Cayenne

Latin name: Capsicum frutescens

Family: Solanaceae or Nightshade Family

• 

• 

• 

• 

DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS 

Native to the eqatorian Americas, Cayenne is famous for its phytochemical capsaicin. Capsicum frutescens, part of the Solanaceae or Nightshade family, is especially beneficial for flabby, sluggish folks who may experience jerky, aching muscles and stagnation in the cardiovascular system. It been shown to comfort arthritic joints and sclerotic or hard, rigid, slow to respond tissues too.

With the right proportions and a skilled practitioner, cayenne is especially therapeutic for pain relief as capsaicin is a potent nociceptive. The initial application may cause some inflammation, but over time with frequent small doses the cumulative experience achieves the desired results with no dangerous side effects.

Poultices and pain patches have been helpful for those struggling with nerve pain, neuralgia, acute injuries and post-surgical interventions. In some cases, it’s even injected as a local anesthetic.

Part of the Plant Used

Fresh or dry fruit with seeds.

Organoleptics

TEXTURE + COLOR – plant is small shrub less than 3 feet tall with woody brown stem and smooth, ovate leaves. Flower is a small white down-turned blossom, 1/2″ in diameter, with black colored stamens. Fruit varies in size and length from 3-6″ long, initially as a dark green, fades to a brighter shade with maturity and then turns red upon ripening. Fruit takes on a glossy almost waxed appearance.

AROMA + FLAVOR – Pungent, very spicy. Freshly cut fruits release strong aromatics inducing upper respiratory irritations: coughing, sneezing, runny nose. Extremely stimulating.

CONSTITUENTS

• Capsanthine
• Capsaicin
• Vitamin C

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Topical Vasodilator
• Stimulating diaphoretic
• Cardioprotective
• Analgesic
• Antiartherosclerotic
• Antioxidant
• Antitumoral

Clinical Indications: 

Best for individuals who are cold, flabby and sluggish with jerking, aching muscles and stagnation in the cardiovascular system. There is exhausted vitality in mental activity, creative pursuits and poor living. The symptoms of their complaints become worse in open air and breezy weather conditions.

• Arthritis
• Loosens bronchial congestion
• Cramping
• Cardiovascular Conditions
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Heart Disease
  • High Cholesterol
  • High Triglycerides
• Digestive gas
• Fever, induced sweating.
• Headaches
• Indigestion
  • Inhibits H pylori growth
  • Inhibits acid secretions
  • Increases mucus secretion
  • Increases mucosal blood flow
  • Aids in healing of gastric ulcers
• Menstrual pain
• Nerve pain
  • Sciatica
  • Neuropathy (especially as a preventative for diabetic complaints)
  • Neuralgia
  • Tension and twitching
  • Rheumatic pains
  • Fibrositis
• Pruritus (itching skin) post surgery, injury or tumor extraction.
• Shingles
• Sprains, Strains, Muscular Inflammation
• Varicose Veins
• Weight loss
  • Targets fat metabolism
  • Lowers energy expenditure
  • Increases thermogenesis
  • May improve insulin control

Folk: Chilblains, chills, diarrhea, frostbite, hoarseness, impotence, laryngitis, lumbago, malaria, inability to orgasm, psoriasis, thyroid disease.

Energetics: Hot, heating and drying.

Meridian/Organ Affinity: Circulatory and Digestive systems.

HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

Cayenne is contraindicated in areas of broken skin. Use with caution during pregnancy. May exacerbate coughing associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Longer use may enhance the effects of blood pressure medications and MAOI inhibitors. Gastro-sensitivities may develop with prolonged use as well.

Keep out of sensitive mucus areas and do not inhale vapors. Diabetics may have loss of topical sensation with prolonged use.

DOSAGE

FRESH LIQUID EXTRACT: 1:1, 1-5 drops up to four times daily in little water.

TINCTURE: 1/4 to 1/2 dropper daily.

CAPSULES: 450 mg capsule three times daily.

OINTMENT: look for something with 0.025 to 0.075 percent capsiacin.

Can be used orally, as a fomentation (poultice) or wash depending on the need. It can be added to fixed oils, such as olive oil, for a method of external application. Gargle for sore throats. Liniment for arthritic and muscular complaints.

0