Although erroneously called a type of pepper, cayenne is actual an herb/spice from the Nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes. Actually, Cayenne is from the Capsicum genus consisting of paprika
When you need to replace salt, try Paprika, which is high in Vitamin C and rich in beta-carotene. It reduces the risk of heart disease and helps prevent atherosclerosis, the More, bell peppers, and chilies.
The significance of Cayenne lies in mineral content. Aside from being high in Vitamin CVitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin with a multitude of essential functions in the body. Renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties, Vitamin C helps protect More, Cayenne other active ingredients are capsanthine and capsaicin. Its pungent taste and heating tendencies are contributed to capsaicin, which “triggers” a particular neural receptor known as TRPV1, which stands for transient receptor potential vanilloid 1.
“Amazingly, TRPV1 is an ion channel that opens when activated by molecules like capsaicin, or when the temperature gets very hot. So, it contributes to our ability to sense both heat and spicy food, triggering similar sensations.” (Source)
Cayenne for Constipation
“Cayenne supports the health of the lining of the stomach, promotes tissue healing by bringing blood to the area, and addresses secondary infections like the H. pylori bacterial infection that are often seen concurrently with ulcers.” (Source)
As a warming and stimulating digestive aid, Cayenne is a constipation home remedy that is effective in producing peristalsis in your colon. In small doses, it can be used regularly at every meal or when needed for constipation. Cayenne isn’t for everyone, so it’s imperative that you consult your medical team prior to its medicinal use. Nevertheless, for those who are able to partake of it, Cayenne helps thin the blood and thus is good for improving blood circulation. Obviously if you are on blood thinners check with your physician before trying this out.
Some say that Cayenne has the ability to block the ulcer producing effect of NSAIDS. It also has shown to increase the body’s absorption of theophylline, a drug used to treat asthma. However, we cannot answer that here, so always check with your doctor if you want to cayenne and are taking medications.
Dosages
Holistically, common dosage forms for cayenne is oral consumption via a tonic or tincture and external applications via a wash or poultice. It can also be found in capsule form in a variety of different strengths. In addition, cayenne when used with other herbs helps to deliver these herbs more efficiently to where they are needed in the body.
As an at-home remedy, consider taking it “as a daily tonic, one-quarter teaspoon three times daily” preferably after you eat. (Tierra, 1998). You may feel a hot or slight warming feeling in the upper stomach or more like heartburn – that’s when you know it’s working. This warming sensation will pass as your body gets use to it. However, if you find it too uncomfortable, decrees the dose till you can better cope with the cayenne. Healing takes times so be sensible and just build your dosage back up slowly.
Contraindications
As a word of caution, cayenne isn’t for everyone. For example, one should avoid direct contact with cayenne seeds, as they can be toxic. Aside from the plant, one should avoid inhaling the vapors for the plant itself. Caution is advised for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor before you consider taking cayenne as a supplement – no exceptions. If taken in capsule or tablet form, always adhere to the directions on the container and know that supplements are not FDA-approved if that’s important to you.
Usage & Benefits
In his book, Left for Dead, Dick Quinn tells how Cayenne pepper saved his life after coronary bypass surgery failed to restore it. Another contributor, Shannon Quinn, shared:
One of the most effective stimulants, mostly, cayenne targets the digestive and the circulatory system. Cayenne regulates blood pressure, strengthens the pulse, feeds the heart, lowers cholesterol, and thins the blood. It cleanses the circulatory system, heals ulcers, stops hemorrhaging, speeds healing of wounds, rebuilds damaged tissue, eases congestion, aids digestion, regulates elimination, relieves arthritis and rheumatism, prevents the spread of infection and numbs pain.
Of course, the experiences shared here via from person-to-person, so keep in mind that yours may well be different. Incorporating cayenne as a spice when cooking or eating foods, like soups, salads, etc., is a far better option that consuming it in supplement form (capsules). Should you opt to do so, you also want to stay within the recommended dose as shown on the bottle of cayenne and you’ll want to talk with your doctor before beginning such a regime.
As popularly stated: “If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than anything else.” -Dr. Richard Shulze. Perhaps you too can find relief through the energetic power of cayenne to eliminate constipation and keep you maintain regular bowel movements. Just start slow, go steady and ensure you are cleared to take it by your private family doctor.