I Heart Herbs~Cayenne

*Please note - The information provided is collected from my various herbal books, classes, and personal research. I am not a doctor. Always, always, always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Do your own research and think for yourself. Don't believe everything you read. Questions are good!

Cayenne 

Latin Name: Capsicum frutescens 

Plant Family: Solanaceae

Character: drying, pungent, very hot 

Constituents: Vitamins A, B1, C, alkaloids, fatty acids, flavonoids, carotene pigment, iron, sugars 

Actions: anthelmintic, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, gastric stimulant, promotes digestion, promotes sweating, stimulating nerve tonic 

Parts used: fruit 

Culinary uses: chilis, curries, salsas, sauces 

Contraindications:

~Excessive consumption of cayenne leads to gastroenteritis and liver damage, so watch dosages.

~Avoid therapeutic doses of cayenne in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

~Be cautious with the compress, if left on the skin for too long could cause blistering.

~When handling, avoid touching the eyes or any cuts.

Cayenne increases blood flow, tonifies the nervous system, relieves digestion, stimulates yang energies, cleans the blood, and increases the appetite. 

As an antibacterial, it is ideal for colds and chills. 

Cayenne is good for throat issues like 
hoarseness and laryngitis.

To create the infusion:

Add a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne to a cup of boiling water.

Dilute a tablespoon of the infusion with 

more hot water to make a cupful. 

Sip as required.

The infusion is ideal for colds, chills, 

cold hands and feet, depression and shock.

To stimulate digestive function take 2-3 drops of 

the undiluted infusion.

For rheumatic pains, bruising and sprains, soak a pad in the infusion for a compress.

Dilute 5-10 drops of the tincture in half a cup of hot water to take as a circulatory stimulant and tonic.

For throat issues create a gargle by 

diluting 5-10 drops of tincture in 

half a glass of warm water.

Create an infused oil for a warming massage 

for arthritis and rheumatism.

 The infused oil and ointment are less burning 

and irritating to the skin than the raw fruits.

A couple of HOT tips: 

To increase circulation, mix cayenne with shea butter 

and rub on the skin.

Putting a bit of cayenne between your shoes and 

socks on a cold winter day helps to keep the feet warm.

Spiritual Cayenne 

Artist Unknown 

On a spiritual level, cayenne's karmic lesson is 
to provoke choice. 

Cayenne energy stimulates all actions on a spiritual plane. 

Cayenne accelerates psychic development.

Cayenne opens the heart chakra. 

Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
 ~Amy 
 The Magick Muse

Amy Riddle is an empowerment coach, crafter of sorts, writer,
herbalist, reverend, and all out muse.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine with an emphasis on herbs. 

She is a certified professional life coach with the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. 

Amy craves to inspire others to be healthy and whole in body, mind, and spirit. 

She has an affinity for striped socks, stinging nettle, and all things faery.