Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annum) has been used for thousands of years as spice and medicine. Native Americans have used it as a remedy for different stomach and circulatory systems problems. It can be used as a fresh pepper or dried and powdered. You can also grow cayenne pepper at home in a pot.
Cayenne peppers are hot but not too hot. It’s hotter than jalapeño but much milder than the hottest peppers. Powdered cayenne is hotter than powdered chili.
Possible health benefits of cayenne pepper
- Heart health support
- Digestion aid
- Weight loss support
- Pain relief
- Blood thinner
Cayenne pepper has antioxidants like vitamins A, B, C, and K. It also has minerals like magnesium and potassium. Fresh peppers have more nutrients than dried powder. One fresh pepper has about 72% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C and about 50% of vitamin A. Even the powdered spice has 15 % of daily vitamin A in a teaspoon.
It’s also used in medicinal salves to ease arthritic and other pain. Here is a great iHerb recipe for topical hot pepper cream for joint pain.
You have to note that if you are on blood thinning medication or some other medication that can react with cayenne, you need to consult your healthcare personnel before using more cayenne or other herbs.
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