Cayenne, or Capsicum annuum (Latin), also known as hot pepper, chili pepper, paprika, and red pepper, is an effective remedy for muscular tension, rheumatism, and digestive ailments.
Capsaicin is the active ingredient in Cayenne. Capsaicin dulls pain sensations by interrupting the chemical messages sent to pain-sensing nerves.
Over-the-counter topical creams, such as Zostrix and Dolorac, contain capsaicin as an active ingredient. These applications are used to relieve pain caused by muscle spasms, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, shingles, diabetic neuropathy, and even phantom pain caused by amputation. Capsaicin creams must be applied regularly in order to provide relief.
Cayenne can also be taken orally, and is available in both capsules and tinctures. There is evidence that cayenne supplements can relieve cluster headaches, heartburn, and indigestion, and even promote weight loss. Oral doses of cayenne have also been used to treat menstrual cramps, loss of appetite, diarrhea, alcoholism, and seasickness.
Strangely enough, despite its spicy flavor, cayenne actually helps lower body temperature by stimulating the region of the brain responsible for cooling the body.
Perhaps this is part of the reason hot peppers are so prevalent in the cuisines of countries that have a hot climate. Cayennes ability to make the body more heat resistant has made it a popular folk treatment for fever, including malarial and yellow fevers.
