Cayenne

A member of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), along with potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants, Capsicum frutescens is also known as cayenne pepper, or tabasco pepper, whereas Capsicum annum is known as, depending on the variety, paprika, chilli or capsicum (the larger, bell shaped fruit that has a sweet taste). To say cayenne is hot is an understatement. It packs a potent punch that knocks your socks off. This thrills some and dismays others. The modern use of the word “spicy” as a synonym for “hot” is almost entirely the fault of cayenne. Despite its potency cayenne is perhaps one of our most underestimated herbs. Dr. Richard Shulze, one of America’s foremost authorities on herbal medicine says “If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than anything else.” Energetically it is dramatic, being intensely warming and drying. This means it is best suited to people who tend to be cool.

The fruit pungency is due to alkaloid compounds known as capsaicinoids. They are commonly called capsaicin because it is the most prevalent among the seven capsaicinoids. It is thought this alkaloid evolved, as did many other plant alkaloids, as a protection against predators. Since capsaicin is oil soluble and not soluble in water, drinking it does not help relieve the hot sensation. Instead, thick cream, milk or yoghurt is said to neutralise the burn. This is not only due to the fats present but also the casein, a protein found in dairy products, which strips the capsaicin molecules from the receptors and “puts out the fire”. Pungency is dependent on the genetic makeup of the plant and other environmental factors. Among the cultivated peppers C. frutescens is the highest and C. annuum is the most variable in pungency.

Cayenne is a circulatory stimulant that can be taken internally in very small amounts, or applied topically, to enhance circulation and blood flow. It can be used for cold hands and feet when there is insufficient peripheral circulation, for debility, warding off colds and to support a healthy heart. It may also be useful for weight loss where it increases satiety, and therefore may be helpful in preventing overeating. The pungent principles are thought to stimulate and aid digestion, useful for flatulent dyspepsia, and to act as a counterirritant when applied externally, in the form of a cream, ointment or plaster, for problems such as rheumatic pains where it has a paradoxical action. A recent Cochrane review found that when cayenne is topically applied as a plaster or cream it appears to reduce pain more than placebo and could be considered as a treatment option for chronic low back pain.

References

de la Forêt R. Cayenne Monograph. Herb Mentor c2023 LearningHerbs.com (updated 5 Apr 2021; accessed 3 Apr 2023). Available from https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb/cayenne/

Mills S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Penguin:London. 1991. p.421

Saleh BK, Omer A, Teweldemedhin B. Medicinal uses and health benefits of chili pepper (Capsicum spp.): a review. MOJ Food Processing & Technology. 2018;6.

O’Connell J. The Book of Spice. Profile Books:London. 2015 p.67

Bynum H, Bynum W. Remarkable Plants That Shape Our World. Thames & Hudson:London. 2014. p.66.

Saleh BK, Omer A, Teweldemedhin B. Medicinal uses and health benefits of chili pepper (Capsicum spp.): a review. MOJ Food Processing & Technology. 2018;6.