PART 2. THE HERBS
CAYENNE
CAPSICUM ANUUM
If you can’t take the heat, you might want to up your tolerance. Cayenne is more than just a spicy flower, it’s a health superfood. Chock-full of vitamins A, B6, C, manganese, potassium, beta-carotene, capsaicin, carotenoids, flavonoids, and oils, it acts as a natural anti-allergen, antifungal, anti-irritant, and anti-inflammatory. This amazing little spice does in your body what it does to your mouth—makes things hot fast. How does that translate into health? It speeds healing, quickens circulation, ups metabolism, boosts immunity, and spurs hair growth. It’s like a shot of adrenaline right to your health.
Did You Know?
Capsaicin, the ingredient that dials up the heat in the pepper, has been widely studied for its healing properties. Scientists have looked at more than 300 studies of its effects on metabolism and shown that it does speed weight loss and temper appetite.
Herbal Power
MEDICINAL: Eases sore throat, muscle aches, back pain, migraines, and painful joints; fights colds; aids digestion and circulation; boosts immunity; treats skin conditions like psoriasis; cures ear infections; speeds weight loss by increasing metabolism.
COSMETIC: Triggers hair growth; decreases acne; reduces wrinkles, revitalizes tired and aging eye areas.
Application Methods
•Eat in food
•Apply as a salve, massage oil, or tincture
Precautions
This is a very spicy herb and should be handled with care especially for those with sensitive skin. Wear gloves and/or wash hands thoroughly after use to avoid getting it into your eyes. Also, beware that large doses can upset your stomach. Less is more with cayenne.
Other Names
African Pepper
Bird Pepper
Capsaicin
Chili
Red Pepper
Tabasco Pepper
Locating & Growing
As you’d expect, cayenne prefers things hot. It’s a summertime herb that thrives in full sun, warm weather, and rich soil.