Benefits of Cayenne Pepper, Medicinal Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Cayenne pepper is also called bell pepper or red chili. In ancient times, the practitioners of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese have used red chili or bell pepper in several ways example to treat circulatory system problems. India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of bell pepper and there are more than 400 varieties available throughout the world. The effects like shape, size, color, and pungency of this herb are based on the varieties and stages of maturity.
Botanical name- Capsicum annum
Family- Solanaceae
Names in different languages
- Sanskrit name- Pittakarini, Katuveera, Raktamaricha
- Hindi name- Lal mirchi
- English name- Bell pepper, Red Chilly
- Tamil name- Milagai
- Kannada name- Menasinakai
- Marathi name- Lal Mirchi
- Bengali name- Lanka maricha
- Telugu name- Mircha kaya
- Malayalam name- Molagu
Synonyms in the Sanskrit language
Katuveera- Its seeds are pungent in taste.
Pittakarini– As it increases pitta dosha in the body.
Raktamaricha– Its fruit is red.
Morphological Characteristics
Cayenne pepper is a small herb that grows up to the height of 2 to 3 feet. The flowers of this plant are white and the fruits are green when ripe and after ripening they become red. The seeds of this herb are flat and pungent. Most of the varieties are mainly country-weighted for commercial and culinary purposes.
Habitat
Cayenne pepper is cultivated in Brazil and temperate areas of India.
Chemical Constituents
Capsorubin, Rubixanthi carotenoids, Capsaicin, Capsanthin, volatile oil, flavonoids, steroidal saponins, capsicidins, Capsicosides C2 and C3, etc.
Medicinal properties of Cayenne pepper
- Rasa (Taste)– Katu (Pungent)
- Guna (Qualities)– Ruksha (Dry), Laghu (Light), and Teekshna (Strong)
- Veerya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)
- Vipaka (Undergoes taste conversion after digestion)- Katu (Pungent)
- Karma (Actions)- Kaphavata shamaka (reduces vitiated Kapha as well as Vata dosha) but Pitta vardaka (Increases pitta dosha)
Uses of Cayenne Pepper as per Ayurveda
- Nidrahara- Decreases sleep because of pitta increasing effect
- Arochareta- Useful in aruchi (anorexia)
- Medohara- Decreases excess fat content
- Vipachini- Works as a digestive and works as an ama pachana
- Pittakarini- Increases Pitta Dosha in the body
- Akshirogahara- It is good for the eyes
- Analamandyahara- Treats weak digestion and improves digestive strength
- Shonita pitta karini- Treats Raktapitta ie., it treats bleeding-related disorders
- Visuchikam kruntati- causes diarrhea and vomiting
Therapeutic uses of Cayenne Pepper
Oral health
Cayenne pepper works as a natural anti-inflammatory by treating information in several oral diseases like periodontitis. This herb also shows great results in other symptoms like dry mouth, bleeding and swollen gums, toothache, etc.
Painkiller
The chemical constituent present in Cayenne pepper is Capsaicin which shows analgesic action ie., Treating pain. In bone and joint-related disorders, it also relieves pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc. It also treats pain related to cancer and pain due to shingles, surgery scars, etc.
Weight issues
Cayenne pepper boosts the body’s metabolism and promotes weight loss. It helps to burn calories and becomes a good and effective way for the weight management plan.
Detoxifier
Thanks to the detoxification property of Cayenne pepper due to the chemical constituents in it. Because of this property, it detoxifies the blood and prevents infection by raising the body’s temperature. The activation of the sweat gland is also a great factor in the detoxification of the body.
Cold and Cough
Due to antibacterial action, it is found that Cayenne pepper kills or stops the growth of bacteria like streptococcus which is responsible for cold, cough, and sore throat. Capsaicin works by shrinking dilated blood vessels in the throat and nose and aids in the proper breathing process.
Heart problems
Cayenne pepper reduces the level of blood cholesterol and triglycerides by preventing fat deposition along the walls of blood vessels. This herb also lowers blood pressure and heart rate and thereby reduces the incidence of cardiovascular or heart disorders.
Psoriasis
In psoriasis, the local application of the main ingredient Capsaicin proves to be useful in reducing symptoms. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it reduces redness, itching, and other symptoms of psoriasis. Being an antimicrobial, it also kills or stops the growth of microbes and prevents infections.
Immunity booster
The high amount of vitamin A and C, and beta-carotene help in enhancing immunity in the body. Capsaicin boosts the defense mechanism of the body and prevents infections. Vitamin C present in it decreases inflammation by stopping or combating free radicals in the body. Other chemical constituents like carotenoids help to regulate the insulin level in the body.
Part used- Fruit
Dosage- 30 to 60 mg
Side effects of Cayenne pepper
Its excessive intake may cause hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, ulcers in the oral cavity, etc.
Conclusion
From this article, it is concluded that cayenne pepper works as a natural painkiller, and detoxifier improves oral health and treats cardiovascular disorders. This herb also enhances immunity by working as a natural immunity booster. Its overdose or excessive use may cause hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, ulcers in the oral cavity, etc. You should consult your doctor before using it as a medicine.
Some FAQs
Ques: How does cayenne pepper work as a pain killer?
Due to the presence of the active ingredient Capsaicin, it works as a great analgesic. Because of this property, it reduces arthritis pain, headache, etc.
Ques: What are the side effects of Cayenne pepper?
The use of Cayenne pepper in excess may cause ulcers in the stomach and oral cavity, burning sensation, hyperacidity, etc.
Ques: In what dose should Cayenne pepper be given?
Cayenne pepper should be given in the dose of 30 to 60 mg.
Ques: How does cayenne pepper work in cold and cough?
In cold and coughing, it shows antibacterial action and is found that kills or stop the growth of bacteria like streptococcus which is responsible for cold, cough, and sore throat. The active ingredient capsaicin Works by shrinking dilated blood vessels in the throat and nose for proper breathing.
Ques: How to use Cayenne pepper at home?
For sore throat, its powder is to be mixed with honey or sugar and used in the dose of 3 to 5 grams, and for pain, its local application is done with castor oil.
Note: Our purpose is to serve useful information related to Cayenne pepper’s benefits, dosage, and other properties. It is advised to the patients not to consume Cayenne pepper on the basis of this information. Before taking it as a medicine it is better to have an expert opinion because dosage and treatment vary from patient to patient depending on their symptoms and medical history.
Doctor Consultation Online: Get Personalized Consultation
At Life Aveda, we provide personalized online doctor consultations. In this, a doctor discusses the medical history of patients and does the root analysis of causes. After the deep analysis doctor suggests the necessary medication to the patient. To book a Consultation call on us at +91 7743002520 or click on the button to schedule an appointment with our expert doctors.
We Care For Your Health
- 100% PRIVACY PROTECTION
- VERIFIED DOCTORS
- QUICK RESPONSE
