Benefits of Cayenne Pepper and the Power of Capsaicin

Botanically speaking, cultivars of cayenne pepper come from the Capsicum annuum species which also includes bell peppers, paprika, serranos and jalapeños.

While the cayenne species is sometimes inaccurately grouped with the tabasco pepper (Capsicum frutescens), cayenne hangs from the bush, whereas species like tabasco grows upright.

There are literally dozens of cayenne varieties that broadly range in look and taste but especially level of heat.

The one extensively cultivated and common to many kitchen spice racks is called the Long Red Slim Cayenne, which provides a sharp heat as well as a smoky, tangy flavor yet an underlying sweetness.

Capsaicin, a type of capsaicinoid, is the main active component in cayenne chili pepper that provides spiciness as well as many of its soon to be discussed powerful health benefits.

The highest concentration of capsaicin in the pepper (contrary to popular belief) is Not in the seeds but in the inner white pith in which the seeds are attached to. This is the hottest part of the fruit.

Cayenne seeds can "taste" spicy only because they are often coated with some of this white membrane not because they directly contain this compound. The reddish pepper flesh is comprised of some capsaicin but in much lower concentrations that are unevenly dispersed.

Most commercial cayenne spice is made from the whole ground pepper including the seeds. Upon close up view of the powder, you can actually see small flecks of seeds present.

The heat intensity of hot peppers is measured in Scoville heat units (SHU). Cayenne is generally rated between 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville units, depending on cultivar and other factors. 

Being moderately to highly pungent, this averages mid-range with tabasco on the list of hot pepper varieties. Not as hot as Carolina Reaper (1,500,000–2,500,000 SHU) but hotter than Jalapeño (2,500–10,000 SHU).

Now we will go over the six top benefits of cayenne pepper and some of its uses as a natural remedy for specific health issues.

1) Digestive Stimulant
2) Supports Circulation
3) Detox Assistant
4) Pain Management
5) Antifungal Properties
6) Mucus Dissolver

As mentioned, the power of cayenne's therapeutic value to humans comes from the CAPSAICIN content.

Dried cayenne powder is especially concentrated and is the form that most people use as a spice condiment.

When added to meals or recipes in moderation, the pungent hot taste of cayenne helps to stimulate digestive juices, increase "digestive fire" and aids in the process of assimilation.

Because it’s in the middle of the Scoville heat spectrum, it's warming but not too hot or drying and can assist in delivering nutrients and healthful compounds to where they need to go.

Small amounts of cayenne sprinkled onto foods or used in beverages naturally boosts metabolism and can promote bowel regularity.

In Ayurveda, it is considered good for Kapha body types and those who may have weight gain issues. 

However, for those with hot constitutions or predominantly Pitta doshas, it can aggravate the digestive system when used in excess.

One of the great medicinal actions that cayenne is known for is its penetrating influence on the circulatory system.

For this reason, it's often utilized as an herbal supplement in pill or capsule form for increasing blood flow and promoting cardiovascular health.

Cayenne peppers, and their capsaicin content, are researched as potent blood anticoagulants when ingested and helpful for minimizing clot formation. 

Not only does cayenne pepper ignite the culinary senses, this small but powerfully potent pepper also acts as a natural energy stimulant by encouraging increased circulation.

Some also conclude that it, like other chili peppers, likewise enhances desire in the bedroom.

Likewise, the antioxidant capacity of herbs and spices like ginger, garlic and cayenne have been identified to be beneficial for lowering LDL cholesterol levels in animal studies. 

The active capsaicin compound is also shown to be responsible for encouraging lipid metabolism and decreasing overall cholesterol levels. 

Another healing aspect of cayenne is its ability to open up the detoxification pathways and eliminate toxins from the body. Working with its benefits for improving digestion, metabolism and circulation, the capsaicin content offers just the right amount of heat when used in minute amounts.

The fasting technique called The Master Cleanse, which has been around since the 1940s, uses a pinch of cayenne, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and lemon juice in 8-10 ounces of water. Often promoted as a weight loss protocol, this concoction is consumed exclusively six or more times a day for 7-10 days.

One of the age-old medicinal uses of cayenne pepper is as an analgesic or pain reliever.

This is due once again to the powerful properties of the capsaicin compound.

Known to be good for headaches and digestive cramps when taken internally, it can also alleviate muscle and joint pain.

While oral intake is valuable for such ailments, traditionally, a topical compress or salve is applied to the affected area to reduce aches and discomfort by desensitizing local nerve endings.

It can likewise be added to hot water soaks for the feet, especially for neuropathy and arthritis.

Cayenne is a spice often utilized in traditional folk therapies for its antifungal attributes.

When the dried spice is taken internally in small amounts, it has long been recognized for inhibiting conditions like candida overgrowth or candidiasis.

This is a fungal infection that occurs in the gut microbiome in which candida species like Candida albicans significantly outnumber other needed probiotic strains causing various unwanted side effects and autoimmune issues.

Working together with its detox actions, capsaicin and saponin concentrations (CAY-1), have been shown to exhibit powerful antimicrobial properties, preventing fungal pathogens from taking root. 

Capsaicin is actually considered a toxin in high amounts that's why cayenne powder is frequently used a home remedy application for repelling garden pests and rodents.

Cayenne is a great mucus dissolver and expectorant that helps to break up and expel excess phlegm and congested mucus.

This is one of the reasons that cayenne pepper is commonly used as a natural remedy for cold or flu symptoms. Adding a bit to soup broths can help to boost the immune system at onset as well as help to sweat out the sickness.

The pepper also contains a good amount of vitamin C and carotenoids, which are helpful immune-supporting nutrients. In "A Modern Herbal" (written in the 1900s) it is stated that "It is often added to tonics and is said to be unequaled for warding off diseases."  

In the Herbal Tarot deck, cayenne represents Strength with spiritual properties that "rally inner resources of power so that one can overcome internal stagnation, blockages and fears. It has the capacity to open the heart center while allowing one to remain in control of it."