Cayenne Pepper
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Cayenne Pepper Health: Immune Boost, Pain Relief, and More

| Modified on Sep 18, 2024
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Cayenne pepper.

Cayenne pepper, renowned for its fiery heat and distinctive flavor, is more than just a culinary delight. It's a powerhouse of health benefits, largely attributed to its active ingredient, capsaicin. This article explores how cayenne pepper can enhance well-being, from its role in pain management and cardiovascular health to boosting metabolism and digestive health.

We'll dive into the scientific research and traditional uses that underscore the remarkable therapeutic potential of cayenne pepper, offering practical tips on how to harness its benefits in your daily life. Whether you're looking to spice up your diet or seeking natural remedies, cayenne pepper is a versatile and effective choice for improving your overall health.

1. Relieves Pain

Capsaicin in cayenne pepper acts as a natural analgesic, blocking pain signals to the brain. Topical applications effectively alleviate arthritis, shingles, neuropathy, and similar conditions.1

2. Cardiovascular Health

Cayenne pepper contributes to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure, mitigating heart disease risks.

3. Boosts Metabolism

Cayenne pepper elevates the body's metabolic rate, aiding calorie burning and weight loss.

4. Digestive Health

It enhances digestion by stimulating digestive enzyme production, relieving indigestion and heartburn.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Capsaicin exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, combatting chronic inflammation linked to various health issues like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

6.  Detoxification Support

Cayenne pepper aids in detoxification by improving blood circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system.

7. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Preliminary evidence suggests capsaicin may possess anti-cancer abilities.

8. Headache Relief

Capsaicin's pain-relieving properties extend to mitigating migraines.

9. Skin Health Improvement

The antimicrobial properties of cayenne pepper protect against skin infections, while its anti-inflammatory effects aid in wound healing.

10. Immune System Boost

Rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, cayenne pepper strengthens the immune system and may shorten cold and flu durations.

11. Respiratory Function Enhancement

Capsaicin improves respiratory health by reducing airway inflammation.

12. Sexual Health Benefits

Recognized for its aphrodisiac qualities, cayenne pepper improves blood flow and sexual function.

Additional Uses

  • Cayenne pepper can alleviate various conditions, including arthritis, sore throat, sinus infections, tonsillitis, and laryngitis.
  • It can be used internally in small doses, with some preferring to mix it with orange juice or take it in capsule form.
  • Choosing high-quality cayenne pepper from health food stores is advisable for better potency.

Internal Use of Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper's health benefits aren't limited to external applications; it's also effective when consumed. However, starting with a small dose and increasing it gradually as needed is essential. Even a minimal amount, such as 1/8 teaspoon, can be sufficient for some health conditions. Many enjoy adding a cayenne pepper shaker to their dining table as a flavorful and healthful seasoning.

For easier ingestion, some people mix cayenne pepper with orange juice. This method can help in acclimatizing the digestive system to the spice. Conversely, taking cayenne pepper in capsule form might lead to digestive discomfort if the capsule dissolves in the stomach. When cayenne is tasted first on the tongue, it pre-alerts the stomach, preparing it for digestion. To further aid digestion, some cayenne pepper capsules include ginger, known for its stomach-soothing properties.

Cayenne Quality

It is important to note that not all cayenne peppers are of the same quality. Generally, health food stores carry higher quality and more potent cayenne pepper than average grocery stores.

Cayenne pepper can have a wide range of heat levels. Some brands have a heat rating of 30,000, which is still quite spicy, while others may have as much as 190,000 heat units. Only individuals accustomed to strong spices will be able to tolerate higher amounts.

However, with regular use, your body will adjust to the potency of cayenne pepper. Starting with a small amount and gradually increasing the dose can help your body tolerate larger amounts over time.

Topical Use of Cayenne Pepper

  • Cayenne salves, leveraging capsaicin's properties, reduce pain and enhance circulation.
  • Homemade cayenne salves can be made with cayenne pepper powder, olive oil, castor oil, and beeswax.

Making a Cayenne Salve: Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper powder
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup castor oil (substitute with 1 cup olive oil if unavailable, but castor oil is preferred for its pain-relieving properties)
  • 3 tablespoons beeswax (increase to 4 tablespoons for a firmer salve)

Instructions:

  1. In a glass jar, mix the cayenne pepper powder with olive and castor oils.
  2. Let the jar sit undisturbed for 1 to 2 weeks.
  3. After the infusion period, strain the mixture using sterile cheesecloth to remove the cayenne powder.
  4. Melt the beeswax by heating the infused oil in a double boiler.
  5. Once the beeswax is fully melted, pour the mixture into a jar or tin.
  6. Allow the salve to cool and solidify before use.

Cayenne Pepper Gargle for Throat Health

With its antiviral and antibacterial properties, Cayenne pepper is excellent for a throat gargle. It can alleviate pain and combat infections, including tough ones like strep throat.

How to Use:

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with 1/4 cup warm water.
Gargle several times a day as needed. Apply lip balm beforehand to protect your lips from the spice.

Cayenne Pepper Tooth Powder for Oral Health

This homemade tooth powder can boost oral health by fighting infection and enhancing circulation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tablespoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

How to Use:

  • Sprinkle the mixture on your toothbrush and brush gently.

Cayenne Pepper's Role in Emergency Scenarios

Cayenne pepper can be crucial in emergency situations, particularly for stopping bleeding or assisting during heart attacks.

Bleeding Control:

In the event of a wound, apply cayenne pepper directly to the affected area and cover with a clean cloth, applying pressure. It's important to allow the resulting scab to heal and fall off naturally.

Heart Attack Assistance:

For heart attack emergencies, herbalist Dr. John Christopher recommends a mixture of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a cup of hot water. Additionally, midwives have utilized this method to control bleeding during childbirth. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper not only helps relieve pain when applied topically but may also help reduce the death of heart cells during a heart attack.

These uses of cayenne pepper highlight its versatility and potential effectiveness in both everyday health and critical emergency situations.

Where to Buy

 

Share Your Feedback!

Read on to learn the benefits hundreds of Earth Clinic readers have experienced with Cayenne over the past 15 years. Be sure to share your experiences with us!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Wounds

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Posted by Helen (NY, NY) on 01/08/2008
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

A year ago my husband had one too many drinks, and tripped and fell hard backwards onto a sharp edge of a railing, which split open the back of his head. The wound was three inches long, and so deep....I was afraid to look at first, for fear that he had cracked his skull and would slip into an unconscious state. We were living on a remote island in the Bahamas at this time with no emergency people on hand, certainly no doctors or health care providers. A helicopter typically took 45mins to get you to a hospital.( If the last emergency was anything to go by) So I pulled myself together and instructed my eight year old son to keep Daddy awake by talking to him, no matter what! I tore my kitchen cupboards apart looking for the magical pepper I had read so much about year or two earlier.

I finally found the small bottle of cayenne pepper. I figured the whole bottle should slow the bleeding in time to find help.

Well.... not only did it STOP the bleeding, but after holding the wound together and having my son tip the entire contents of the bottle onto my husbands head the wound looked as though it was starting to stick together like glue! We sat holding the wound together for a further few hours for good measure, Then used thin strips of tape across it to act like stitches.

My son and I took turns waking my husband through the night, about every half hour to check he was ok, and to make sure the wound hadn't started bleeding again. To our amazement not only was there no pain after the first hour, but the burning sensation was very mild considering the depth of the cut.

The following day no one on the island would believe how bad the wound had been, and certainly felt there was no need to rush to the hospital.

Two days later we took the tape off. The wound had sealed with no infection, only a big orange crust from the cayenne pepper!

A further five days later, my husband had a shower and washed off the crust to reveal a lond thin line that looked like an old cat scratch!

To this day no one understands my decision to trust the magic of cayenne pepper. All I can say is........ we had no choice!

What a blessing to discover something so powerful.

I know it will travel with me every where I go for the rest of my life! And people often ask why I take strange capsules filled with red stuff.. I just smile......if only they knew!
Helen.
NYC

Acid Reflux, Heartburn

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Posted by Bruce (US) on 07/04/2007
 ★★★★★

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On the subject of acid reflux and heartburn, I have all but eliminated it after 20 or so years of suffering.

I used to keep a large bottle of Tums with me at all times. The acid reflux was horrible, waking me up in bed with searing pain in my throat and gasping for air, not knowing if this would be the end. The choking went on for half an hour or more. Milk, more Tums, water, juice, nothing gave instant relief.

Like magic, after about three months, I had lost almost all of the symtoms of the acid reflux and heartburn. You can cure yourself easily if you are determined. It will take perseverence and patience and will gradually go from bad to good in three months or so.

Cayenne Pepper is the answer!

Now on a regular basis I take from one to two heaping tablespoons of granulated cayenne with my meals. Not on any cereal though! Usually if you can start off with a litle and work up to a large dose like I did, it will become easy and things after a while will not seem to taste right without it.

I am so happy I don't use Tums anymore and I don't have stomach problems. I would encourage anyone to read about "cayenne pepper healing effects."

Do a Google search and you will be surprised at what you read about its healing effects. I get my cayenne from a wholesale club in bulk containers. I use Tone's ground cayenne pepper and it is about $4.00 for a 1 LB container. That should last you about six months or more.

Good luck and remember, you will have to get used to the heat or it won't work.

In addition to taking the cayenne pepper, don't go to sleep on a full stomach. Give it 3 or 4 hours before you go to sleep.

Bruce

Anti-Inflammatory

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Posted by Jasonmchicago (Chicago, Il (usa) ) on 06/17/2011
 ★★★★★

I have figured out a VERY POWERFUL anti-inflammatory that works almost instantly. I take 1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne pepper in the mouth. Wait until the sensations start then swallow. Then I wait 2-5 minutes until I feel the burning all over my mouth and know that it is working. Then I take the following:

- Fresh Garlic

- Fresh Ginger

- 1-2 Ginger Capsules

- 1-2 Turmeric Capsules (high quality brand)

- Fresh Rosemary

- EVOO 1/2 ounce

I swallow this all at once and literally within 1-5 minutes the inflammation goes down. I can feel the muscle inflammation getting the effects of this combo. I heard that Cayenne is amazing for distributing herbal potency to where it needs to go. It quickly circulates the blood and I believe the "powers" of the turmeric, garlic, and rosemary all get going.

It has really helped me out with IMMEDIATE relief of serious inflammation more than any one by themselves or prescription drugs or NSAIDs or anything. If you want added benefit take a hot/warm water moist towel and put it on the area that needs inflammation reduction.

AMAZING!

Antifungal

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Posted by Zark (Emerald City) on 04/16/2015
 ★★★★★

ACV, Chilli, and Bicarb - all three of these are antifungals.

I use Bicarb quite frequently as a spray whenever my plants have fungal issues. Works quickly. Bicarb also neutralises the mycotoxins produced by pathogenic fungi.

Arrhythmia

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Posted by Kolin (Nottingham, England) on 02/13/2011
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Yesterday I had, unusually while awake, a strong episode of atrial flutter, my chest felt like a washine machine full of golf balls! It would not calm down with relaxation etc, so, half teaspoon cayenne in a cup of warm water followed by a short deliberate heavy coughing session, 5 minutes later all went back to normal, well worth trying!

Keep up these posts, love to all, Kolin.

Arrhythmia
Posted by Geri (Dothan, Alabama) on 06/21/2009
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Cayenne pepper effects on heart racing and arrythmia...

I have been using cayenne pepper for several months for racing heart and arrythmia. Within less than a minute my heart is back to normal!! I use 1/2 teaspoon in warm water, less than a cup, one teaspoon in 8oz is recommended, but I get the results from 1/2 tsp., also I use cayenne pepper liberally on most of my food, like salads, baked potato, omlets, etc.. I have tried MANY natural cures, but never had one work so fast. The Phamaceutical companies will probably try to get this miracle cure declared illegal! If people could try it, doctors and drugs would lose billions! I don't mind the heat at all for the results I get. It IS a good idea to have some food in your stomach, though. Wonderful site, Earth Clinic!!

Arthritis

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Posted by Trina (St.Helens, Oregon) on 08/07/2008
 ★★★★★

Rheumatoid/Osteo Arthritis: So update, I have done oil pulling and still have twice everyday. My Arthritis is not completely gone. I think it's because i aint using the right oil. But i still sleep well and no more chocolate addiction. And branded scar is completly GONE Due to the Organic Sufflower oil that i pulled with. Anyways i wanna loose weight to help my arthritis because my doctor says i have both.((RA/OA)) So i try the recommended Master Cleanse Diet (from this site by a person). After day one i felt really Pain free. in that diet all you drink is Cayenne pepper in filtered water with Grade A/B Organic Maple syrup and organic lemon. Oh and diet tea and salt laxitive. I did that diet for 2 and half days without eating.

Anyways it was the cayenne pepper that made me pain free. I researched cayenne pepper online and bought the pills. It works great. I take more then it says too. it takes about 6 Cayenne fruit pills. it cost less the 3 dollars at Wal-mart. And Well worth it!! - u know that diet i was supposed to have min. Look up Cayenne pepper it does much more then just for pain oh and weight loss. 3 thumbs way up.

Athlete's Foot

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Posted by Vince (Philadelphia, PA) on 09/21/2006
 ★★★★★

I had Athletes' Foot between 2 toes that sit against each other. I had it off and on for years. It was hard to dry them after a shower, and when in a rush, I don't think I did it that well, and then sitting against each other, I would probably really have to, and sweating probably cause it also. I only applied cayenne in salt water one time, and it has been gone for years. Usually it has to stay in place for a while on skin surfaces, so I soak the gauze on a bandaid, but since my toes touch, I didn't have to.

Best Type of Cayenne

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Posted by Dave G (Florida) on 11/02/2016
 ★★★★★

I get a pure organic Cayenne from amazon in powder form and extract from the powder pure form it takes 45 to 60 days to extract the the pure form with no additives and put it in a eye dropper bottle and add about 20 drops to a glass of infused citrus water and drink it with breakfast and have no side effects basically because alot of the companies mix crap with it as fillers even in their Tinctures as well. The formula was from a Herbologist who recieved her PHd and wrote a study and thesis about all the benifits using it. Would suggest you start out with 10 drops and work up to 20 once a day.

Replied by Chris
(Greenville)
11/03/2016

Dave,

Are you extracting the cayenne in alcohol or glycerine or what? Could you explain what you mean by extracting with measurements? Thanks!

Replied by Gina
(Austin, Texas)
03/16/2021
★★★★★

I buy the Dr Christopher HOT Cayenne drops and put ONLY 1-2 drops (that is all it takes because each drop is --- per the label ---160,000 Scoville Heat Units Organic Cayenne Pepper AND 200,000 H.U. of Habanero Chili) in a glass of warm filtered water with 1/2 squeezed lemon.

I do this most mornings on an empty stomach for the myriad benefits of the Cayenne.

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Christophers-Formulas-Cayenne-Extract/dp/B000N38PLU/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dr+christopher+cayenne+hot&qid=1615915893&sr=8-1

Replied by Jan B.
(Netherlands)
09/28/2022

Do you make an extract with alcohol? What are the ratios?
Do you have a link to the PhD thesis?
Regards Jan

Bloody Noses

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Posted by Rob (Springfield, MO) on 11/15/2008
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Every winter since I was little I would get bloody noses because of the dry indoor air. Last winter it was bad. I was having at least one a day no matter how much I ran my humidifier. I came across this site and read about Cayenne Pepper helping with this problem. The day I started taking Cayenne Pepper pills was the last time I had a bloody nose! (It has been almost a year now) I take one in the morning with my vitamins and dont worry about my nose exploding every time I sneeze. Try it, you wont be disappointed!

Broad Benefits

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Posted by Sindee (San Diego) on 06/24/2017
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Cayenne is used in India for thousands of years and midwives use it to stop bleeding as Schrimsh from Seffner, Florida testified to in her post from 2010. I use cayenne in my buttermilk with a pinch of salt to make a drink in hot summer days in our valley (runs around 100 degrees for days), a good side-effect my blood has thinned out so no more heart problems in over 12 years and in winter no more cold feet and numb fingers.

I gargle with cayenne at the first onset of scratchy-sore throat and haven't had a cold or flu in years.

Broad Benefits
Posted by May (Orange) on 08/16/2016
 ★★★★★

I have suffered with bleeding hemorrhoids for a few years, plus bleeding gums. I commenced taking Cayenne Pepper daily for Heart Arrhythmia -and over the course of a few months have noticed my gums are healthy and I no longer have bleeding hemorrhoids!!! I find taking Cayenne Pepper& Black strap Molasses has helped my heart significantly, not cured, but improved very much. I also use Ylang Ylang essential oil in a carrier oil & apply to my chest after taking a shower.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Everson11 (Mt) on 12/31/2015
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

This is my general post concerning my treating of almost all issues with cayenne, despite having a history of surviving 2 heart attacks by using cayenne, after reading the story of Dr. Christopher, and my Awakening tonight... I had an extreme bout of anxiety / agoraphobia for a stretch of a week, with combined almost fainting / vertigo for 3 weeks or more... This is what happened after my nap, the first real sleep in 3 days... I woke up after drinking a lot of beers (7) and felt great, no anxiety, still had head fog but no dizziness... Went to check the mail for the CBD spray, and had no "anxiety" or agoraphobia of being outside... I drove fine, albeit just to the mailboxes and back, but still, the previous 2 days were difficult to get that distance going to the store for beer

A couple of hours later, the anxiety started kicking in, so without the spray, I did what I had to and drank beer as fast as possible, which this time only increased the anxiety and brain fog / dizziness...

For the fun of it, I searched Earth Clinic for "Cayenne Dizziness"... Being that the dizziness and vertigo was triggering the massive panic attacks, I completely forgot that Cayenne treats the ENTIRE circulatory system, which obviously includes the brain, and Arrhythmia matches all the symptoms

I boiled water, added it to about 1/4 tsp of Cayenne and drank it...

The anxiety was gone within 45 seconds or so, and I cleared several paper towels worth of mucus, clearing my lungs... I had been planting my foot in the floor so hard when under these attacks, that I literally tore a gash in my new slippers... The foot pain was intense... It's GONE now, I can feel it warm, but no pain

When I cut my finger deep and healed it with Cayenne, Adrenaline kicked in, and I ignored that it was helping the anxiety and lungs completely... Same thing with the Heart Attacks... I was hitting the prime target for the Cayenne, and ignoring the other benefits...

I guess I would have known on both occasions if I couldn't breathe, but I'm sure I could perfectly, so I had NO IDEA until now that Cayenne takes care of the lungs as well...

There is surely some adrenaline involved now because I'm able to see and concentrate etc, and it will take more experiments to figure it out, but I'm going to drink a cup every morning... Everybody should, it costs about 2 cents.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Silent Prayer Herbal Center (Jamaica W.i.) on 11/23/2013
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Cayenne Pepper is a wonderful spice, it's not only great for sinus problems

It helps to protect the heart, it has the ability to stop a heart attack or stroke instantly. this is personal experience that a friend whom I introduced Cayenne pepper to had with her older sister.

This is the experience.

One morning at the breakfast table she noticed her sister stuttering and, in a few seconds she saw her face sort of twisting one of the indication of a stroke or heart attack, she immediately ran and got some cayenne pepper put it in her mouth and in a minute or so her sister was back to normal.

She then took her to the doctor only to find out that she suffered a stroke and if it had not been for the application of Cayenne Pepper she might have died or suffered permanent brain damage.

Cayenne Pepper is also one of the best spice for weight loss, in fact this is Beyonce's favorite. It helps to reduce weight while protecting the heart.

Cayenne Pepper works real well for Arthritis: Poor circulation, High Blood pressure and more.

I have been using Cayenne Pepper for years and I can testify to the wonderful healing properties of Cayenne Pepper.

Just a few days ago I feel my head start hurting, I remembered that the Capsaicin in cayenne Pepper is good for pain, I just ran for the Cayenne Pepper placed some under my tongue and in a few minutes the pain was gone.

Cayenne Pepper is awesome, but since it also takes out toxin from the system as well hot, one must drink plenty water so as not to cause kidney damage.

Just use natural herbs and spices wisely and you'll be OK.

Replied by Becky
(San Diego, CA)
04/21/2015

I just read this marvelous remedy for cayenne. .For those interested put "cayenne remedies" in the EC search box. You'll be amazed and maybe find a cure.

Replied by Donna
(Santa Monica, CA)
04/23/2015

Becky, I checked out your recommendation for cayenne on Earth Clinic's remedies. Amazing! Who knew there were so many applications for cayenne and it was so good for ones heart.The testimonial by Dr. Christopher is eye opening. Thank you.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Robert (Ontario) on 08/25/2013
 ★★★★★

I took a big teaspoon of ceyenne pepper in water once daily for two days for heart palpitations. It cured my acid problem. I can now enjoy green onions again. I must have picked up a parasite in Central or South America or Dominican Republic.

Replied by Ed2010
(Oakville, Canada)
08/26/2013

You don't have to go to South America to pickup a parasite. Salmonella, E-coli, c-difficile are very common and prevalent in Ontario, Canada. If you just walking inside the kitchen of any restaurant or food court you can see how they maintain. Also, foods are cooked and served for more than 4 days.

Hope you heard the news about epic burger contamination in Toronto: http://o.canada.com/2013/08/23/cronut-burger-toronto-public-health

Parasites are everywhere.

Good Health


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