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Common Name
Cayenne, Capsicum, Cayenne Pepper, Tabasco Pepper
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Botanical Name
Capsicum frutescens
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Part Used
Fruit
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
63%
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Dose
1 to 2mL weekly
Cayenne is a circulatory stimulant that can be taken internally in small amounts or applied topically to enhance circulation and blood flow.
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Traditional Use
Cayenne is one of the hottest herbal medicines and is a powerful way to warm the body. It is best used in small doses. It was traditionally used for relaxed uvula (a fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate which hangs above the throat).
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Actions
Pungent, circulatory stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic, decongestant, antipyretic, stimulant (gastric, metabolic, circulatory), antispasmodic. Externally rubefacient, antiseptic, analgesic, counterirritant, vasostimulant.
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Indications
• Poor or impaired peripheral circulation including cold hands and feet, chilblains, Reynaud’s disease, neuropathy, shingles pain, cardiovascular health, hypertension, hypotension.
• Digestive problems including indigestion, flatulence, colic, parasites
• Debility, fatigue, depression, low libido
• To support healthy immune function, upper respiratory infections, especially when there are symptoms of coldness and dampness, to provide relief from mucous congestion, mild fever management when there are chills and or shivering.
• Modulating inflammation, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes
• Topically for toothaches, bleeding, headaches, fungal infections, to relieve neuralgia, osteoarthritis arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps other joint and muscle pain, including in the lower back, and as a gargle to relieve sore or inflamed throat, laryngitis. -
Energetics
Pungent, heating, drying.
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Use in Pregnancy
Likely to be safe when used topically and appropriately. Possibly safe when used orally and appropriately for the short-term. Capsicum 5mg daily has been used for up to 28 days during the latter half of the second trimester and the third trimester.
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Contraindications & Cautions
Occasional hypersensitivity may occur. Avoid contact with the eyes. Caution is advised in peptic ulcer and gastrointestinal reflux. Do not apply to broken skin.
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Drug Interactions
Caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs as there is a theoretical risk of increased bleeding. Caution with antidiabetic drugs as there is theoretical risk of additive effects. Caution with theophylline (used to treat lung diseases as there is a there is a theoretical increased drug absorption and risk of adverse side effects. While it may not be clinically significant monitor with ACE-inhibitors as there is a theoretical increased risk of drug-induced cough. Monitor with acid-reducing medication as there is conflicting data about improved or worsening outcomes. The combination of topical cayenne with analgesics and NSAIDs may be beneficial with additive effects possible.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Horseradish, Prickly Ash, Ginger, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Garlic