Cayenne is easy to grow and has many remarkable healing properties. Whether you grow it in a pot on your terrace or in your garden, there are so many uses for this plant. Cayenne has both culinary and medicinal purposes. These starter plants are usually available at The Lamb Shoppe in the spring time.
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in this plant. Cayenne is known as a supreme herb for warming and circulating. Remember a small amount goes a long way.
Here are some medicinal uses:
1. Relieves Muscle Pain.
An excellent analgesic (relieves pain), Cayenne is great to use topically on sore muscles. It is really simple to make a tincture from Cayenne. Just pick the red peppers, cut them up and loosely fill a jar, cover with vodka, let sit for 6 weeks and strain off plant material. That’s all there is to it. Store this herbal extraction in a dark bottle and it will keep for years.
2. Normalizes Blood Pressure
Research has shown capsaicin to be an effective antihypertensive (blood pressure reducing) agent. You can either take a few drops of the tincture under your tongue to help normalize your blood pressure, or you could use the dried form. If you are using the dried form, add 1 teaspoon cayenne powder to 1 cup hot water. Mix and drink.
3. Soothes Ulcers.
Many people can get some relief from the pain of stomach ulcers by mixing a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot water and drinking.
4. Help for Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Because capsaicin is an anti-inflammatory, it is often used as a traditional remedy for arthritis. A widespread recipe for this is to add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar. Mix together and apply to affected area. Many people find relief to inflamed joints by using this home remedy.
5. Sore Throats or Laryngitis.
The antibacterial properties of cayenne are useful for helping relieve sore throats. Use 5-10 drops of the tincture or 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne powder to 4 ounces of warm water and gargle. This may need to be repeated a few times to alleviate the condition.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.