Cayenne pepper boasts a long history of use as a medicinal herb for a variety of ailments, including as a digestive aid, appetite stimulant and blood sugar-lowering agent. Asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions are said to respond well to treatment with cayenne. Some menopause symptoms may respond well to treatment with cayenne. Consult your doctor about using cayenne to treat a medical condition.
Metabolism
Cayenne pepper increases metabolism, stimulates blood flow, strengthens your heart and may reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, according to the "American Medical Association Family Medical Guide." Cayenne stimulates your hypothalamus to lower your body temperature to accommodate for the spice's natural heat and blood flow-promoting effects. Menopausal hot flashes may respond well to cayenne's body temperature-lowering properties. Symptoms of fibromyalgia and other forms of arthritis that increase around menopause may abate with the use of cayenne. Cayenne can irritate stomach ulcers, though it is not known to cause ulcers.
Fatigue
If fatigue is one of your primary menopause symptoms, cayenne may provide you with the relief you seek. Cayenne stimulates and energizes your entire system, not just your digestion, says Shari Lieberman, Ph.D., author of the book "Get Off the Menopause Roller Coaster: Natural Solutions for Mood Swings, Hot Flashes, Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression and Other Symptoms." Cayenne also boosts the function of your immune system, kidneys, lungs, spleen and pancreas and reduces arthritis symptoms, according to Lieberman.
Spotting
Use cayenne to decrease spotting or erratic bleeding that may occur throughout menopause. Short-term relief can be obtained with a combination of cayenne and honey several times per day for a few days at a time, says registered herbalist Amanda McQuade Crawford, author of the book "The Natural Menopause Handbook: Herbs, Nutrition, & Other Natural Therapies."
Hair Loss
Avoid cayenne if you experience considerable hair loss as a symptom of menopause, according to Dr. James A. Duke, author of "The CRC Handbook of Medicinal Spices." Some herbalists recommend cayenne for hair loss because of its ability to stimulate circulation and blood flow to the scalp. However, hair loss is associated with inflamed hair follicles, which are made worse with cayenne, says Duke.
References
- "American Medical Association Family Medical Guide"; American Medical Association; 2004
- "Get Off the Menopause Roller Coaster: Natural Solutions for Mood Swings, Hot ... "; Shari Lieberman; 2000
- "The Natural Menopause Handbook: Herbs, Nutrition, & Other Natural Therapies"; Amanda McQuade Crawford; 2009
- "CRC Handbook of Medicinal Spices"; James A. Duke; 2003
