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.
Cayenne
Posted by Alexandra (Apple Valley, California, Usa) on 01/26/2010
★★★★★
After a week of an excruciating sore throat, debilitating earaches, and two visits to Urgent Care I stumbled upon a miracle. Cayenne Pepper is the best! I haven't been able to swallow without almost crying for a week, and now, an hour after drinking a cup of water with 1/4 tsp of cayenne, and a glass of orange juice with a little over a tsp of cayenne, I am practically pain free. A suggestion to those spicy-tolerant folks out there, up your ante. I love cayenne on food and knew 1/8 of a tsp wouldnt be enough. The tsp is perfect.
Cayenne
Posted by Kimberly (San Diego, Ca) on 01/26/2010
★★★★★
I used cayenne pepper to cure my sore throat. I am 30 yrs old & have had various sore throats throughout my life. Recently, I ended my job of 10 years & therefor lost my medical insurance meaning I couldn't just go get some antibiotics or something. I had an annoying but not completely horrible sore throat for several days which seemed to hurt the most during the night & when I woke up in the morning, but the pain would subside throughout the day. This afternoon however, after about 4 days of it lingering, it turned for the worse & I would wince from merely swallowing my own saliva. I searched the internet for various cures & this site was better than any I found. After seeing all the yeahs for cayenne pepper, I gargled 1/4 teaspoon with 4 ounces of hot water. At first it didn't seem to help because the soreness was so far back that the gargling didn't really reach it. I then gargled while trying to open my throat to the point of gagging & boy did that make a difference! It reached my sinuses & very back of my throat & was soooo painful, but in a good way if that makes sense. It was like the pain was being burnt away. My throat still hurts, but it's definitely A LOT better. I'm going to go do it some more.
Cayenne
Posted by Tee (Conway, Sc, Usa) on 01/20/2010
★★★★★
Cayenne Pepper cured sore throat and found a sack.
I read some of the other statements about the results of the cayenne pepper for sore throat before I decided to use it. I wasn't exactly how much cayenne and water to use, but I did read a Tbsp was too much so I opted for a generous heaping 1/4 tsp in approx. 3/4 cp of warm water. I shook up the mixture in a small jar with the top on. I gargled three times, then 20 mins. later I gargled thee more times. I could start to feel the pain subside a little. But like others, I too had a lot of pain further down my throat. This is why I gargled the second time. This was about midnight and I could not sleep due to the pain in my throat. After about a half hour after the second gargle it loosened up mucus in my sinus cavity to the point that (Warning: this next part is pretty gross) when I closed off the back of my throat with my tongue then released my tongue quickly pushing the air forward though my nostrils only (not my mouth) a huge deflated sack the size of a oversize grape came flying though my nose onto my tissue. It was filled with junk and mucus and blood (yulk). I instantly felt a difference even though some soreness in my throat still existed. Little by little the deep pain in my throat dissipated and the next morning the pain in my throat was gone. I have never seen anything like that sack. If anyone every had this happen to them, did they loose a sack?
Cayenne
Posted by Christine (Alexandria, Virginia) on 04/26/2010
When you blew out that "sack", it was more than likely just a huge chunk of mucous. If it was green/bloody/brown, it means you have a pretty serious infection (sinus/chest).
I have had this crap since I was a kid and it's usually just a chuck of solid mucous crap.
You should probably see a doctor to make sure you don't get a bad chest infection.
May have to go for the dreaded anti-biotic depending on if it is an infection or anti-viral meds if virus.
Cayenne
Posted by Phil (Belfast, Uk) on 01/19/2010
★★★★★
Hi - I was on a skiing holiday recently and one night I had a very sore throat and my head was congested
I gargled with Cayenne pepper - one tea spoonfull in a small drop of water - after gargling I swallowed it
About one hour later I has a large 'sniff' and cough and the congestion disappeared and when I woke up the following morning the sore throat had gone
I had previously saw this cure on this site - so thank you for that. Great site Keep up the good work everyone
Cayenne
Posted by Jan (Vancouver, Bc) on 12/19/2009
★★★★★
Based on your reading about Cyan Pepper as a cure for soar throat I put it on today morning and now just hours later I can see indubitable a befit of do ing so ...
Cayenne
Posted by Aimcdaniel (Phoenix, Az) on 12/12/2009
★★★★★
I am a Naturopathic Medical Doctor who has not practiced for the last four years since giving birth to 2 sons. Before this, I was practicing anti-anging medicine and not doing a lot with home remedies. Needless to say, I was very rusty in the home remedy department. Two weeks ago, everyone in the family developed a cold; my 2 yr old, 9 mo old, husband and then myself. Mine started with an excruciatingly painful sore throat. I sat on the couch thinking there was no way I was going to sleep that night because it felt like someone was sand-papering the inside of my throat while holding a hot blow dryer on it. My husband made a late night run to the store to get a humidifier for my oldest son and I got on the computer to find this site of home remedies. I had my husband pick up some cayenne pepper while he was at the store. When he got home, I immediately made up the remedy. I used 1/8th tsp of Cayenne in 8 oz (a regular sized coffee cup) of warm water. I took the advice of one of the previous posters and smeared vaseline all over my lips so they would not burn from the pepper. Then I began gargling. I gargled each time for 10 seconds until the entire cup was empty. My sore throat instantly vanished. However, I didn't know if it was because the remedy actually worked, or because the cayenne kind of numbed the area. So, I repeated the gargle again. Just like magic my sore throat completely disappeared for good. This is one of the best remedies ever!!! I can't believe I forgot about this one. I definitely give it 2 thumbs up!!!!
Cayenne
Posted by Grandpa Dave (Mountain View, Arkansas) on 10/28/2010
★★★★★
I cannot tell you how excited I was to read about Cayenne Pepper in helping with a sore throat. I have made Cayenne Pepper Tea for years and enjoy it very much. I cannot imagine gargling it and spitting it out and miss out on the thrill of drinking it. I have never thought of it as being associated it with actually helping with a sore throat. I woke up this morning with the start of a sort throat and after reading what everyone has said, I heated up some diced tomatoes and loaded it down with Cayenne. Yep, My throat is feeling better. Now through out the day I will be stopping while I'm on the road and making myself some of my favorite spicy drink, good ole Cayenne Pepper Tea with lots of Cayenne floating around in it. Sure it's a little warm but for me that's what makes it good. Thanks Guys and Gals, you have made my day! Grandpa Dave
Cayenne
Posted by Dianna (Austin, Tx) on 10/28/2010
★★★★★
I make cayenne pepper tea too! Actually I think I am addicted to it... Every time I made tea regardless of the kind - even if I have milk in it - I always sprinkle cayenne or red pepper chunks in it. It really does help sore throats!
Cayenne
Posted by Diamond (Atlanta, Georgia) on 12/17/2011
Hey guys, not so much. Moderation. It can be possible that you can build up an allergy or resistance to it.
It was never made for you to take it everyday.
Also, it help for a heart attack. So if you know someone who is having a heart attack than give them some and it will stop it instantly. I envision everyone will have a small emergency pack with them just in case they witness someone else who may need it.
Diamond
Ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of Cure.
Cayenne
Posted by Debnick3045 (Stuart, Florida) on 12/03/2009
★★★★★
I had such a horrible sore throat for two days. last night the soreness was soo bad that I got out of bed and typed "sore throat" into a google search, hoping to find some releif. This site was the first one on the list. After reading everyones testimonials on the Cayenne Pepper remedy, I decided to try it. I HATE spicy food and cannot stand the burn in my mouth at all so I was skeptical but I was desperate for some relief. To my complete amazement, it worked. I gargled warm water and 1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper in a small glass of warm water until it was gone. I went to sleep for about 2 hours. (It took a little while for the burn to subside but it wasn't nearly as bad as the pain of the sore throat.) When I woke up, my sore throat was more than 50% better. I just gargled it again to reinforce. What an amazing surprise! I will be telling everybody about this remedy...Thank you! :-)
Cayenne
Posted by Sllod (Mandeville, La) on 03/21/2011
★★★★★
This absolutely worked for me! I started with my annual allergy "attack" yesterday. To me, the sore throat is the worst part. I followed the instructions and after two or three gargles, my throat felt immensely better. I gargled a couple of hours later and my sore throat had subsided enough so I could get a good night's sleep. Thank you, thank you!
Cayenne
Posted by Alvina (Damascus, Oregon) on 03/22/2011
Whenever my glands start to swell and a sore throat starts, I rub arnica gel (found at a nutrition store) on the outside of my neck and it causes the sore throat to go away as well as the swelling. I've used the arnica gel for sore gums, cankor sores (always put the arnica gel on the outside of mouth and never on an open wound or insect bite). I used arnica gel rubbed on my neck and upper chest to survive severe asthma until I learned about using hydrogen peroxide breathing (1/2 c. In 1/2 gal. Of distilled water in my vaporizer). I also used 1/2 t. Of celery (a natural dieretic) seed 2 times a day. I put the seed in my mouth and washed down with water. I also use cayanne pepper for pain and health. I'm 90% better than I was last summer.
I use the arnica gel for any swelling or to prevent bruising or pain when I bang up against a hard object.
Cayenne
Posted by Kacy (Altoona, Pa) on 11/18/2009
I went to a natural food store and asked for some cayenne pepper powder and they said that its very hard to find in grocery stores and that it has to be special ordered so i would order it so it can be kept on hand. I don't know what I'm going to do now about my sore throat!
EC: Try your local grocery store, not your local health food store. Cayenne pepper is sold very cheaply in every grocery store we've been to!!
Cayenne
Posted by Stan (Huntingdon, Pa) on 11/18/2009
to KACY, Altoona, pa> cayenne pepper available at sams for $4.29 per lb.
Cayenne
Posted by Lita (Sanford, Fl) on 11/19/2009
It should be in your spice section at your local grocery store!!! Good Luck.
Cayenne
Posted by Jellyphish (Arcata, Ca) on 11/10/2009
Cayenne and sore throat/flu
I wanted to be yet another person who posts concerning their response to this remedy. What is interesting to me is that i have issues with nightshades and generally do not eat any in that family. However, cayenne plays a different game, or so it seems.
I work in a health clinic and when bugs are flying about, they like to swarm around us. As a small business owner it is imperative that i be well, i just simply don't get paid otherwise!
Thus i was ready, willing and gargled the cayenne with warm water (next time will add a bit honey as it is an excellent anti-bacterial), i did this once every two hours until the symptoms (ie. sore throat, general flu symptoms) subsided. The following day the symptoms significantly reduced, i then continued gargling about once every three hours for the next two days. It felt like the cayenne was chasing the flu, and of the two, the cayenne was the stronger! Needless to say i felt free of symptoms that third day and now when anyone has a similar presentation, the first recommendation is this protocol.
Cayenne
Posted by Peter (Chicago, Il) on 11/11/2009
What kind of Cayenne Pepper did you use to gargle ? Is it in the Powder form ? or the flake ?
EC: Cayenne in powder form is used for the sore throat cure.
Cayenne
Posted by Ken (Jupiter, Fl) on 10/25/2009
★★★★★
Visited grandchildren, one of whom came home from school with very sore throat. Flew home and woke up with very, very sore throat. Gargled twice with salt water until store opened; bought some cayenne pepper and gargled (1/4 tsp in 8 oz warm water) every two hours for 8 hours. Immediate relief after the first time. No problems with lip or tongue tingling from the pepper .... less severe than eating spicy wings.
Cayenne
Posted by Suzanne (Lancaster, Pa) on 10/16/2009
★★★★★
This is a godsend! I have had a viral infection for 5 days now with severe sore throat pain and went to the doctor two days ago and he gave me nothing.....I tried the Cayenne, Honey and lemon juice remedy above and I am in instant relief! thank you all!
Cayenne
Posted by Mimic (New York, New York) on 10/06/2009
★★★★★
Sore Throat and colds
For the last 15 years I have been treating my colds and sore throats with cayenne pepper. As soon as I feel the first symptoms, I take one table spoon of cayenne pepper, wait a couple of minutes before drinking a glass of room temperature water. This treatment always, always works and it takes a two or three hours for all the bad symptoms to disappear.
Cayenne
Posted by Michelle (Charlotte, Nc) on 11/23/2009
what do you mean, "take" a tablespoon of cayenne? do you swallow it - then continue with the water?
thanks - eager to try this...but don't want to do it wrong!
Cayenne
Posted by Nicky (Leonia, Nj, Usa) on 01/30/2011
CANNOT FIND EXACT DIRECTIONS FOR USING CAYENNE!! This link just goes to beginning of discussion!
Cayenne
Posted by Floridagal (Sebring, Florida) on 09/25/2009
★★★★★
Cayenne Pepper Cure for Sore Throat
Cayenne Pepper delivered me from a toe-curlingly painful swallow to pain-free swallowing within about 4 hours yesterday. I dumped one capsule of CP into about 6 oz. of very warm water, and gargled every 15 to 30 minutes. I got better at the gargling with some practice! I found that rinsing my mouth with cool water would remove the pepper from the front of my mouth, but not the throat, so I began finishing up with rinsing, and had very little pepper burn on my mouth and lips afterwards. I will continue treatment until all my symptoms are gone, not just the sore throat. Thanks for this site!
Cayenne
Posted by Kay (Pyongtaek, S Korea) on 09/14/2009
★★★★★
Cayenne Pepper and sore throat
I am a 41yr old mom of 5 who cannot afford to get sick...I do not work but have an extremely hectic schedul as I am also a military wife. I took the Flu mist on a Thursday and was sick as a dog by Friday evening to include a nasty feeling throat that I kept waking up to not to mention other yucky symptons. I research EVERYTHING so googling "natural cures for a sore throat" was no different...I researched it coming up with this awesome site. However, besides the fact that I am a chicken I don't really do spicy foods so the cayenne pepper remedy danced in my mind for a couple of days. I was brave enough to add it to my dinner two nights in a row thinking well I will swallow it and that will work EVEN better. The second night I had soup with probably 1/2 a teaspoon in it but this does not work! YOU HAVE TO GARGLE! On the second night upon waking up and not being able to tolerate the sore throat much more, I stumbled to my kitchen and put 4 ozs. of almost hot water in a cup, 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper, about 5 shakes of black pepper for good measure, and a generous amount of salt (i think it just makes it easy to gargle. This WORKED almost INSTANTANEOUSLY! My few coughs are producing the yuck that needs to get from inside of me and the stuff is just jumping out. You will have to repeat this. I promise 1 DROP of the cayenne concoction produces HUGE results. IMPORTANT: take a dropper or spoon and put the concoction on the back of the tongue. MIRACLE SORE THROAT CURE! DOn't be afraid as the burn on the tongue does not last long due to "capsaician" which is a natural pain killer that is found in the cayenne and other peppers.
***Have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis due to an old injury (my doctor prescribed something that she said really is a miracle topical cream-CAPSAICIAN cream so I knew this remedy would work; do the research on natural uses for cayenne pepper and it is right there! Thanks and I pray this saves someone alot of pain
Cayenne
Posted by Jw (Flintville, Tn) on 09/04/2009
★★★★★
i put in 1/2 teaspoon to a cup of water and gargled that ceyenne pepper as a last resort. it has really helped this is the second day and after 2 times using it with some salt water at lunch today i can eat without it hurting too bad.
Cayenne
Posted by Manny (Chattanooga, Tennessee) on 10/11/2011
Well I woke up yesterday feeling my throat clogged.. So I hacked all that up and then through-out the day my throat started getting more an more sore. I'm thinking I caught something from the house because my mom has been sick and I also drive her car. Well I woke up with a lot of pain in my throat.. Hurts to swallow.. Bad! I got no sleep at all. I just tried the Cayenne gargling trick.. So we will see how it goes, I still have pain but Im going to gargle some more in a little while, I dont have the powder so im using the flake type red pepper, still leaves a burnin in my mouth but not bad. I've already noticed that alot of mucus is coming up.. Dunno if this has something to do with it or not.. But I'm going to keep trying this method and post back soon with more results.
Cayenne
Posted by Jacky (Mount Vernon, Wa, Usa) on 09/09/2012
I'm a sophmore at MVHS and I am very worried about choir. I will not miss choir and will do anything. Plus I hate making up work in other classes and nothing sucks more than a terribly sore throat and to add to that nothing sucks more than to sneeze with a sore throat. Ah colds. You did it again. Today is sunday (day1 of sore throat and decided to catch it early) and I am NOT missing a day of school ever again. So first I tried the dissolve 2 asprin and 1 tbsp of salt and gargle(also from this site), which did work a little. My sore throat lessened with that. Next I am just eating frozen blueberries, again from this site and it does work better as pain relief than medication would. So I am bringing blueberries tomorrow as pain relief and an awesome snack for my classes. So now I've tried the cayenne pepper concoction and I have to say... It's pretty interesting. It cleared my sinuses and I will continue doing this until I am all better. Hopefully I will feel well enough at school tomorrow, Thanks!
