HISTORY
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) is the fruit of the tropical plant Capsicum annuum longum. Technically a berry, cayenne pepper is native to central and south America dating back about 7,000 years. Even back then cayenne was touted for its extensive range of health benefits from alleviating respiratory infections, sore throats, digestive issues, fevers, heart complications, and cancer. Over the years, the beneficial medicinal uses for this incredible fruit have increased exponentially!
BENEFITS OF THIS TROPICAL WONDER BERRY!
Vasodilation and Cardiovascular Health- The heat promoting phytochemical capsaicin in cayenne sparks endorphins which are responsible for the production of nitric oxide. The capsaicin instigates vasodilation, or dilation of blood vessels, by releasing nitric oxide from the endothelial lining of the blood vessels resulting in increased blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues.
Besides reducing the buildup of fibrin and reducing the formation of or eliminating blood clots, capsaicin can reduce or eliminate plaque buildup by increasing circulation and breaking down the fibrin mesh that keeps the plaque in place, preventing clumping of platelets. As the circulation increases, the heart cells are better able to eliminate toxic ACIDIC waste and better absorb nutrients and oxygen. This can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, and the increased oxygen will help to balance pH levels and increase alertness and overall brain function!
A 2015 study in the BMC Complement Alternative Med Journal found that capsicum frutescens L. showed significant clot breakdown activity. (1) According to the Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, “Cayenne pepper has natural vasodilatory properties that may alleviate angina (chest pains from low blood oxygen to heart) in some patients.” (2)
For prevention purposes, cayenne has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and platelet aggregation, while increasing the body’s ability to dissolve fibrin, a substance integral to the formation of blood clots. (3)
Cayenne can be a natural and safer alternative to aspirin as a platelet inhibitor, with far more benefits!
CAYENNE PEPPER CAN STOP A HEART ATTACK, REALLY!?!?
A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks a coronary artery, often forming where plaque builds up on the arterial wall, choking the heart muscle to death from lack of blood. A blood clot can also form in the veins, and end up in the brain leading to a stroke or in the lungs causing an embolism.
Recognized healers Dr. John Christopher, N.D., and Dr. Richard Schulze, N.D., were not only huge advocates of cayenne pepper, they were convinced it could STOP a heart attack in its tracks! Based on anecdotal evidence Dr. John Christopher stated, “In 35 years of practice, and working with the people and teaching, I have never on house calls lost one heart attack patient and the reason is, whenever I go in–if they are still breathing–I pour down them a cup of cayenne tea (a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot water, and within minutes they are up and around)!”
According to the research, the Cayenne pepper must be at least 90,000 heat units, or 90,000(H.U.) to be able to stop a heart attack. If the individual is still conscious, it is recommended to mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder in a glass of warm water, and have them drink it. If the person is unconscious then it is recommended to use a cayenne tincture or extract, with at least 90,000 H.U., and place a couple of dropper’s full underneath their tongue.
I am not suggesting by any means that you use cayenne pepper and neglect calling 911 and performing CPR. You can use your own discretion based on the research. Above all, this information validates the potential powerful medicinal properties of this spicy fruit!
OTHER AMAZING BENEFITS OF CAYENNE:
PAIN RELIEF- When taken orally or applied topically, capsaicin leads to the excitation of the nerve endings that transmit pain to the brain via neurotransmitter Substance P, liberated from exited sensory neurons. Capsaicin can alleviate pain be decreasing the amount of substance P, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.
Works as a GREAT pain reliever for muscle soreness, itching from psoriasis, as well as nerve pain, bursitis, tendonitis, joint inflammation like with arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and post-surgical nerve pain.
Many people experience relief from migraine headaches through oral consumption (open a few capsules and put in 8 oz. warm water) or by directly applying cayenne pepper oil to the temples.
Capsaicin is also readily used in topical creams and gels, and even FDA approved.
A double-blind study of 200 participants reviewing the use of topical capsaicin found it to be beneficial in the treatment of pruritic psoriasis both for itching and overall sensitivity. Topical capsaicin has also “been shown to improve the outcome in neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain, post herpetic neuralgia, arthritic pain, burning mouth syndrome, pain due to fibromyalgia, psoriatic disorder, burning mouth syndrome, various allergic disorders, and as intranasally for cluster headache.” (4)
ULCERS– Cayenne pepper, as contradicting as it may sound, has been used to prevent and treat ulcers. Helicobacter pylori bacteria has been deemed the culprit in the development of many ulcers. The powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of capsaicin have been found to relieve symptoms associated with bacterial infections and stomach ulcerations.
A 1995 pub-med study supported the hypothesis that chili, which contains capsaicin, “has a protective effect against peptic ulcer disease.” (5) Another 1997 pub-med study found that capsaicin specifically inhibited growth of H. pylori dose-dependently, and “could have a protective effect against H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal disease.” Double blind studies have shown that cayenne pepper can protect against aspirin induced stomach damage, relieving abdominal pain. (6)
WEIGHT LOSS- Capsaicin, the active compound in cayenne is proven to increase metabolism and reduce food cravings! Cayenne heats the body up, so it burns calories bringing the body back to normal temperature.
In a 2003 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study ‘Effect of capsaicin on substrate oxidation and weight maintenance after modest body-weight loss in human subjects’, it was found that after weight loss of 5-10%, subjects were able to significantly maintain their weight loss when consuming 135mg of capsaicin demonstrating more sustained fat oxidation. (7)
In 2005 study Sensory and gastrointestinal satiety effects of capsaicin on food intake researchers found that capsaicin has been shown to reduce calorie intake by making you feel fuller faster. Increased energy expenditure was also noted, which equates to burning through more calories. (8)
A 2009 study out of Japan observed that capsaicin increased brown fat metabolism which is linked to increased energy expenditure and thus fat loss. (9)
(did you know) Another study found consuming cayenne pepper with a meal dramatically increased fat burning for energy, especially after a high fat meal! (10)
KILLS CANCER CELLS- According to a team of researchers from the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in collaboration with colleagues from UCLA, “the pepper component caused human prostate cancer cells to undergo programmed cell death or apoptosis.”
“Capsaicin induced approximately 80 percent of prostate cancer cells growing in mice to follow the molecular pathways leading to apoptosis. Prostate cancer tumors treated with capsaicin were about one-fifth the size of tumors in non-treated mice.”
“Capsaicin had a profound anti-proliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells in culture,” said Sören Lehmann, M.D., Ph.D., visiting scientist at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the UCLA School of Medicine. “It also dramatically slowed the development of prostate tumors formed by those human cell lines grown in mouse models.” (11)
One Nottingham University study found that vanilloids, in direct relation to capsaicin, have the ability to bind to the mitochondria of cancer cells and instigate apoptosis. In other words, it causes cancer cells to commit suicide while leaving normal cells alone!
Lead researcher Dr. Timothy Bates stated: “As these compounds attack the very heart of the tumor cells, we believe that we have in effect discovered a fundamental ‘Achilles heel’ for all cancers.” He went further stating, “It’s also possible that cancer patients or those at risk of developing cancer could be advised to eat a diet which is richer in spicy foods to help treat or prevent the disease.” (12)
ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE
There are many very POWERFUL testimonials and anecdotal evidence highlighting capsaicin for resolving many conditions including: high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, wounds and bleeding, ulcers, prostate cancer, poor circulation, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, migraine headaches, nose bleeds, cancerous tumors, high cholesterol, arthritis, nerve issues, thyroiditis, life threatening blood clots, thyroiditis, parasites, asthma, sinus congestion, sinus congestion, high blood sugar, environmental toxic buildup, hemorrhoids, and more!!! If you are experiencing ANY of these conditions its worth your time to check out this site: http://www.cayennepepper.info/cayenne-pepper-testimonials.html
I personally know many people, including myself who have tried cayenne for a panic/anxiety attacks in the past and it totally works. Within minutes the heart begins to stop racing! I currently use cayenne to increase circulation, stimulate fat burning, for optimal digestion, and as a cancer preventative. Nature provides the very best medicine once again!
Although there are many credible studies, some have their limitations, and often times there is just not enough government funding to perform extensive studies on natural substances. In addition to the solid studies that are available, anecdotal evidence can provide significant proof that natural substances like capsaicin have tremendous benefits! Cayenne is fairly cheap as a food or in supplement form. The immense diverse benefits of this spicy fruit far outweigh the minimal cost!
Cayenne or capsaicin comes in sprays, ointments, creams, tinctures, powder, or capsules.
Just like any other supplemental herbs cayenne can potentially interact with medications, and pregnancy. Check with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
1- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/articles/25902818/
2- http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/22367
3- http://www.voteidaneekmiller.com/tag/capsasin/
4- http://peacelogs.com/a-double-blind-evaluation-of-topical-capsaicin-in-pruritic-psoriasis/
5- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7895548
6- The Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs p. 473
7- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/13129472
8- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15611784
9- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bbb/73/12/73_90555/_pdf
10- The Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs p.473
11- https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-03/aafc-pch031306.php
12- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6244715.stm
http://www.naturallyproven.com/cayenne-pepper-top-15-health-benefits/ http://www.democraticunderground.com/1147744
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray N.D. 2005