Cayenne
Biological Name: Capsicum annuum, capsicum frutescens
Other Names: Cayenne, Africa pepper, capsicum, American pepper, Zanzibar pepper, bird pepper, Spanish pepper, capsicum, American red pepper, chili pepper, African red pepper, cockspur pepper, garden pepper, goat’s pepper, chili pepper, pod pepper, chillies, red pepper
Elements Applied: The main part utilized in medicine and anywhere is the fruit.
Active Components: The core component included in cayenne and called capsaicin is known to reduce or totally eliminate spasms and itching, soothing the nerves. Capsaicin acts as a reducer for a certain type of neurotransmitters, which leave the brain for a period of time. These neurotransmitters are responsible for carrying pain signals, and in their absence one can’t feel pains in their sharp form. Still, this effect doesn’t last for a long time. The ability to reduce pain is not unique for capsaicin and other components found in the fruit. The plant is also known to inhibit platelet stickness and have capacity of an antioxidant.
Additional Info: The active component of cayenne, its fruit, has been widely known as an effective remedy for a long time. Core plant’s application consisted in treating digestive dysfunction, as well as abdominal pains of different types. Another cayenne’s capacity is seen in boosting blood circulation. For this reason the plant is used as a circulatory system enhancer.
Applied to the area of inflammation externally, the plant serves as a treatment for arthritis and other types of pains, producing a soothing effect. Or, for being more exact, it affects the cause of irritation by replacing it with a sensation induced by the pepper itself.
Used for: The plant is known for its stimulative characteristics as well as used to treat digestive system abnormalities, also being a good remedy for excess liquid elimination. Boosts the system condition overall and increases circulatory activity.
Cayenne produces a positive effect on heart and circulatory system. Used as a digestive system supplement as well. Its use advantage with regard to cardiovascular diseases consists in inhibiting the amount of bad cholesterol thus decreasing the possibility of atherosclerosis. Peoples for whom cayenne consumption is conventional are known to have a decreased rate of heart problems occurence.
Local application: In case of local application to local areas cayenne decreases the amount of neurotransmitter, responsible for pain, which is named substance P. The plant is also potent of soothing arthritis pains by acting as an anti-inflammatory remedy.
Temperature control: Capsaisin is said to decrease body temperature, and is commonly applied for this purpose in countries where season temperature is extremely high.
External cayenne remedies are used to treat symptoms of various diseases, including pains occurring after amputation, neuralgia, neuropathy occurring under condition of diabetes, psoriasis.
Diabetic neuropathy is one of painful consequences faced in case of long-lasting diabetes. Due to pain-relieving capsaicin characteristics cayenne has been referred to as a soothing remedy for diabetes.
A special type of headaches called cluster headaches, usually located around eyes and measured as sharp, can be treated with the help of capsaicin remedy, prescribed by health-care providers. Still, in this case occasional application of cayenne will have more effect than its usage for a prolonged period.
Different types of arthritis can be cured by cayenne external application. Pains caused by psoriasis are also reduced by exposure to cayenne fruit extract.
Preparation and intake:
Capsaicin is commonly applied externally in form of a 0.05% cream. May cause irritation when applied for the first time, but the effect usually disappears with the regular use. One should clean his or her hands in order to prevent irritation after capsaicin application. When getting onto the mucous coats, causes burning, so avoid its contact with eyes, mouth or nose. Damaged skin should not be exposed to cayenne.
In form of tincture cayenne is consumed in quantity up to 1 ml every day. As an infusion cayenne is applied in quantity up to 1 teaspoon per a glass of boiling water. The dose is 1 tablespoon of infusion several times a day.
In form of powder cayenne’s dose depends on case severity. When it’s mild, 2 grains on average are sufficient. When the case is severe 7 grains on average should be used.
Safety: The only side effect is primary irritation induced by external application. The overdose can lead to ulcer, so measure the quantity of the drug carefully. To avoid allergy cream should be used in small quantity at primary application. Avoid taking for a long time. May lead to sores and dermatitis.