Cayenne, Capsicum, Red Pepper, Chili Pepper: A Natural Anti-Inflammatory & Digestive Aid!

Cayenne is a spice that is also known as capsicum, hot pepper, red pepper, chili and chili pepper. It is derived from the cayenne shrub, a perennial plant native to Central America. Cayenne is often an ingredient of foods prepared in Latin America and the southwestern United States.

The herb is rich in phytochemicals, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. As a nutritional supplement, cayenne is used as a digestive aid and a remedy for bleeding ulcers. It is an anti-inflammatory agent that can also stimulate secretion of digestive juices in the stomach. It is an excellent tonic for the heart, kidneys, lungs, pancreas, spleen and stomach. Cayenne is also used to treat arthritis and rheumatism, and it can be used topically to relieve pain.

This herb can also boost the immune system and help to prevent colds, sore throats and sinus infections. It can help the body resist heat stress by dilating blood vessels, which stimulates perspiration.

The active ingredient in cayenne is a compound known as capsaicin. This ingredient prevents release of a neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the brain. The capsaicin in cayenne has been used to treat nerve damage, psoriasis and muscle soreness. It is effective in this way because it causes sensations in the skin that basically use up all of the chemical messengers of pain for muscles and joints. In other words, capsaicin can distract the brain so that pain is not recognized.

Cayenne is also an antibacterial agent that can prevent food poisoning when it is added to foods that contain bacterial contaminants. It may also have some anti-cancer properties, particularly for smokers. A study conducted at Loma Linda University suggested a connection between consumption of hot peppers and lower rates of lung cancer in smokers. It is thought that the capsaicin in hot peppers inhibits a substance that activates tobacco-induced tumors. It may also reduce the cancer-causing effects of pollution by stopping the production of a liver enzyme needed to activate carcinogenic properties in certain chemicals in the air.

The capsaicin in cayenne is absorbed easily through the skin and is often used in creams for joint pain. Capsaicin will burn slightly and should not be used near the eyes or mouth or on broken skin. Cayenne is also available in tinctures, capsules, tablets, fresh herb, liquids, ointments, gels and creams.

The best form to use depends both on the condition being treated and on individual preference. Taking supplements of cayenne on a regular basis (or eating hot peppers often) can interfere with the liver's ability to remove some common medications from the body, so it is a good idea to have liver enzymes checked periodically if you are taking cayenne supplements for an extended period of time while on certain medications. Cayenne may also exacerbate side effects of these medications, which include Coumadin, Zyflo, Elicophyllin, Clozaril, Zyprexa, Cognex, Anafranil, and Tofranil.

When taken internally, cayenne sometimes causes stomach pain or diarrhea. When used topically, it may burn or cause an allergic reaction. To minimize the likelihood of experiencing side effects, follow the dosage recommendations on the label of the cayenne product you are using. Always start with a low dose and increase the amount as needed. If side effects occur, reduce the dosage or stop using the product.

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