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“If you master only one herb in your life, master cayenne pepper. It is more powerful than anything else.” -Richard Shulze
About Cayenne
Cayenne comes from the Capsicum genus that also includes bell peppers, paprikas, chilies, and habaneros. The heat in cayenne is caused by capsaicin. Cayenne has been called the furnace herb because when taken internally, it is like a furnace. When using cayenne medicinally it is classed according to its BTU rating rather than its species. Energetically, cayenne is very warming and drying. It’s flavor hints as to how the herb should be used: not used in large quantities for extended lengths of time, but usually used in food and formulas in small amounts. Cayenne is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, Vitamins C, A, B, and E.
Medicinal Uses of Cayenne
Bleeding
In a previous article, we discussed how cayenne can be used as a first aid herb in bleeding from a cut, wound, or hemorrhaging and is an excellent antiseptic (kills germs & can help ward off diseases).
Shock
In this article we will discuss how cayenne is a great first aid herb to be used in cases of shock. Cayenne is a circulatory stimulant and has heart-protective qualities. It helps equalize blood pressure (whether low or high) and helps tone and rebuild the heart. Because of these properties, cayenne is perfect to use in a circumstance of shock.
A couple years ago, I miscarried and was hemorrhaging badly. My husband had me lick some blue yarrow essential oil to help stop the bleeding and also gave me a dropperful of cayenne tincture, which also helped as my body was going into shock.
A few months ago, my daughter received a minor cut to her hand. She passed out and went into shock. She quickly woke up and was responsive but was pale, clammy, and dazed. I got a glass of water and some crackers, then asked her to open her mouth. I then squirted a dropperful of cayenne tincture into her mouth and she immediately perked up. She became engaged and welcomingly drank the water and ate some crackers. The symptoms of shock disappeared within 30 seconds of receiving the tincture.
Heart Attack and Stroke
Heart attack and stroke are two other first aid circumstances where cayenne is a definite help. Again, the cayenne helps because of its ability to equalize blood pressure. If someone is having either a heart attack or stroke, quickly get a dropperful of cayenne into their mouth (preferably under their tongue because it will go into the body faster). There are countless stories where this has helped reduce the damage done to the body because of the heart attack or stroke.
Overall Health
Taken daily, cayenne is a great herb for overall health. It helps with reducing cholesterol, rebuilding stomach tissue, stimulating peristalsis in the digestive tract, helps with ulcers, diabetic neuropathy, migraine headaches, eliminating mucus from the body, and increasing feelings of vitality and activity. For this purpose, one would take one teaspoon of cayenne, three times a day.
Cayenne Tea
Put 1 tsp cayenne powder in 1 cup of hot water. Drink when ready. You can also add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and honey. This can taken daily or in times of emergency (just omit the lemon juice and honey).
written by Beth Davis
Master Herbalist and Footzonology Practitioner
She loves empowering others to take control of their health by
teaching numerous classes on topics ranging from
Kitchen Medicine to Immune System Health.
Currently, her family is traveling around America exploring its many wonders.
If you would like to have her teach a class or two in your area, you can find her at
on Instagram @BethoftheWest or
email her at bethofthewest2023@gmail.com