Cayenne Peppers - Capsicum annuum
Family: Solanaceae
Energetics: Hot, dry, tonifying
Actions: circulatory and cardiac stimulant, rubefacient, carminative, anodyne, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory
This herb can be grown in greenhouses on the San Juan Islands, need lots of sun, and are best started in moist warm soil in containers indoors.
Cayenne is a fiery vital force stimulant with a power to increase circulation by stimulating the heart. This increase in circulation is also associated with a thinning of the blood. It is indicated for stagnant and cold conditions of the circulatory system including a thickening of the blood and poor circulation in the extremities.
When used topically, this herb brings blood flow to the skin which can relieve inflammation by bringing fresh blood and thus nutrients to the area as well as shuttling away cellular waste. This action is super helpful for conditions where stagnant fluid pools under the skin such as with bruises and rheumatoid arthritis. This anti-inflammatory action is localized when applied topically, but systemic when taken internally.
Cayenne also serves to prevent the transmission of pain signals from a localized area to the central nervous system by inhibiting substance P. When applied consistently to an area over time, it can relieve the pain of sore achy muscles, sprains, shingles, and arthritis.
As a diaphoretic, cayenne can both build the heat of a fever as well as allow you to sweat it out. Best indicated for those with a pale face and a cold and clammy slow-to-start fever.
Cayenne is now a common culinary staple around the world for a reason! I’m of the opinion that its digestive effects are best achieved by working cayenne into a meal. Experiment by incorporating hot sauces, powder, pickles and fresh peppers. Other hot peppers serve a similar digestive function. I’m a fan of jalapenos, serranos and habaneros to help warm up sluggish digestion. Depending on your personal tolerance, certain peppers may irritate the digestive tract. Know thyself!
Working with cayenne internally may be uncomfortable in people with heat signs which can be indicated by agitation, easily overheating and flushed skin. Consider avoiding it as a simple or formulating with cooling herbs to offset the intense heating actions.
Cayenne is a great stand in for morning coffee or a caffeinated afternoon pick me up when worked with in doses of 3-9 drops of tincture or a couple splashes of hot sauce on the tongue. It is surprisingly stimulating and doesn’t interfere with sleep in the ways that lingering caffeine can, meaning you can have it later in the day.
As many cooks know, cayenne powder can be used as a styptic to stop a minor wound from bleeding, but it stings like hell and you have to wash all the powder out of the wound afterwards.
Due to its circulatory stimulating actions, cayenne is contraindicated in those taking blood thinning medications. Medicinal doses of cayenne should be avoided before surgery. Those with a nightshade intolerance should avoid cayenne.