Herb of the Month: Capsicum frutensis (Cayenne Pepper)

Capsicum frutensis, aka Cayenne pepper, is one of my favorite spices in food and it is also a powerful herbal ally. Not only does it add pleasant heat to a meal or beverage, it is also a potent medicine. I use it is herbal formulas to help potentize the formula, and also recommend it as a daily tonic for general vitality or to aid in detoxification. A pinch in some lemon water is a marvelous way to start a cold winter morning and will warm your body, increase circulation, and even give a mood lift. Many herbalists think of Capsicum as an extremely safe and pure stimulant, and know it can reduce inflammation, decrease cholesterol, boost immune function, and even decrease pain.

Qualities: Antiseptic, counter-irritant, increases appetite in small doses, hypotensive, circulatory stimulant, lowers cholesterol, boosts mood.

Warning: It is SPICY! Some people are very sensitive to the heat of the herb. It may irritate open ulcers or gastritis. It can irritate mucus membranes such as nose and eyes, so it should never be inhaled and hands well washed after preparing.

Uses: Capsicum is found in many over the counter topical pain formulas: the heat of this herb will exhaust substance P (a pain meditating neuropeptide) and act as a counter irritant to help with discomfort from injury or arthritis when repeatedly applied. Topical formulas can help with the symptoms of diabetic and post herpetic neuropathy, itching, and cluster headaches. Capsicum in food can help protect the respiratory system, and may reduce bronchoconstriction and airway hyperactivity to allergens and histamine, especially when used regularly. Although too much capsicum may cause some digestive discomfort, reasonable amounts will stimulate appetite and can inhibit the growth of H pylori – an ulcer causing gastric pathogen.

Description: Capsicum is pungent, hot, and sweet. This is both medicine and food, capsicum contains high amounts of vitamin C and Vitamin A – two powerful immune supporting antioxidants. This herb can be used every day as a general tonic, and is particularly useful people who need immune support, struggle with allergies and asthma, and who simply love the taste. This herb may speed up the metabolism, and lower both blood pressure and cholesterol so it is an ideal herb for cardiovascular health. Population studies have shown the people who consume capsicum are at lower risk death by any cause; the reason of this is not completely clear, but it may be related to its effects on the cardiovascular and immune system.

Capsicum is used internally in food, in capsules for those sensitive to the taste, or in a tincture (1-3 drops per dose). It is also applied topically to reduce pain and as a nasal spray for cluster headaches or vasomotor(non-allergic) rhinitis.