Capiscum annuum

Cayenne, Chilli Pepper

Solanaceae

Native to tropical Americas, now cultivated globally. Thrives in hot, sunny climates and well-drained soil. Often grown as an annual in temperate gardens.

Bushy annual with green leaves, small white flowers, and red or orange spicy fruit (peppers). The fruit contains capsaicin, responsible for its heat. Comes in many varieties — potency varies.

Employed both as food and medicine, with a range of therapeutic actions. It shows strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities: capsaicinoids and carotenoids help reduce oxidative stress and suppress inflammatory mediators, making peppers useful for inflammatory conditions and pain relief. As an analgesic / counter-irritant, especially applied topically, capsaicin can relieve musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, and joint discomfort by desensitizing pain receptors (e.g., TRPV1) and reducing local inflammation. Internally, C. annuum acts as a carminative and stomachic, aiding digestion, improving appetite, relieving flatulence and dyspepsia, and in some folk uses, helping with gastrointestinal cramping. Its antimicrobial, antifungal, and possibly antiviral effects are supported by in vitro studies: extracts of fruit show inhibitory activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Additionally, there are reports of its use in wound healing, sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory discomforts. In metabolic terms, it has hypoglycemic and lipid-modulating effects in animal or early human studies, which help support cardiovascular health. Overall, Capsicum annuum is a stimulating herb: warming, activating circulation, promoting digestion, relieving pain, supporting immune and metabolic resilience.

Hot, drying, stimulating. Awakens and energizes cold, stagnant systems.

Fresh or dried fruit (pepper)

Capsaicin, carotenoids, flavonoids, volatile oils

Cayenne is potent. Use it when someone is cold, sluggish, or needs immediate stimulation (e.g. cold hands/feet, slow digestion). Also helpful for sinus congestion and shock (stimulates circulation fast). A little goes a long way.

• Harvest when fruit is fully red and dry thoroughly. Can be powdered or tinctured fresh.

Not for hot, inflamed, or dry constitutions. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Use extreme caution in sensitive individuals.