The very hot cayenne pepper is used worldwide to season dishes. If you bite on one of the small spicy pods, you will feel a strong burning sensation in the mouth, which some people find unpleasant. The active ingredient of cayenne pepper still additionally heals various diseases and is also used preventively.
Occurrence and cultivation of cayenne pepper
The berries, which are popularly called chili peppers, taste slightly bitter, somewhat smoky and have a biting spiciness. Cayenne pepper is a very old cultivated plant. Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) is also called chili or Spanish pepper. It belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The perennial semi-shrub grows half a meter to a meter high. Its alternate leaves have an oval or lanceolate shape. At flowering time (June to September), the shrub bears star-shaped white flowers, which grow in 5 to 7 teeth. After that, the plant forms 2 cm long, pointed-conical and upturned fruits with smooth red shiny surface. The berries, popularly called chili peppers, taste slightly bitter, somewhat smoky and have a biting pungency. Cayenne pepper is a very old cultivated plant. The shrub was already cultivated in Peru around 7000 BC. With Christopher Columbus, the pod reached Spain. Today, cayenne pepper is cultivated worldwide in many regions with tropical and subtropical climates. The commercially available cayenne pepper contains other chili varieties in addition to the cayenne chili variety.
Effect and application
As a natural remedy, only the ripe dried pods, the resin oil and the thick juice of the bush are used. The chili berry contains capsaicinoids, carotenoids, flavonoids, oil and a lot of vitamin C. Capsaicinoids are the substances that give the pod its spicy taste. The most important representative of this group of active substances is capsaicin, one percent of which is contained in the pod. In order to benefit from its positive effects, the user must consume it daily or at least as a course of treatment lasting several weeks. The ancient medicinal plant is used internally and externally. The sick person consumes it in the form of dried chili peppers with meals (or processed in them) or as a dietary supplement in capsule form. Already two times a capsule daily taken with meals alleviate discomfort and act preventively against disease. As a gargle solution, cayenne pepper helps with sore throats. In external use, capsaicin is available in ointments, creams, medical plasters and as medicinal poultices. The active ingredient is well tolerated by most users. However, capsaicin preparations should not be used in cases of allergy to bell pepper products. Prolonged use can cause addiction-like symptoms in patients with irritable bowel or irritable stomach. In the correct dosage, the active ingredient does not harm pregnant women. Applied externally, it can cause severe skin redness and other skin irritations in patients with very sensitive skin. When used externally, cayenne pepper preparations must not get into the eyes or nose, as this can cause burning of the eyes and irritation of the nasal mucosa. In addition, they must not be applied to open wounds under any circumstances. Users of cayenne pepper products should ideally refrain from additional heat treatment, as the sensation of temperature is altered when capsaicin is taken for prolonged periods. Medications are best taken with a time delay from chili products.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
The capsaicin contained in cayenne pepper has many health-promoting properties. It increases blood flow to the skin, preventing circulatory problems. In addition, the active ingredient eliminates muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, arms and spine. When the patient applies the capsaicin product to the affected area, it reddens and becomes so warm that the tension is soon relieved. In addition, the active ingredient helps with mild nerve pain. Lumbago is therefore often cured with a capsaicin heat patch. Together with clay, mustard oil and water, capsaicin is a component of Munari packs, which are used to cure pain and tension in the musculoskeletal system (rheumatism, arthritis, complaints after sports accidents). Used internally, cayenne pepper aids digestion and relieves colic. By improving blood flow to the gastric mucosa, it protects the stomach and prevents gastritis.It improves liver health by helping to prevent the development of fibrosis and thus cirrhosis and liver cancer. In the case of existing scarring of the liver tissue, chili inhibits the progression of fibrosis. The improved liver values cause a reduction in cholesterol levels. The little hot pepper also does a good job in curing and preventing diabetes: it lowers the morning blood sugar level and at the same time reduces insulin secretion. Consumed regularly, it reduces the insulin resistance of the cells. In addition, the blood-thinning effect of cayenne pepper has been proven by clinical studies. This can prevent embolisms, heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. Since capsaicin is a powerful antioxidant, it strengthens the immune system. It prevents infections and fungal diseases and heals chronic inflammations. Clinical studies even prove its effectiveness in cancer treatment: the active ingredient activates the suicide program of the pathologically altered cells. The small South American pod is also suitable for weight reduction. If the dieter also takes capsaicin, there is a temporary increase in body temperature, which greatly increases the body’s energy consumption. In addition, the chili active ingredient ensures the reduction of excess body fat and also reduces the feeling of hunger and the desire for sweets and fats. The versatile red pod also influences the mental state: the burning sensation caused in the mouth when eating the pods leads to the release of endorphins, which improve the user’s mood. Capsaicin even promotes male potency. By increasing blood flow to the sexual organs, impotence is prevented and existing potency weakness is treated.
