How Is Cayenne Pepper Used in Alternative Medicine?

Cayenne pepper is a shrubby tropical perennial herb with hardwood branches. The flowers are drooping blooms. The fruit of the cayenne pepper plant is actually a berry. It turns from red to orange to yellow as the plant matures.

Active Ingredient

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in cayenne pepper. It is a powerful stimulant that causes the eyes to water and the tongue to burn on contact.

External

Cayenne pepper can be made into a poultice to warm up chilled skin and painful joints. It acts to irritate the skin that causes an increase of blood flow to the area. Compresses are used as a treatment for rheumatism, inflammation, sores and wounds.

Internal

Cayenne pepper aids the digestive system by stimulating the production of saliva and gastric juices. It is also a treatment for gas, diarrhea and asthma.

Sore Throat

Mix 1 tsp. cayenne pepper with 1 cup of warm water and gargle to help a sore throat.

Toothache

Soak a cotton ball in cayenne pepper oil and place on a cavity to relieve pain. This treatment causes a burning sensation at first, but then quickly goes away.

Warning

High oral doses of cayenne pepper may cause severe stomach upset and possible kidney damage. Excessive external use can cause dermatitis and skin blistering.

References

• Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, 1998

Resources

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne Pepper

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