CAYENNE

CAYENNE

(Capisicunn frutescens)        Top Pick

Other Names

African Pepper, Bird Pepper, Capsicum, Chili Pepper, Red Pepper, Spanish Pepper, Zanzibar Pepper.

Description

Cayenne  is a perennial plant native to the tropical areas of North America.   It is also widely cultivate as an annual plant, growing to 3 feet or more.   The woody stem branches near the top, producing droopy white to yellow flowers that grow alone or in pairs, and bloom from April through September.   The ripe fruit appears in many shades of red and yellow.

Classification

Dry

Taste

Pungent

Balance Yin/Yang

Very Hot

Humor

Fire  é  Water   ê  Air   é

Uses/Applications

Cayenne  is most useful as a systematic stimulant.   Use to regulate blood flow, equalize and   strengthen the heart, arteries and nerves.   Use for circulatory and digestive systems, colic, and peripheral circulation - cold hands, feet, chilblains, and to ward off colds.   Cayenne thins the blood preventing blood clots, inhibits cholesterol, heals ulcers, and stops hemorrhaging.   Externally use to speed healing, relieve arthritic pain, and help stop the spread of infection.   Cayenne is said to be “The purest and most certain stimulant known to man.”

Fruit

Compress

Use for rheumatic pains, sprains, and bruising.

Gargle

Take for throat problems, especially useful in weak conditions.

Infusion

Excellent for chills, colds, cold hands or feet, shock, and depression.   Also good for stimulating the digestive system.

Ointment

Use on chilblains as long as the skin is not broken.

Powder

For acute conditions or chronic conditions.

Tincture

Take as a circulatory stimulant and tonic.

Essential Oil

Infused Oil

Use for varicose ulcers to encourage blood flow away from the area.   Do not apply directly on the ulcerated area.

Massage Oil

Use as a warming massage oil for rheumatism, lumbago, and arthritis.

Combinations

Myrrh

Constituents

Capsaicin, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Essential Oil.

Action

Stimulant, Tonic, Sialagogue, Anti-Emetic, Anti-Microbial, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Anti-Spasmodic, Circulatory Tonic.

Food Values

Vitamin A, C, Sulfur, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Trace Minerals.

Part Used

Fruit

Collection

Harvest when ripe, then dry.

Preparation

Capsule

Take 1 - 3 capsules per day.

Compress

Soak a pad in the infusion and apply to affected area.

Gargle

Dilute 5-10 drops of tincture in a half a glass of warm water.

Infused Oil

Add 25 gr. powder to 500 ml. Sunflower Oil and heat over a water bath for two hours.   Apply to skin around varicose ulcers to encourage blood flow.

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp.   Infuse 10 minutes.   Add 1 Tbsp. of this infusion with hot water and sip as needed.

Powder

3-10 grains for acute conditions.   1-3 grains for chronic conditions.

Tincture

1 ml. three times per day as required, or dilute 5-10 drops in a 1/2 cup of water and take as needed.

Growing Directions

Check with your local nursery to obtain proper planting dates.

History

Cayenne  arrived in the west from India in 1548 and was known as the Ginnie Pepper.  It was recommended for scrofula, a prevalent lymphatic throat and skin infection called King’s Evil.   It was also popular with the 19th century physio-medicalists who used its warming properties for chills, rheumatism, and depression.

Additional Information

1.   Research has found that Capsaican (cayenne) short circuits the nerves that make us perceive pain. 

2.   It is currently used in a non prescriptive cream called Zostrix for skin rashes, including herpes sores. 

3.   Scientists believe Capasaican has a potential as an all-around analgesic pain killer that could combat chronic pain, especially arthritis. 

4.   When Capsaican sends a signal to kill pain, the brain responds by secreting more endorphins, a natural morphine. 

5.   If you want the medicinal value of Cayenne start with   small doses, and you will gradually build up a tolerance.   You can also take cool yogurt or milk immediately after.

6.   The University of Dusseldorf found Cayenne increased the patients' ability to concentrate.   It was found to have effects as a stimulant and to combat fatigue.   The effects were found to be immediate, temporary, and harmless.

7.   Cayenne also acts as a catalyst enhancing the effect of other herbs.

8.   Scientific literature in Bulgaria first reported on Cayenne’s anti-bacterial benefits in 1927.

Cautions

1.   Seeds can be toxic so do not use them.

2.   Follow dosages carefully - excessive consumption can lead to gastroenteritis and liver damage, aggravate ulcers, or create burning of the anus.

3.   Cayenne can irritate hemorrhoids.

4.   Do not apply to broken skin.

5.   Do not exceed recommended dosage.

Magick Information

There is no magical value.