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 Cayenne is a very hot pepper that is native to tropical and sub-tropical
zones of Latin America and southern Asia. It is a perennial shrub
when grown in its native lands, but being frost-sensitive, it is an annual
when cultivated outside tropical zones.
It is a tender shrub with branched stems, simple, ovate leaves and white-to-green flowers that are followed by pungent fruits. The plant generally reaches a height of two to six feet and thrives in rich, well-drained soil in sun, at a minimum of sixty-four degrees Fahrenheit. Cayenne has been cultivated for thousands of years in tropical Americas, Africa and India, but legend says that Columbus seems to have been the first European to take conscious note of food flavored with this pungent herb and introduced it to Europe upon his return from the New World. Others say it was introduced into England from India in 1548. Archaeologists have found remains of chilies in Mexican sites dating from 7000 B.C., and these hot peppers played an important role in Aztec and Mayan mythology. They are still a mainstay in Latin American and American Southwestern cuisine, but have also been adopted into cuisines around the globe. Cayenne is a member of the Capsicum genus that also includes red and bell peppers, pimento, paprika and Tabasco peppers (among others). Capsicum peppers vary greatly in the amount of heat and are actually categorized from anywhere between 0 to 300,000 scovile units with green peppers at 0, while the hottest, the habaneras, weigh in at 300,000. Cayenne's botanical genus, Capsicum, is derived from the Greek word "to bite," and it is aptly known as the "plant that bites back." Although Cayenne is frequently used in cooking, its medicinal history is long. Cayenne has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Cherokee Indians in North America used it as a stimulant, and the Navajo people used it for weaning children. It is rich in nutrients, a range of carotenes (especially beta-carotene), lutein, zeaxanthin, an alkaloid bitter, essential fatty acids, amino acids, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamins A, C and E. There is also the active ingredient in Cayenne, capsaicin, a pungent phenolic compound that is structurally similar to eugenol, the pain-relieving compound found in cloves and some other spices. Beneficial Uses: Cayenne is an overall digestive aid that stimulates the production of gastric juices, clears excess mucus from the stomach, helps to alleviate stomach ulcers from within, improves the appetite and relieves nausea from seasickness. It is also used as a carminative that helps to relieve gas. Cayenne relieves pain (taken both internally and applied topically). It provides natural heat, and its ingredient, capsaicin, is a strong pain-relieving agent that alleviates the joint pain of arthritis, rheumatism, muscle spasms, cramps and bowel pain. In addition, Cayenne is believed to trigger the release of endorphins by the brain, chemicals that relieve pain that may be helpful in treating cluster headaches. Cayenne is considered a powerful stimulant that boosts metabolism, helps to enhance athletic performance and is valuable in treating prostration. As a cardiovascular stimulant, Cayenne is believed to help regulate the heart and blood pressure. It is said to improve blood circulation and is thought to normalize both high and low blood pressure. It apparently increases heart action without increasing blood pressure, and Cayenne (Capsicum) reportedly may significantly lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides. Cayenne is said to speed up the metabolism of fat and may reduce weight gain due to a high fat diet by increasing the liver enzymes accountable for fat metabolism, and decrease fat deposits in the liver caused by high fat diet. Cayenne is considered to be an anti-inflammatory and may ease aspirin-induced upset stomach and damage due to alcohol. As an astringent, Cayenne is said to be useful in the treatment of diarrhea and may arrest bleeding from ulcers. Cayenne is an overall tonic that is said to strengthen the immune system and believed to build up resistance to illness, sore throats, sinus infections and colds. As a vermifuge, Cayenne is said to be effective in destroying many types of worms. Cayenne is called a "carrier" or "catalyst" herb that increases the efficacy of almost every other herb or herbal combination. Cayenne is particularly rich in lutein and beta carotene, two substances that are thought to be beneficial to good eye health. Lutein is a carotenoid that is found in many fruits and vegetables, and researchers have found that this nutrient may significantly decrease the risk of developing macular degeneration of the eyes. Cayenne is believed to counter shock, and when the powder or extract is placed on or under the tongue, it has been said to help alleviate crisis situations such as shock, hemorrhage and heart attack. Recommended Dosage: Contraindications: Avoid prolonged use if you have hypertension or peptic ulcers. Asthmatics should not inhale Cayenne fumes, which can be irritating to lungs, and Cayenne may not be appropriate for people with irritable bowel syndrome or bowel inflammation.
Other common names: Chili Pepper, Capsicum,
Red Pepper, Hot Pepper, Tabasco Pepper, Spur
Pepper, Cherry Pepper, Louisiana Long Pepper, Mexican Chili
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