The hot red pepper that gives Mexican and Cajun food a kick is also valuable in the world of herbal medicine. Cayenne, or Capsicum frutescens L., is available in external ointments and in capsules or powder for internal use. While cayenne may be beneficial in treating some minor health disorders, it cannot replace the professional medical advice from your doctor. Using more than the recommended dosage may cause dangerous side effects.
Cayenne as a Food
Used as a food source, cayenne is generally recognized as safe, or GRAS, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. While the pepper is not toxic in the amounts found in food preparation, eating hot foods seasoned heavily with cayenne may cause diarrhea in some.
Therapeutic Doses
Used to treat a variety of ailments, the PDR for Herbal Medicines suggests a safe dose of up to 10 g of cayenne per day, applied in topical ointments to relieve pain. Internally, prepare an infusion by mixing 5 g of powdered cayenne in 1/2 liter of water and consume up to 2 cups per day. Cayenne is also available in homeopathic products, to be taken at a dosage of no more than one tablet, or five drops, up to three times per day.
External Overdosing
In topical cream form, the use of cayenne products may relieve the pain of arthritis and shingles, by blocking substance P, a peptide that transmits pain signals to the brain. The amount of cayenne, or capsaicin, in topical ointments varies, so follow application instructions carefully. Applying more than the recommend amount may cause blistering, ulceration and festering dermatitis, reports the PDR.
Dangers of Cayenne to Children
Cayenne is an irritant to eyes, skin and mucus membranes, making it valuable in concentrated form for pepper spray products carried in self-defense. According to Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, however, cayenne products should never be used around infants or small children, because they have the potential to restrict breathing, resulting in seizures or death.
Toxic Doses
In therapeutic doses, cayenne may help prevent cancer, but Leung's Encyclopedia warns that in higher doses, taken over a long time, the herb may be carcinogenic. Long-term use of doses higher than suggested may cause kidney and liver damage and induce chronic gastritis. See your doctor for advice before using cayenne to treat any medical condition.
References
- Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Cayenne
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition; Joerg Gruenwald; 2000
- Leung's Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients; Ikhlas A. Khan; 2010
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