Africa pepper, American pepper, bird pepper, capsicum, chili pepper, cockspur pepper, goat's pepper, pod pepper, red pepper, chillies, chili pepper, garden pepper, African red pepper, American red pepper, Spanish pepper, Zanzibar pepper, capsicum, Cayenne
Description: The capsicum pepper contains a chemical called capsaicin that is a powerful irritant. It is thought that this chemical can sensitize nerves that report painful stimuli to the brain. Laboratory tests of capsaicin show that it may be able to kill cancer cells, however, a comparable effect in humans has not been shown. The capsicum pepper has also been shown to display powerful antioxidant activities.
The potent, hot fruit of cayenne has been used as medicine for centuries. It was considered helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomachaches, cramping pains, and gas. Cayenne was frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. It is still traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic (a substance believed to improve circulation).
Originally from South America, the cayenne plant has spread across the globe both as a food and as a medicine. Cayenne is very closely related to bell peppers, jalapenos, paprika, and other similar peppers. The fruit is used.
The cayenne was originally called the Ginnie pepper.
Gerard described it as “extreme hot and dry, even in the fourth degree” and recommended it for scrofula, a prevalent lymphatic throat and skin infection commonly known as the King's Evil.
Cayenne was popular with 19th century physiomedicalists, who used it for chills, rheumatism, and depression.
The Apache, Hopi, Navajo, Pueblo, and other Southwestern Native American tribes, rubbed powdered cayenne onto arthritic joints to help block pain and reduce swelling.
Chiles may be expected to be hot and pungent. Once accustomed to their fiery pungency, one is surprised how many subtle flavours they may show: Fruity, earthy, smoky, fresh, sweet and flowery are just some of them. The greatest variety of chile tastes is, not surprisingly, found in México
Main constituents: Capsaicinoids: capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin
Volatile oils: trace amounts
Proteins
Carotenoid pigments: capsanthin, capsorubin, carotene, lutein
Vitamins including A and C
Properties: carminative, spasmolytic, stimulant, diaphoretic; externally as a rubefacient, counter-irritant and antiseptic
Uses: Capsaicin is well known for stimulating circulation and altering body temperature. Applied to the skin, it desensitizes nerve endings and, therefore, good as a local analgesic. Its heating qualities not only remedy poor circulation, but also improve blood flow by dilating peripheral capillaries. This action increases the flow of nutrients to the tissues and removes toxic buildup in the same areas.
External preparations are used to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation and to relieve symptoms of bursitis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, and nerve pain that often follows shingles. Some preparations are used to treat skin rashes and pain of psoriasis.
Powdered capsaicin can be added to socks as a traditional remedy for perpetually cold feet.
Safety Considerations:
DO NOT TAKE IF
- You are taking ACE inhibitors (Can increase the incidence of cough that is associated with ACE inhibitors).
- You are taking sedative medication (May increase sedation).
- You are taking theophylline (May increase its absorption).
- You are taking a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (May interfere with its effects).
- You are taking medication to lower your blood pressure (May lessen its effects).
- You are breast feeding (May cause dermatitis in nursing babies).
Magical:
Folk Names:
Element:Gender: Masculine
Planet:
Powers:
Uses: Cleansing and purification. Repels negativity. Speeds up the effect of any mixture that it's added to.