How to Use Cayenne Pepper for Health

Hailed as the “King of Herbs,” cayenne pepper has been used since ages for adding heat & spice to culinary dishes. However, the use of this tiny red chili pepper is not just limited to perking up your soups and salsas.

Cayenne pepper has been used in medicine for over 9000 years & contains a range of flavonoids and carotenoids – antioxidants that kill free radicals to protect against the cellular damage that leads to inflammation and disease. (13)

Cayenne Pepper as a Natural Treatment

The Cayenne Peppers are loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamin A, B6, E, K and C, potassium and manganese & derive their “kick" or heat from an active compound called capsaicin, that is also responsible for its healing, antioxidant, and detoxifying properties. (6)

It comes with a plethora of beneficial properties & can be used to manage & treat a variety of health conditions and problems.

To add some spice to your life and health, we bring you the 17 therapeutic uses of Cayenne pepper. Read on to learn how to use cayenne pepper for health.

Method 1: Sore Throat, Tonsillitis, and Laryngitis

The active compound capsaicin present in cayenne pepper promotes mucus flow and also blocks the pain signals, relieving a sore throat or inflammation of laryngitis.

Both cayenne pepper and honey have anti-bacterial properties that can kill off the invading pathogen.

Cayenne pepper combined with black pepper aids in breaking up & moving phlegm & congested mucus, which is then expelled from the body via coughing or sneezing. (7)

 Things you’ll need:

• Cayenne pepper (decongestant) – 1 teaspoon
• Ground black pepper (expectorant) – 1 teaspoon
• Honey (anti-bacterial) – 2 teaspoon
• Warm water – 1 cup

Step 1. Combine all ingredients together

• Add 1 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper and ground black pepper to 1 glass of warm water.
• Add 1 teaspoon of honey.

Step 2. Mix well and drink

• Mix the ingredients well.
• Drink to get relief from sore throat.

Drink the concoction twice daily to get relief from sore throat, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. Continue taking the drink until your condition is relieved.

Method 2: Stop Bleeding

A popular remedy to stop bleeding in minor cuts and lacerations is by simply sprinkling cayenne pepper over the wound. Cayenne pepper can also be consumed to stop internal bleeding as well by helping to regularize the blood flow and take the excess pressure off the site of injury.

Single-Step Treatment: Mix cayenne pepper in water and drink

• Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 glass of warm water.
• Mix well and drink the solution to stop bleeding within seconds.

Method 3: Pain Reliever

Capsaicin found in cayenne pepper can be used to relieve both joint and muscle pain. The compound works by disrupting and depleting Substance P, a neurotransmitter that transmits pain signals to the brain. (1)

Applying cayenne pepper topically also leads to mild irritation on the skin, thus distracting the brain from the joint pain. (14) Combine it with apple cider vinegar that will reduce the stiffness of the joint/muscle and the inflammation. (2)

Things you’ll need:  

• Cayenne pepper (blocks pain signals) – ½ tablespoon
• Apple cider vinegar (reduce joint/muscle stiffness) – 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix apple cider vinegar with cayenne pepper and apply

• Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to ½ tablespoon of cayenne pepper.
• Mix the two well to form a thick paste.
• Smear the paste over the aching muscle or joint.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Apply the paste twice daily for 4 to 5 days to reduce inflammation and pain.

Method 4: Cough and Cold

You can also use cayenne pepper for health by making a herbal concoction to treat cough and cold. Cough syrup made with cayenne pepper, other herbs, and natural ingredients can work as an excellent decongestant and help you stop coughing naturally.

Cayenne pepper stimulates the production of mucus and expels phlegm from the throat and lungs, thus clearing out the infection. (3) Apple cider vinegar further helps in thinning out the sputum.

Lemon used in the remedy gives a vitamin C boost, to build resistance against infection. Ginger powder and honey add anti-inflammatory properties to the syrup. (6)

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice (vitamin C boost) – ¼ cup
• Honey (anti-inflammatory) – 3 tablespoons
• Ginger powder (anti-inflammatory) – ½ teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper (expels phlegm) – ½ teaspoon
• Apple cider vinegar (thins out sputum) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Heat apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and ginger powder

• Pour ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar in a pan.
• Add ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice.
• Add ½ teaspoon of ginger powder.
• Heat up the contents at medium heat.

Step 2. Add cayenne pepper and bring to a boil

• As the contents warm up, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pan.
• Turn off the heat when the mix begins to bubble up. You need not to bring it to a full boil.
• Remove from heat and allow it to cool down.

Step 3. Add honey, stir, and store

• Finish up by adding 3 tablespoons of honey to the mix.
• Stir well to dissolve the honey and transfer to a glass bottle. Store the syrup in a dark and cool place.

Take 1 tablespoon of the syrup once or twice daily until the cold and/or cough is gone for good.

Method 5: Weight Loss

Cayenne pepper can also be used to increase metabolism, burn more calories, and lose unhealthy weight over time.

According to a 2014 study published in Progress in Drug Research, intake of capsaicin has been associated with a significant increase in fat oxidation. (8)

A mix of cayenne pepper and lemon juice used in this weight loss remedy will improve digestion and suppress cravings. You can also increase the intake of cayenne pepper in your food to aid in weight loss.

Things you’ll need:

• Lemon juice of ½ a lemon (improves digestion)
• Cayenne pepper (increases fat oxidation) – 1 teaspoon
• Warm water – 1 cup

Single-Step Treatment: Mix cayenne pepper and lemon in water and drink daily

• Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of warm water.
• Add the juice of ½ a lemon to it.
• Stir well.

Consume the drink 2 to 3 times daily to boost your metabolism and kick start weight loss. Continue to do this for at least 10 days. Then, reduce the frequency to once every day for 1 month to help in weight loss.

Method 6: Constipation

Cayenne pepper has also been touted as an effective remedy for constipation. It works by heating up the system and triggering the contraction of the large intestine aiding in both assimilation & elimination of waste out of the body. (11)

When consumed in food daily, the heat of pepper makes you consume more water and thus loosen stool. If you are not fond of spicy food, cayenne pepper can also be taken in capsule form available in different strengths. The strength is categorized as heat units (HU), ranging from 5000 HU to 100,000 HU.

Single-Step Treatment: Consume cayenne pepper capsules to ease constipation

• Take one capsule of 40,000 HU after each meal.
• You can also add cayenne pepper to your soups, salads, and curries.

The supplement will relieve your constipation in just 1 or 2 doses. Continue taking the supplement until your motions regularize.

Method 7: Stomach Ulcer

Cayenne pepper has also been proven effective in preventing and treating stomach ulcers.

Cayenne pepper works by increasing the flow of stomach fluids that neutralize the acids irritating the stomach lining and causing peptic ulcers. If the ulcers are caused by any bacteria, it can also help get rid of the infection. (5)

Single-Step Treatment: Mix cayenne pepper in water and drink up

• Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of hot water.
• Stir well and consume the drink taking small sips.

Consume once daily for at least 2 weeks to heal stomach ulcers completely. Alternatively, you can add cayenne pepper to your food.

Method 8: Spider and Varicose Veins

Spider and varicose veins result from blood pooling up in the veins due to poor blood circulation. The heat of cayenne pepper helps improve the blood flow and, therefore, can be used as an effective cure for spider and varicose veins.

Single-Step Treatment: Mix cayenne pepper in water and drink daily

• Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of tepid water.
• Stir well and drink up.

Consume it thrice daily for at least a month to get positive results. Post 1 month, reduce the dosage to once daily for 1 month to get rid of a spider or varicose veins completely.

Method 9: Herpes

Cayenne pepper also has anti-viral properties that can kill the herpes simplex-1 (HSV-1) virus and heal the resulting sores. As applying cayenne pepper directly on the sores can burn, it needs to be mixed with some coconut oil, and then, it can be used as a salve. (15) Coconut oil too is antiviral and anti-inflammatory that will heal up the sores and blisters.

Things you’ll need:

• Cayenne pepper (antiviral) – 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil (anti-inflammatory), as required

Single-Step Treatment: Mix coconut oil and cayenne pepper and apply

• Add enough coconut oil to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to form a spreadable paste.
• Mix the two well and use a cotton swab to apply it on the affected areas.
• Let it sit overnight or at least until the oil is absorbed into the skin.
• Rinse off the residue after a few hours or in the morning.

Repeat once every day until the sores are completely gone to cure herpes.

Method 10: Bruises

Any injury to the soft tissues can cause the capillaries to break and bleed into the surrounding areas, leading to a black or blue-colored bruise.

While the bruises fade away on their own, you can make them disappear faster using a mix of cayenne pepper and Vaseline.

The combination is an age-old Chinese and Taiwanese remedy to heal a bruise quickly. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper reduces the pain and increases the blood circulation at the site of injury, thus aiding faster healing.

Vaseline, on the other hand, forms a protective and waterproof layer on the bruise.

Things you’ll need:

• Cayenne pepper (improves blood circulation) – 1 teaspoon
• Vaseline (forms a protective layer) – 5 teaspoons

Single-Step Treatment: Mix Vaseline and cayenne pepper

• Add 5 teaspoons of Vaseline to 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
• Use a spoon to mix the two thoroughly to make your healing balm.
• Apply the paste all over the bruised skin.
• Let it sit for 30 minutes, and then wipe it off with a clean cloth or cotton.

Apply twice daily for 4 to 5 days to get rid of the bruise.

Method 11: Warm Cold Feet

If your hands and feet are persistently cold, then this remedy should help warm you up. When applied topically, the heat of cayenne pepper will increase the blood circulation in the area, thus warming cold feet.

However, do not try this remedy if you have any cuts or wounds on your feet, or if you have cracked heels. You can check for other remedies here.

Things you’ll need:

• Cayenne pepper powder (improves blood circulation) – 1 teaspoon
• Cotton socks

Single-Step Method: Sprinkle cayenne pepper inside the socks and put it on

• Turn your cotton socks inside out.
• Sprinkle cayenne pepper where it will come in contact with the base of your feet.
• Put on the socks for a couple of hours until your feet are comfortably warm.

Use it whenever your hands and feet turn cold.

Method 12: Blood Pressure Controller

Cayenne pepper is a popular remedy to bring blood pressure under control quickly. The hot pepper works by stimulating the blood flow in the body, thus taking away excess pressure.

Regular consumption of cayenne pepper in powdered or capsule form can keep hypertension in check. (9)

Single-Step Treatment: Mix cayenne pepper in water and drink daily

• Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a cup of warm water. You can dilute the drink further by adding more water.
• Mix well and consume the drink.

Consume the cayenne pepper drink daily to keep your blood pressure under control.

Method 13: Headache Reliever

Cayenne pepper is an effective pain reliever as it helps deplete Substance P responsible for sending pain signals to the brain.

The topical application of capsaicin, an active compound in cayenne pepper, will cause a brief sensation on the skin followed by a prolonged anesthetizing effect on the pain nerves. (10)

For treating migraine or sinus-related headaches, applying cayenne pepper along the nasal passages can help relieve the pain.

Single-Step Treatment: Combine cayenne pepper and water; apply to nasal passages

• Take ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a bowl.
• Add 2 ounce of water to it.
• Mix the two well.
• Soak a cotton ball in the solution and swab it inside the nasal passages. Don’t try to go too deep as it will cause severe discomfort.
• The heat of the pepper will make it sting initially, but it will settle down in some time and also reduce headache.

Apply it once or twice a day or whenever you suffer from a headache.

Method 14: Promotes Hair Growth

We already know that massaging your scalp helps increase blood circulation and promote hair growth. However, there is another way to do it. Cayenne pepper along with other ingredients can also be applied to your scalp to increase the blood flow, cleanse the scalp, and promote hair growth.

Increased blood flow will cause more oxygen and other nutrients to reach the hair follicles and strengthen them. (12) Thus, it will not only boost hair growth but also combat hair loss.

Things you’ll need:

• Castor oil (unclog hair follicles) – 1 tablespoon
• Cayenne pepper (increase blood circulation in the scalp) – 1 tablespoon
• Honey (retain moisture) – 4 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine cayenne pepper, honey, and castor oil

• Take 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper in a bowl.
• Add 4 tablespoons of honey to it.
• Add 1 tablespoon of castor oil.

Step 2. Mix well and apply the mask on your hair

• Use a spoon to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
• Dampen your hair and use a hair dye brush to apply the mask over your scalp.
• Cover your head with a shower cap or towel, and let the mask work for 40 minutes.
• Rinse your hair with cool water. If the mask burns too much, you can wash it off earlier.

Apply the mask once or twice a week to promote hair growth.

Method 15: Dry Mouth

The heat of cayenne pepper can also be used to reactivate the salivary glands, (4) which tend to dysfunction in Xerostomia; a condition also referred to as dry mouth.

Single-Step Treatment: Rub cayenne pepper around your tongue

• Take a pinch of cayenne pepper on your wet fingertip.
• Rub it around your tongue. The pepper will burn for a while, but it will stimulate your salivary glands.
• Additionally, you can add cayenne pepper to your food to increase the heat and treat dry mouth.

Use it once or twice every day until you are free of dry mouth.

Method 16: Stop Nose Bleeding

Cayenne pepper can also be used as first aid to stop a nosebleed. It works by regularizing the blood flow in the body and taking excess pressure off the site of injury or hemorrhage.

Single-Step Treatment: Mix cayenne pepper in water and drink

• Mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 glass of warm water.
• Stir well and consume the mix.

Cayenne pepper will stop the nosebleed within 2 to 3 minutes.

Method 17: Arthritis

Capsaicin is a primary ingredient in topical pain-relieving creams. The compound has also proven to be beneficial in countering osteoarthritis pain. (2)

You can either consult your physician for a commercial cream or whip up your own pain-relieving balm using the following recipe.

Things you’ll need:

• Cayenne pepper (analgesic) – 1 teaspoon
• Beeswax (greasy base) – 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil (nourish irritated skin) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Blend the ingredients over a double boiler

• Pour 1 tablespoon of beeswax in a Pyrex glass.
• Add to it 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
• Heat and blend all the ingredients in a double boiler.
• Once the beeswax has melted, remove the glass from heat.

Step 2. Freeze the blend and use

• Transfer the blend into a container.
• Refrigerate the blend for 10 to 15 minutes before using it as a pain reliever.

Rub the balm on your aching knees 1 or 2 times daily to relieve pain. You will feel some heat on the skin but will get used to it over time.

This salve will stay good for 7 to 10 days.

Precautionary tips to be kept in mind

• Be careful and wear gloves while handling cayenne pepper. Also avoid contact with eyes, mouth or mucous membranes as it can cause severe irritation.
• If you accidentally got some pepper in your eyes, rinse them quickly with cool water.
• Always consult your physician before taking any kind of supplement.
• For topical application, do a patch test first to check for any allergic reaction.
• Be cautious while consuming cayenne pepper, as it may cause a burning sensation.

Resources:

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