Cayenne pepper comes from the Capsicum family with the proper name of Capsicum annuum. It is the green or red chili pepper that is commonly used in dished to provide a kick of spicy flavour worldwide. Cayenne pepper contains vitamins A, C, E, K, complete vitamin B complex, and carotenoids, as well as being a good source for manganese, calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber. This spice/herb is an integral part of many Indian dishes. Cayenne pepper came to India sometime in the 16th century and has become so popular many people eat bhakri bread with a cayenne pepper paste, this may not be good for long term health but it it a staple food in many parts of rural India.
Cayenne pepper applied topically can cause irritation the to area and may help to distract nerves from arthritis joint pains.
Adding cayenne pepper to the diet can help to avoid cramps, stomach aches, and gas. Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines both recommend use of mirchi for proper digestion as it acts to stimulate the flow of saliva and stomach secretions.
Blood flow to the area is typically affected when a body part is ill, cayenne helps to remove the blotch, stimulating blood flow, making sure that vitamins get delivered to all areas, ensuring that waste gets removed.
Capsaicin may help to prevent ulcers, as well as stimulate secretions that help to clear mucus from the lungs and nose, clearing sinuses, and causing sweating. Cayenne tea is used in traditional medicines to help treat cold and flu symptoms.
Cayenne extract taken orally has been shown to help stop heart attacks, reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, help dissolve fibrin, and decrease triglyceride levels.
Traditional medicines suggest smelling cayenne to cure headaches.
Cayenne pepper is a good source of beta-carotene which is very useful in decreasing asthma symptoms.
Beta-carotene also called vitamin A found in cayenne pepper helps to provide protection against invading pathogens by helping to develop healthy mucus membranes in the lungs, urinary tracts, and nasal passage helping to boost immunity against infections.
Added to foods cayenne pepper will help aid weight loss with proper digestion. It also helps to reduce excess appetite caused by inefficient mineral absorption. Cayenne pepper typically causes people to drink more water which will help flush out your system and also aid in weight loss.
Cayenne pepper works as a great antioxidant with its beta-carotene content, helping to prevent and/or repair damage that is caused by free radicals, thereby helping to prevent things such as some cancers and atherosclerosis.
Cayenne pepper can also help to temporarily relieve some diabetic symptoms such as nerve damage, and pain from psoriasis and toothache.
Just like all food, drink, and herbs some caution must be taken when using cayenne pepper as excessive consumption of the herb can be potent and may cause burning sensations in the throat, stomach, and rectum. Which brings to mind an old saying that goes something along the lines of : What tastes nice, hot and spicy going in, may not be as nice coming out. To end on a bit of a wee joke: “ And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire, the ring of fire” ~ June Carter Cash.
