Pepper that packs a Punch

Cayenne peppers are high in several nutrients, including vitamin C and provitamin A.

Cayenne pepper can relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain from fibromyalgia, migraines, diabetic neuropathy in the legs and feet, injuries to the lower back, and osteoarthritis.

Cayenne aids the digestive system to work efficiently by inhibiting enzyme production. Cayenne pepper is a natural and quite fast acting remedy for lowering blood pressure. Expanding blood vessels which will help improve blood flow quickly and reduces plaque buildup. By opening the capillaries and regulating blood sugar; it also supports the digestive system in removing bacteria and toxins out of the body. Cayenne Pepper can increase your body's fat metabolism and plays a role in lowering your cravings and overall hunger. Capsaicin acts as a thermogenic chemical, which can produce heat to stimulate your metabolism and help you burn fat. Relieves cold symptoms like congestion and sneezing.

Regular chili pepper consumption was associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease.

For inflammation, You can make a poultice with cayenne and apply it directly to the skin, if the skin is not broken. This same poultice can be applied to your thyroid to stimulate production.

You can buy a product at the store or my preference, infuse the powder into oil and use it to make your own salve at home.

You’ll need a cotton or fleece fabric. Enough to fold over and fit your area of pain. Drizzle oil on the cotton. I prefer castor oil but other oil, like coconut or olive oil, will work as well.

Sprinkle cayenne pepper on the oil generously. Put the poultice on the area of pain. Wrap plastic wrap around the area and keep it warm. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.

The hotter the pepper, the greater the health benefits.

A tablespoon is the proper serving size for cayenne pepper a day.

Normal serving sizes of both fresh and powdered cayenne pepper are safe.

However, taking high-dose cayenne pepper supplements has been linked to dangerous side effects in some people, including irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure.

Side Effects of Cayenne Pepper

Heartburn.

Stomach disorders.

Burning sensation.

Swelling and pain.

Nausea.

Vomiting.

Bronchitis.

Dryness.

Contraindications

Do not use cayenne if you have an active gastric or duodenal ulcer, diverticulitis, or irritable bowel syndrome, or if you take blood thinners or the asthma drug theophylline.

Take special care not to get cayenne in your eyes, or in an open wound, as it can cause severe irritation.

Possible interactions

ACE inhibitors: Using capsaicin cream may raise the risk of developing a cough, which is one of the side effects of ACE inhibitors.

Stomach acid reducers: Capsaicin can increase stomach acid, making these drugs less effective.

Aspirin: Capsaicin may make aspirin less effective as a pain reliever.