
the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. The increased secretions
increase the motility of the intestines relieving the symptoms
of constipation.
- Antitussives - acts as an effective remedy for relieving congestion
and coughs. It acts to thin mucus, thus allowing the body to alleviate
the thick mucus.
- Cold feet - ground cayenne mixed with cornstarch or talcum powder
can provide a warming feeling when placed in a pair of socks..
The cayenne causes the blood vessels under the skin of the feet
to dilate, thus stimulating extra blood flow and providing warmth
to the feet.
- Circulation – consuming cayenne has shown
to have a positive effect on circulation. Cayenne instantly stimulates
blood flow. It dilates arterial walls and cuts through mucus in
the veins, thus increasing circulation to the extremities and
helping to lower
the overall
blood
pressure. It strengthens the heart, arteries, capillaries and
the nerves. Cayenne has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels
thus ,decreasing the risk for blood cots and heart attacks.
- Nail biting, thumb sucking – when strategically placed
on the thumb or nail bed .
Precautions
and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions
should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking
prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women
who are pregnant or nursing
and children should also consult with
their physician prior to taking any new
supplements.
Special precautions should be taken to not expose Cayenne
to sensitive skin or tissues. Do not continue to apply Cayenne powder
to an area for prolong periods or nerve damage may result. Individuals
with a history of gastrointestinal ulcers should refrain from using
the herb. Cayenne may irritate the throat, mouth, eyes, and open
lesions. In addition, individuals who are taking theophylline should
consult a physician before taking cayenne. Cayenne may increase
the amount of theophylline absorbed by the patient's system, thus
possibly leading to toxicity.
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The following is a list of the most common herbs prescribed by
both physicians and herbal specialists.
Simply click on the herbal images presented below for comprehensive information
on the respected herb:
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General
Herbal Information
